Beautiful, especially at night

Tough mountain but the risk is worth the reward

Beautiful place to hiking, on the weekends you need go early to get parking, is the only thing

Beautiful views, takes about an hour to get up the mountain going at a moderate pace. A little longer to get down. Well worth the time.

GO THERE I WENT ITS AMAZING

The best hiking in the Phoenix area.

My favorite mountain in Arizona.

It took forever to get to the top, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment. The hike is not easy at all.

Most adventurous place to visit in Arizona.

One of the more difficult hikes in Arizona but definitely worth it!

Always great walks

Probably the nicest mountain in Arizona. If you go, defiantly take a stroll through all the roads to see the houses. The views from the top of the mountain are also a must see. Try go go drying sunset or sunrise.

Very scenic hike from the echo canyon trail. Not an easy hike for beginners but the view on top was worth it.

The scenery was absolutely beautiful during the day and even at night I recommend everybody try it even if your not really into it i almost guarentee you will love it

Hard hike but totally worth the experience.

I love hiking this mountain its a challenge but I the end its satisfying

A good hike (40min?) for those looking to see some beautiful scenery! Not a lot of parking, but there are other areas around if you do not find parking.Bring water and some field glasses for your hike! :)

Took this hike the morning before my flight home. Totally worth it. Difficult hike but totally doable, but take your time and make your way to the top. Took about an hour to get up and around 45 minutes to get down. That feeling you get when you finally make it those last few steps to the top is a feeling you don’t find often, but when you work for it, it makes it that much sweeter.Climb that mountain.

This is a wonderful place. But, you need to be in decent shape to climb this trail. The second half of the journey can be strenuous, requiring all four limbs at times. Frequent rest stops will help,l. But, it is worth the effort to get to the top.There are plenty of other climbers. I went on a Friday afternoon, and the trail traffic was constant. Not overly crowded - it didnt ruin the hike. But, you may have to wait on people if they are slower than you.This may not be the best trail for younger kids or older folks. The park ranger told me they respond to incidents on the trail about 300 times a year. Make it a goal to get in shape just so you can climb Camelback Mountain!

Fun climbing

Wow was this a hike.. just when you think your at the top... NOPE! When you get there... you’ll know, it’s a 360 view of the city. The view is breath taking and you are so high so you can see so very much! Make sure to allow enough time, at least 3-4 hrs and bring enough water, I would consider this a challenging hike for sure.

Is Yas beautiful and great y hike.

An excellent place to overlook the city during the sunset. Climbing in the daytime during the summer is highly not recommended. Bringing some water with you is always a good idea.

Awesome morning hike spot! Make sure you go early to miss the crowds. Amazing views of the city!

This isn’t a hike for the faint of heart or the weak of... well... anything! Make sure you have plenty of water, a few snacks, and be ready to take lots of snapshots. The view is amazing.

Great hike for people of all experience levels. Beautiful scenery. Hike for an hour or three... no time limits or constraints. Free.

Worst. Hike. Ever.Camelback did not feel like an outdoor nature Adventure, but rather a Disney World theme park experience with incredible lines waiting to go up and down the mountain.We drove around the entire mountain wasting 50 minutes looking for a parking spot. We were ultimately compelled to park illegally and walk 2 miles to reach the trail head.Once we reach the trail head I was eager to find a bathroom. There was none! And the crowds on the trail were so thick that you couldn’t duck in the bushes. I did my Best to find some cover and is soon as I did a family of six mached by.The trail is so crowded that you can’t stop to take a picture or drink or you’ll keep dozens of people waiting behind you. You’re constantly passing or being passed and you’re never alone at your own pace to enjoy the trail. It truly resembles a Disney World line up the mountain as far as the eye can seeAnd when you reach a step or a switch back there’s a line of people stopped-waiting to go up or down. After 20 minutes I turned around and waited for my family at the trail head. I counted an average of six people entering the trail head every minute. It’s an absolute circus!It’s beyond me how this could be considered enjoyable.

Excellent mountain to climb in a beautiful area.

This will be my 3rd yr hiking this mountain! ALWAYS a challenge!! Not easy but so worth it!! Take lots of water and take your time going it’s okay to stop and rest!! Don’t give up !!! Parking is bleh!

Go early and bring lots of water. Be prepared to use your upper body to help you get to the top.

Camelback Mountain is a great half day hike for people in pretty good shape. It takes from 45 minutes to 90 minutes to get to the top where there is a spectacular view of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Bring water if it’s a hot day you will need it. Try to hike in the early morning to avoid the excessive heat.

As a born and raised Arizonan, I can say this is one of my favorite hikes! Always scenic and very unique. Can be challenging for some so don’t be caught off guard. ALWAYS bring plenty of water and allow plenty of time! You don’t want to be stuck up after dark with a helicopter coming to rescue you! It happens more than you’d think! I recommend starting at echo canyon side and coming back down or continuing to the other side! Enjoy!!

Challenging for a the average hiker but beautiful

Absolutely breathe taking.. definitely a mission! But loved the quality time with my beloved aunt. Good times..

Very challenging but gorgeous hike. hiked all seasons except mid summer. many uphill climbs with boulders but worth the trip to the top for 360 views. wear proper shoes and bring water, sunscreen and snacks! echo canyon route is way better than chola hike up.

109° 5:30 pm June 2020 and Perfect!

The Good: Short hike, with good elevation gain. Trail is described as difficult, steep in some places but rails and bomber holds make it easy.The Bad: Come early or late, parking lot is small, gets full quick and no parking outside of the lot. OR TAKE A LYFT

We were in Phoenix in February for only one day. On our way to Prescott. We saw this interesting looking mountain in the mist of urban area.Park on east side by golf course. The east side is reputedly easier but still somewhat challenging in the upper part. Views all the way! We were greeted by snow flakes at the top. We will return for sure.

Amazing place for a refreshing hiking experience! Loved my visit to this place!

Beautiful and challenging! Take water, hat, sunscreen l, and hiking boots. It can be extremely challenging.

We just did the Cholla trail. Wow. I am in terrible shape. No surprise there.Get there early. Trail opens at 630am. As we were coming back down around 8am. It was slammed. It was a Saturday but tons of folks.Please make time for this. Amazing trail. Amazing views. Great workout.

A challenging hike especially if the sun is hitting you. The views are great along the way and you can see all of Phoenix from the top. It gets harder toward the end, but definitely worth the hike. Make sure you’re well hydrated and are packing enough water because it can take a good while making it to the very top. It’s called camelback mountain because it looks like a camel with two humps. You can start to see it closer to the top.

Amazing hike can be very hot but make sure to go early

Every one needs to include this hike with their visit to Phoenix. Amazing mountain park right in the middle of town. Great climb and hike!

Very steep trail, wear good shoes! Was there the day after Christmas and the weather was perfect for such an adventure. It was cool at the start, warmed a bit when sun came out from behind some clouds. Be ready for crowds, some people are running this trail so be ready to let them pass. Amazing views on the summit - bring your best camera. I took Echo Canyon Trail.

Amazing Views! This hike was by far one of my favorites. It was challenging, but extremely worth it. We started from the Cholla Trail. Be mindful it is steep in areas and requires rock climbing. Bring water and lots of energy! Enjoy.

This was my first time hiking this trail and it is challenging, but the mental and physical effort is worth the exertion. Go early, like before 6 a.m. early. I started close to 7 a.m. and by the time I headed down from the very top, it was extremely hot. Bring lots of water! Like other reviewers have said, there are parts of the trail when I was using my hands to hoist myself up. Two rattlesnakes were spotted at the top but by the time I arrived they were either hiding or had left, thankfully. I’m definitely going back...

This is a great hike. As others have mentioned, get here early. We arrived at 5:45 and parked in the lower lot. It is a steep, rocky hike, so wear appropriate shoes. Also bring plenty of water since it’s easy to get dehydrated.

Absolutely loved the experience.. A mighty challenging uphill trek, but so rewarding at the top of the mountain.

Recommend going at sunrise. Nice hike, not too challenging for an average hiker. About 1hr 45mins and an good pace.

Great hiking. Challenging yet doable, just dont hike in the summer if you are not experienced. Keep to the fall/spring climate and go early. The peak can be crowded, but it is definitely an amazing workout!

Lovely Phoenx/Scotsdale

Beautiful scenery

It was my first time to go hiking after I did not do it for so many years and it was so great! The hiking trail was so challenging for me and my friend. We thought it was gonna be so much easier, but the reality wasnt. LOL But we finally reached the top of the mountain after hiking for about 2 hours. Thats really fun! We met Santa Claus too there (because its during Christmas time)! I recommend you to try hike this mountain. Bring a big water bottle and a small towel too just in case you are sweating too much like I was. LOL

Beautiful scenery. Becareful not to dehydrate out here though, there is a ton of signs warning about the dangers of high heat.

Tried to take this mountain down last year, but due to a bronchial infection caught just before my trip, and being in inadequate shape I was only able to make it up about halfway.Returned this year in much better shape and no illness and was able to make the peak relatively easily, that said it is not an easy hike. Took about 2-2.5 hours round trip. Moderate beginning, hard in the middle, and really hard near the end, youre rewarded with fantastic views an obstacle course of several dozen yoga practitioners scattered around the peak searching for that perfect Instagram pose.

Wow...what a great, challenging trail. You need to be in shape for this trail. It is very steep and has some challenging spots. Take lots of water with you as you’ll need it. The views along the way are awesome. When you get 3/4 of the way it feels like you’ve been going on forever but when you hit the top it’s the greatest feeling ever. Your rewarded with some spectacular views.

Great hike. I wasnt up to hiking all the way to the top today, but still had a good time. Great views of the city.

Amazing place for hiking! Great pictures from there

Did cholla trail twice in last 3 weeks. It is difficult and strenuous hike but totally worth it.Great views. 360 degree view of phoenix and surrounding mountains. You will spot many hummingbirds at the top.

One of my bucket list goals was to hike camelback end to end and then uber back to my car. Did it! Most of the hike is a “hike”. Some of it is flat out crawling up and down rock. My wife slipped the last time we attempted the climb and needed a number of staples in her head after she slipped and hit her melon on a rock. It was the most terrible sound you can imagine. Be careful, bring 2x the water you think you need and know that this is a serious climb.

I was recently in Scottsdale to help teach fellow trial lawyers how to help victims of truck collisions. The day before the seminar, I had some time to see the sights and was pleased that the hotel recommended I hike Camelback Mountain. The views are spectacular and its a great workout. I strongly encourage you to visit if youre in the area.

The hike (cholla trail) to the midway point is not too bad, but will get your heart pumping. The remainder of the climb is interesting and can be a bit challenging if youre not used to climbs. Bring good athletic shoes or climbing boots. Be prepared to use your hands to get to the top! The challenge is worth it. The views of the valley are awesome. I had the privilege of helping take a Christmas tree to the top! Bird seed ornaments were also delivered. Props to the guys who do this several times a year because some trees are thrown off the side of the mountain!

Break its back .

I went on a solo hike while visiting my grandparents for Christmas. This was a great hike! I did the Echo Canyon trail on the way up and met some cool people at the top and went down the Cholla trail with them. Everyone was so cool! I was also glad I got to do both trails. Would do this trail again in a heart beat!!

Beautiful views! Definitely not a beginner trail. My 10 year old son and I took Cholla Trail. Starts off easy-ish and gets tough once you approach the summit. Plan on using your hands and feet near the top. Took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete. We got there at 4 pm and luckily we found an empty space to park. Its pretty crowded so plan accordingly or get dropped off.

It’s not easy hiking with plenty of rocks but definitely enjoyed! Great workout!

Fantastic and challenging hiking trails. Make sure you are in decent shape, have balance, and water.

Wear good shoes and bring lots of water! It was a great hike with good views just keep an eye out for rattle snakes because we saw a few along the way.

I love this mountain great for hiking

There is no parking. We came all the way here from Cincinnati Ohio hoping to enjoy the hike, but ended up circling the area for a good 45 minutes trying to find parking and had to leave in disappointment due to schedule. The tiny parking lot at Echo trail is a joke. The surrounding areas are all residential and you cant park anywhere. Its too bad we couldnt enjoy the beautiful trail like everyone has been talking about.

Bring water

Hike was amazing you have to be in some what shape to climb this mountain.

Im kind of glad I didnt read these reviews before I went or I might not have done it. My sister and I are in fairly good shape and it was challenging - but were super glad we did it! Definitely bring water, definitely put sunscreen on, and definitely wear tennis shoes. Its probably better to go during the week because on the weekend it was pretty busy. We went on a Saturday and had to wait quite a lot for the people in front of us and people to go past us going the other direction because the trails can get narrow. Just when you think youre done or close you go around the bend and its further, and then that happens again, and again. When you reach the top you feel so good that you accomplished it. But then you have to go all the way back down. My sister and I went up one way and down the other. Which I recommend because you really dont know whats ahead of you and we preferred that. You are on all four sometimes and feel like rock climbing. I recommend but want to make sure everyone realizes what theyre getting themselves into. Because I saw plenty of people who started the trek that had to turn around.

It is an adventure to climb this mountain. First part is a nice walk where you have already a great view, followed by a steep rough climb where you need to be in good shape to be able to hold on a railing followed by another steep parts where you need to use hands and feet to make it to the top. Bring lots of waters. I drank almost a gallon during this climb. It was well worth the effort.

What a great trail! We hiked the more rigid side and watched the sunrise. Highly recommended.

A moderate hike with great views of Phoenix. Can be done in 3-4 hours.

Fantastic peak with fantastic views. Tougher climb than others and very enjoyable. Parking is scarce, so get here early, or enjoy driving around aimlessly in the surrounding neighborhoods for hours looking to find a spot. Or, better yet, Uber or Lyft here!

Crushed it! Fun and invigorating ! Do it.

Beautiful trail, beautiful mountain.

This is great hike! The 360 view is incredible! The hike itself was definitely tough. If you have knee issues going downstairs, the 1.2 miles of climbing down rocks might not be for you.

Well maintained trails, challenging hike, but totally worth it for the views!Bring plenty of water and snacks!

Did the Cholla Trail and it was great. It was my first time and definitely was a challenge for me, but its a perfect view when you get to the top! Hiking shoes, hiking shoes, hiking shoes. Shoes make it safer and just a bit easier :)

Highly recommend doing Hayden butte Mountain, Popago park, hole in the rock, before trying Camelback Mountain hydrate the day before only drink water bring proper hiking shoes hat water six bottles 4 frozen two regular and two more in your car to pour on your head go as early as possible hike with a buddy bring rock climbing gloves you will be using your hands and feet and sometimes the rocks are hot during the afternoon and the pipes polls take breaks if you need don’t be afraid to ask for help that Hill is a challenge Mountain I mean good luck and have fun

LOVED every single moment of it. So many beautiful views of Scottsdale. Went with my hubby, and 6 year old. Only recommend it with kids that are very good at listening and know that you cant just run around everywhere.

Tough hike with a great view

This double black diamond trail is very strenuous, very difficult, and very dangerous. Although it’s definitely worth the 360 views from the top, you have to definitely watch your footing, your breath, and water. This isn’t for the faint of heart and I wouldn’t recommend to anyone who is not into tip top shape. You can definitely train for it. Always hike with someone else and never alone. Bring a couple litres of water and protein bars for each person and wrap or support any old injuries like the knees or ankles and wear good fitting, ankle supported shoes. Don’t be afraid to take frequent breaks to catch your breath and save some energy for the way down. Most injuries are caused by going off the trail or miss stepping or collapsing on the way down.

Best thing to do in Phoenix! Beautiful view. Climb is moderate, some part are quite technical. I wanted to run the mountain, but I had to climb some parts

Such a great hike with epic views of the city. If you have the opportunity to take two cars, I highly recommend meeting at Cholla then car pooling to Echo. Echo is a challenging hike up and Cholla offers a more steady down pace and sweeping views the entire time.

It was a good hike but definitely heed the “extremely difficult” rating. It took us 7 hours up and down with spending maybe an hour on the top. You have to climb/scramble over rocks a fair amount on the upper third or so. We brought three bottles each of water and that was not nearly enough. Just don’t underestimate the difficulty and the impact of the heat especially if you are not an experienced hiker. Definitely beautiful views but a lot of exertion to get there!

Good hike option if you are around Phoenix

Simply gorgeous!

One of the easier hikes in Phoenix. Nice views from the top.

Short but challenging hike in the heart of Phoenix/Scottsdale. There is some scrambling and bouldering involved and the views of the surrounding area are fantastic.Suggestions: take an Uber/Lyft to avoid the parking situation. Start early in the day and bring plenty of water - heat is a factor and the exertion required will result in plenty of perspiration. Ascending from the Echo Canyon side provides shade in the morning. Descending via the Cholla Trail is less steep and slightly longer but gives you a change of scenery.

Awesome place. they have a few trails, one is less challenging than the other, I would start with the easy one if you have not been here before. the hard one is a straight shoot up almost ( sometimes ) :D

My husband and I enjoyed a hike up Camelback on the Cholla Trail in mid-February. Weather was perfect, sunny and warm with a cool breeze. The trail was relatively crowded, both with experienced/prepared hikers moving at a quick pace, and with families in casual clothes moving slower.Trail is manageable for those of average fitness levels. Inactive people hoping for a good view could manage the first quarter of a mile or so without any strain. There is a great lookup about halfway up Cholla trail that most people can probably handle.The trail definitely becomes more strenuous and challenging towards the top. It is not as clearly marked, and there are some narrow sections that have a steep drop on one or both sides.Overall, highly recommend in general. Know your limit though, and remember that what goes up must come down.Drink and bring water and high protein, salty snacks!

Cousin Richard had a big house on Camelback. You turned at McDowell and 50th in Paradise Valley.

Terrible directions. Couldnt get to it

Spent a weekend in Scottsdale and wanted to fit in a hike. This hike was perfect for me because Im a morning riser and the best time to go is a little before sunset.Street parking gets filled up quickly and theres no parking before or after sunset. I used the weather app to give me an idea of when the sun would rise. This is a somewhat challenging trail as portion or the trail has high steps, but take your time, dont rush. Hence thats a reason to go early too... as it gets later in the am (7am to 8am) more hikers will be on the path, rushing to get up and down and its not as leisure.Definitely come here with hiking shoes, enough water and some snacks.

Every time we do this it feels great. Great weather