If you hike Camelback Mountain, go in the early morning (like around sunrise) if you can to avoid the heat. I started at the Echo Canyon Trailhead and unfortunately got a later start than I wanted to...if I came at sunrise I would've avoided the heat and would've gotten shade from the mountain. You will be bouldering for a lot of this hike, and sometimes it can be hard to distinguish where the path is. Be ready to use your hands climbing up and down, as you will need them. It is definitely not an easy hike, but the views are outstanding. It took me about 1 hour 20 min to climb up, and about the same time to climb down (I had to go more slow climbing down as my knees were still sore from a previous strenuous hike at the Grand Canyon from several days before). Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat/sunglasses, along with snacks.

Hiked via Echo Canyon trail on 5/5 & other trails during a Phoenix/Sedona trip & posted a trail guide video! Search [Nikko Gandia Camelback Mountain Trail Guide]. Blog post version is linked the video's description! Parking fills up fast, snagged a spot by starting later in the day. Facilities available at trailhead-water, restrooms, shade canopy, & benches. Bring enough water for the heat & inclines! Steep inclines/technical scrambles at the midway point for about a 10th of a mile & during the last quarter of a mile of the summit. 360 views are awesome.

Definitely challenging and rewarding! It was very useful to have read the reviews before heading out as the parking was definitely a challenge (Lyft worked well, as I went up on Echo trail and came down on Cholla. 2.5 hr round trip)

Started shortly after sunrise on the Echo Trail. Cool temps, busy trail. Strenuous hike with rewarding views. Take water, a 2litre Camelback bladder was more than enough for me.

Camelback Mountain, ( 2700 ft.), is a perfect tourist activity in Phoenix as it is a relatively short jaunt with pleasurable views. On the base of the mountain at 6 A. M., half asleep, armed with trial mix, water, coffee and climbing boots, I opted for the Echo Trail. It was challenging .......like tackling a stair-master and I was soon sweating like mad. I spotted prickly pear cacti along the mountain side and as I forged up, I heard the rattle of a diamond back. I remained quiet for a while and edged down the slope to circumvent the reptile and continue on my way up. Over an hour from embarkation I reached the top and extended my arms in a 'Jesus on the cross' figure to enjoy the balminess of the wind. Coming down seemed a breeze. Camelback Mountain is such an Arizona hiking destination.

Stunning view but only for experienced hikers! We were very excited to climb camelback mountain but soon realized that the hike is extremely difficult. Not all sources online really say, that you do need some kind of experience and you should be in good shape in order to successfully climb the mountain. We saw many people on the side of the trail having heat strokes or just heat exhaustion, because many of them underestimated the hike. It is extremely steep and it’s more climbing than hiking. The parking situation is very frustrating. Not enough parking opportunities for all the people visiting. We ended up parking at the Marriotts Resort parking lot and walked 15 min to the trailhead.

The views on these mountain trails are absolutely breathtaking, but the climb itself is a tough one! If you are planning on climbing (especially during extreme temperatures) make sure you are prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, good hiking shoes, and a light snack. The trip down is just as rigorous as the climb up! We took several breaks so we could enjoy the spectacular views and took a lot of photos! It was definitely a great and exhausting experience!

This is the most rewarding hike in the Phoenix area! The views from the top are worth the effort. However, word to the wise: put on some good shoes, it’s slippery in many parts if it rains. Also there’s no reason to go hike there during the hot summer months no matter how much water you bring along: don’t underestimate the Phoenix heat. I saw many families with kids so technically anyone can complete this hike. However I’ve also seen many people turning around. Know your limitations because it might take a while for help to arrive! Will definitely return!