Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails

Camelback Mountain is the most iconic natural landmark in the Phoenix Valley. The trailhead is off E McDonald Drive in Paradise Valley. This is called the Echo Canyon Trail. The parking lot can get filled quickly during the day. There is another trail that goes up to Camelback Mountain from the other side called Cholla Trail but it is temporarily closed for maintanence.

Two hours out and back

The Echo Canyon trail is well-marked, heavily trafficked and a steep climb uphill. We hiked it up in the middle of the day and it took us about 2 hours out and back. It was a beautiful sunny day. We did not need too much water, but if you hike it in the middle of the day in the summer, you’ll probably need a lot of water.

A Fun and Scenic Trail

The trail is fun and challenging at times. There is some scrambling to do here and there. The views from the top are breathtaking. You have a 360-degree view of the Phoenix valley — Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, Arcadia, Central and Northern Phoenix.

So Many People!

The only downside of this trail is the number of people. It is extremely busy. The crowds are a bit unnerving given the ongoing pandemic. Many are not wearing masks. If you like a peaceful hike in the mountains, this might not be the best choice! Perhaps to find peace, one can hike this trail early in the morning at sunrise. We have not done it yet, but we plan to do it sometime soon.