Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon
2.5
Miles (round-trip)
1,420
Ft elevation gain
2h 30m
Est. time
About This Trail
Camelback Mountain is the crown jewel of Phoenix hiking. The Echo Canyon Trail attacks the mountain from the east side, climbing 1,420 feet in just 1.25 miles one-way. The route involves serious hand-over-foot scrambling on exposed rock faces, metal handrails bolted into cliff sides, and relentless elevation gain. At the 2,704-foot summit you're rewarded with a 360-degree panorama stretching from the Superstition Mountains to downtown Phoenix. This is not a casual stroll — it's a genuine athletic challenge that draws everyone from elite trail runners to determined first-timers.
Highlights
- 360-degree summit views of the Phoenix metro area
- Exciting rock scrambling sections with handrails
- One of Arizona's most popular and recognizable peaks
- Sunrise hikes offer cooler temps and stunning light
Best Season
October through April. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F — heat rescues are common. Start before dawn in warmer months.