Echo Canyon Trail (Camelback Mountain)
State: Arizona
Location: Phoenix
Length, One-Way: 1.2 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Maximum Elevation: 2704 feet
Elevation Change: 1246 feet
Trail Surface: Loose Rock
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Field of Cacti in springtime
Trail Information
The Echo Canyon Trail to the top of Camelback Mountain begins just east of the always-crowded parking lot at the Echo Canyon Recreation Area. The crowds are even heavy during evenings. Try going during the week to avoid the heaviest crowds. From the trailhead, there is a very short descent across railroad ties. After a quick pass through a sandy wash, the trail begins its relentless climb to the summit again on railroad ties. Stay on the right side of the trail wherever possible. Let runners and other groups moving more quickly to safely pass you.
A small saddle a little more than a quarter-mile from the trailhead is a great place to catch your breath while you enjoy terrific views of the eroded boulders and cliff faces along the trail. For the next 1/8 of a mile the trail climbs slightly but this breather is short lived.
The trail becomes considerably steeper as it ramps up a slickrock area at the base of a huge cliff. The first of two long handrails provides welcome assistance and even more so on the way down. After you have successfully navigated the first rail, you will descend on an easier rock and gravel section, following the fence along the edge.
At the 1/2 mile mark you will see the second rail. It is much easier than the first with imbedded rocks and railroad ties to step on. Try and stay on the right side of the rail. At the top of the second rail, there are several areas to rest and view the city, canyons and desert area. After the second rail, the trail continues on cinder and gravel before ascending up lower Echo Canyon.
Hiking up Lower Echo Canyon is not too difficult. Lower Echo Canyon is lined with medium to large boulders. If you step properly, the boulders offer a fairly nice stairway. On your way down, stepping on the tops of these boulders will get you down quicker. Take your time going up and down the canyons.
Once you have completed the climb to the top of Little Echo Canyon, you have completed more than half the distance but the best and worst is yet to come. At the top of Echo Canyon is another great view site overlooking downtown Phoenix and some luxury homes down below.
Turn to the left and follow the trail. Watch for loose gravel and try to step on the hard rock. As you head up to the 3/4 mile mark and turn left at the marker. You will soon reach a short wall with steps in the face. Follow the path designated by the round direction arrow. You have reached the 3/4 mile mark.
From the 3/4 mark, the trail turns right and begins to climb steeply. The next 1/4 mile is the longest and toughest stretch. Follow the trail markers there are quite a few going up the canyon but stay away from the yellow closed trail marks.
As you start up the canyon there are two trails side by side. The one directly ahead is steep, try and take the trail to the left. The trail is recognizable by its 45 degree face and is next to the gravel trail; it offers a more gradual incline to the 7/8 mile markers. Bear right till you get to the marker. After the 7/8 mile marker, there are several flat steps, follow them up, you are near the mile marker.
The mile marker is very near the summit. Soon after the mile mark, turn left and go up a deep rutted trail for about 50 feet and make another hard left going up over a few large boulders. Continue on up the trail. At the end of the trail you will see a black rock face with a 45 degree incline. Stay to the left, following the concrete direction markers. Continue up the red rock footholds and bear right. You should see the summit. Two large boulders on your left mark the final steps to reach the top of Camelback Mountain.
Enjoy a nice break, take time to stretch and have a drink before heading back down the mountain.
Directions
The Echo Canyon parking lot is at the end of Echo Canyon Parkway which just east of 44th Street and Tatum.
