Camelback Area

Camelback Mountain isn’t the only well-known part about the Camelback area. Surrounding the mountain are some of the nicest cities around the Valley: Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley.

The lifestyle of the Camelback area is a blend of luxury homes, golf courses, nature, and great resorts. From the top of the mountain you can see an array of tennis courts, pools, and green grasses.

The view from the top of Camelback

Once you finish your hike you have many choices where you can eat and relax around the area.

From gourmet burgers to delicious Italian, you can’t go wrong dining around Camelback.

An avid Camelback hiker, Joel Marsin, told me out of all the hikes he has done, hiking Camelback is by far his favorite. Not because of the trails or the elevation (the steepness of the mountain), but because of the energy and vibe he gets from the Camelback area.

Arizona has great weather almost all season long, so put on some hiking shoes and explore the Sacred Mountain and the wonderful area surrounding it.

The trails

There are four trails you can hike on Camelback, each varying in difficulty.  Here is a break down of each trail:

Bobby’s Rock Trail: This is an easier hike, not a lot of cardio involved but a nice view. .25 miles in length, and 200 feet in elevation which means it’s not that steep.

Ramada Loop Trail: This trail is another easier hike, not a lot of cardio involved, 1/8 mile in length, and 100 feet in elevation, less steep than Bobby’s Rock Trail.

Summit Trail (Echo Canyon): This trail usually goes by the name “Echo Canyon” it is one of the more difficult trails. It is 1.2 miles one way and 1,264 feet in elevation. I recommend experience hiking before attempting this trail. I’ve hiked it many times and this trail has become my favorite, it is definitely a work out though.

This trail will lead you through some beautiful parts of the mountain. There are rocks you will have to climb and a pole to help guide you up slippery rocks. I advise you wear some sort of trail-running shoe. I use a trail-running shoe made by Solomon, they are a little pricey but REI usually has good deals.

There is usually a long wait for parking. I’ve found that if you go later in the day like around 3pm or earlier like 11am, it’s better to find parking and less people on the mountain.

The parking lot is located east of Tatum Boulevard off of McDonald Drive.

Cholla Trail: This is the most strenuous trails you can hike on Camelback; I have yet to try it but want to work up to it by the end of this month. It is 1.5 miles and 1,200 feet in elevation. This trail is only recommend if you are a very experienced hiker; it has drop-offs, steep cliffs and rocks.

Parking for this trail is very limited as well. Parking is available on Invergordon and 64th Street near Cholla Lane.You have to walk up the south side of Cholla Lane to get to the trail.

I would recommend buying a camelback pack at REI as well, it will help you focus on your hike and use less energy holding a water bottle. If you aren’t familiar with a camelback it is a backpack with a water pouch. It is very effective and is almost imperative that you have a camelback.

• All of these trails are open from sunrise to sunset except for Cholla Trail, which is open from October 1 to April 30: 7am to 5:30 pm. And May 1 to September 30: 5:30 am to 7:30 pm.

A little history about Camelback

Camelback Mountain, also known as the Sacred Mountain, is located in the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Ariz. This mountain stands over 2,700 feet tall and has one of the best views in Arizona. If you ever get a chance to hike Camelback, you will be amazed at its beauty.

Camelback Mountain hasn’t always been a famous landmark for recreational use, it actually has a mysterious background. Camelback was untouched until the Hohokam Indians settled there, only to disappear more than a thousand years ago. The Indians existence can be proven by the ceremonial cave that was discovered on the north side of the mountain. This ceremonial site is a reason some people refer to Camelback as the Sacred Mountain.

The mountain now has been preserved and has four different trails leading up to the top. Each trail has a level for almost anyone, from beginner to advanced hiker. If you visit the mountain more than once, you will soon begin to recognize faces and even create a bond with the hikers who seem to be on Camelback everyday.