The Iconic Hiking Trail In Arizona Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 18, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
Camelback Mountain is the most popular mountain in Arizona. This natural wonder serves as a landmark in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley. Its distinct shape resembles that of a camel’s back (hence the name) and can be seen from miles away. Not only do tourists flock to this iconic mountain but locals as well. Both the challenging trails and the views from the top are enticing to hikers. The most heavily-used trail at Camelback is Echo Canyon Trail which has to be the best hike near Phoenix, Arizona. Have you hiked this trail before? If you’re up for a challenge and haven’t hiked it yet, you may want to give it a shot!
Camelback Mountain is an imposing yet beautiful natural landmark within Phoenix. Its elevation of Camelback is 2,706 feet and has two peaks, one which looks like the head of a camel while the other resembles a hump.
The best way to get to the summit of Camelback Mountain is via Echo Canyon Trail. Due to its popularity, you'll encounter many others during your hike.
Echo Canyon Trail is a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 1,522 feet and is rated as hard. I can certainly attest to that fact! To this day, this is among the most challenging hikes I've done in Arizona.
October through April are the best times to take on this challenge of a hike. Wear proper footwear and take plenty of water with you! This trail is not for the faint of heart. You should also set aside at least two hours to complete this hike.
There's no easing into this hike. Almost from the get-go, the trail becomes steep. There are handrails to help you climb over rocks as you start the steep ascent. The trail doesn't get any easier once the handrail ends.
The views are absolutely awe-inspiring and you can see for miles in every direction on a clear day. You may even forget the difficulty of climbing up the mountain. At least, that's how I feel every time I've visited Camelback!
Have you hiked up Camelback Mountain before? What did you think of Echo Canyon Trail? As the best trail near Phoenix, Arizona, it’s not only challenging but leads to gorgeous views. No wonder it’s one of the top-rated hiking trails in Arizona!
Whether you plan on hiking Echo Canyon Trail or any others around Arizona, download the AllTrails+ app to help guide you on the trails!
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