Camelback Mountain- Cholla Trail



Panorama from the summit of Camelback Mountain



I have lived in Phoenix for nearly ten years and this is only the second time I have hiked Camelback and the first time via the Cholla Trail.  The reason being Camelback is the most popular hike in the Valley of the Sun.  I believe it is a right of passage for most visitors to attempt to hike Camelback for better or worse.  This trail should be named the Camelback Express, as it is pretty much a solid line of people up and down the trail, especially on the weekends, which is the only time I find to hike.  That being said, if you can avoid the busy weekends with the throngs of people, this is actually a fun hike. 



Route of Cholla Trail to Summit of Camelback Mountain



There are two trails up to the summit of Camelback Mountain.  Echo Canyon trail on the Northwest side of the mountain and Cholla Trail on the East side of the mountain.  You can find the hike details for Echo Canyon here, which is steeper and requires more scrambling.  The Cholla trail does not ascend as steeply as Echo Canyon, or require as much scrambling until the last 1/4th of a mile near the summit.  Make no mistake though this hike will get your blood pumping and give you a great workout.

Parking is the first challenge you will find when setting out to hike Cholla Trail, especially on the weekends in the winter.  Click here for a map showing the location to park for the Cholla Trail.  The first quarter mile of this trail is spent walking from your car through a neighborhood before you reach the trailhead at the base of the mountain.  Make sure you park in the signed designated parking location to avoid any tickets. 




On the saddle

From the trailhead the summit is 1.6 miles.  However, plan on about 4 miles round trip with the walk to and from your car.  The trail ascends immediately from the trailhead, although the steeper sections come at the end.  You will gain 1,300 feet in elevation in just over one mile on this hike.  Plan accordingly with your fitness level and water.  The views are fantastic from this side of the mountain over looking the East Valley.  As you wind along the trail and up the north side of the mountain at approximately 1.3 miles you will come to a saddle, where you can peer over the southside of the mountain at Phoenix sprawling below.  Beyond this point, the trail requires scrambling in order to reach the summit.  Keep your eye out for the dots painted on the rock, reflectors and signs to guide you along the right path.  This is the part of the trail that is fun and at a few points quite narrow with steep drop offs on either side. 

Once you reach the summit you will have a 360 degree view of the valley below.  Take time to enjoy the view and the squirrels that come to beg food off of you.  

Head back down the way you came, or if you have a shuttle to pick you up, you can always hike down the Echo Canyon Trail (west side of  the mountain) which is 1.2 miles in length.   

Make sure you are prepared for this hike.   A lot of people head out on this trail because "it is the thing to do" in Phoenix, but they are unaware of the scrambling involved at the top of the trail.  There are rescues off of camelback, weekly in the peak hiking season. 

Length: approximately 4 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 1, 331 feet

Difficulty:  Moderate

Recommended: In shape and able to scramble

Season: Fall, Winter, Spring

Hiking Time: 2 Hours

 Directions:  See link to map above.



Hikers on the Summit