If youre expecting a casual hike, this is not it. Steep inclines and fallen rocks will make this a climb, as well as a hike. It was challenging, exhausting, and fun. I would suggest if you take a child, make sure they are at least eight years old. Take water and dont wear open toe shoes (loose gravel everywhere)

I have hiked a number of mountains but this is the most rugged. It is definitely worth the challenge but slow and steady wins the day! Safety matters. :) Teens and young adults will love it. Middle age and older should only attempt if in above average condition. You do not need to be in superior condition.

Did this hike on a whim and thought I was mentally prepared for what was ahead. For a short trail, it will test you. It is practically all incline with varied rock terrain. Sometimes you will be walking on hands and feet to stay balanced. Dont rush this hike, take in the views and catch your breath as you go. Once youre at the top the views are worth thd challenge you just conquered. Be mindful the trek going down is just as tricky. It is a popular hike so you will come across many people.

Now is the best time to go hiking! Perfect weather, amazing views, and much better conditions compared to the summer. Views at the top are amazing, you can also see the copenhaver castle from up there which is pretty neat.

The hike was great. Me (experienced hiker) and my wife (novice) tackled it together and enjoyed it. Spectacular views at the top. I did see a few young kids and was a little shocked because of some of the tight spaces and steep areas climbing the rocks.

This was a good challenging trail. Lots of people on Thanksgiving. Some wore masks, everyone seemed respectful. I would go again.

Trail was busy but super fun and people were respectful of waiting & wearing masks for the most part. Challenging scramble up boulders but have a great view at the top!

Definitely recommend it. It is a bit hard but doable for most. Heavy traffic, try to get there early (6:30) if you are a sunrise person.

This is the trail to climb Camelback Mountain! If you map to Camelback Mountain, it will take you to a random neighborhood with no access to the trail. Great challenging hike with fantastic views of the city. Must bring water reservoir and shoes with good traction! The hike is 75% scrambling and I saw a lot of people slipping on the way down. Definitely worth it though.

Great hike. Very demanding. Best to go early in the morning. Make sure to bring plenty of water.

This is a wonderful place to hike close to downtown Scottsdale easy access the skill level that you need can be from very inexperienced to very extreme... its the pace that you set for yourself... you are competing against the mountain and nobody else.

This is definitely a technically challenging trail, but what an amazing adventure making it to the top. You will be spending time using your hands to help climb the trail. I would recommend bringing full finger gloves.

This hike was a lot tougher than I thought itd be but its completely worth it once you make it to the top

Bring gloves and water! This trail is demanding but absolutely worth it when you reach the top. The trip down wasnt a cake walk either.

This was a really great hike. It was intense! Expect to be climbing up the whole time. I personally wouldnt run this hike because it is pretty dangerous but some people take the risk. I recommend going early in the morning starting the hike at 4:45am or 5am because it gets really hot and the sun is pretty much just on you the whole time. I am slightly in shape and I was able to complete this hike but i did take many breaks which is okay. Also, this trail typically gets crowded, especially on the weekends, so do expect to move out of peoples way or attempt to go fast. All in all, the hike was amazing and mentally challenging and stimulating. Once you get to the top, you will feel amazing and accomplished! Sights are nice as well mainly in the morning time (6am or earlier) when the sun is rising.

Pretty incline hike all the way up. Great bouldering area at the begining of the trail!

Wow. They werent kidding when they said it was hard. But really fun. Would go at it again.

Very nice trailhead, but can be very crowded. The trail is awesome if you are in shape and experienced, but it is not for the faint of heart. Most of it is a rock scramble, and it takes at least twice as long as you think it will! Views are beautiful, but make sure you come prepared!

Nice place to hike and get some exercise. The parking is a little tight at the top but there is plenty downhill spaces available. Theres a bathroom at the top of the road and also a beverage machine, along with benches and seating.

Dont underestimate this hike! Im a novice hiker, but fairly fit and it was tough! Take your time and enjoy the views on the way up. Expect a full body workout and to use your hands as you climb up the rocks. Much more of the hike is rock climbing than I was expecting. The views are worth it at the top. If you are physically fit and are strong mentally, youll be able to complete this hike. Bring lots of water! When we hiked it was in the 80s and I finished 64 oz of water during the hike. The feeling of accomplishment at the top is so worth it. Go get it!

Nice hike, but very steep so if youre not in okay condition, think about goint somewhere else. Beautiful views. See if you can find momma Elephant looking at baby elephant...

I love love this hiking trail. It’s definitely a must and the views are gorgeous . That Arizona heat tho is no joke so make sure you come ready

Great trail and being expertly managed by staff to keep numbers moderate during Covid.It is moderate for sure. Only one mile but very steep.Highly recommend getting there early. We were done by 8am and it was packed as we were leaving. All cars were being turned away.

Definitely a challenge! I hike often and Echo Canyon is one of the most different and breathtakingly beautiful. Be prepared.

Wonderful hard climb. A walking trail. Very much tests your stamina. About an fourty five minutes up and then back down.

I went hiking with a friend about a week ago when the weather got nice and I can honestly say that this is the best place that I have flown my drone in all of Phoenix. The views are incredible the entire trail and there are plenty of different spots to pull off and hangout. I highly recommend checking this place out whether you are in the area or are looking to make a trip!

Its definitely an extreme trail!

This is a must do for anyone living in the valley. Years ago this was a daily hike / run for me. Very tough and sometimes technical, but the views and accomplishment when making it to the top is fantastic reward. It gets very crowded and can be a deterrent but just have to keep in mind everyone is there to enjoy this Landmark in their own way or fitness level.

Nice hike albeit its pretty challenging especially on one side. Personally, I appreciate owls nest trail that veers of to the right and goes alongside the mountain. It kind of goes around and into the neighborhood, but if you are looking for a more solitary experience, thats the way to go.

This was an amazing hiking trip. The trail was rated extremely difficult. The first half was a nice vertical ascent. The second half was rock climbing! Hikers need to be in shape to make this trip. Well worth the hike. Tips, bring your water, and arrive early! Parking was limited when we arrived at 7:00.

Awesome trails, plenty of exploring to do, although the cluster of houses on the north side of the mountain kind of takes away a bit of the nature aspect of it unfortunately. Other than that, it was pretty cool.

Great hike with great views this is not an easy hike for beginners you have to be ready to climb rocks and come back down them. Bring plenty of water if you hike during the summer

Absolutely gorgeous trail. Unfortunately we didnt make it to the top (our lungs decided it was a no go that day, ha ha). However, the half of the trail we hiked was beautiful and clearly marked. Though there were people there, social distancing was not difficult to maintain.

An amazing short but intense hike. Only the first part of the hike involves hiking up a steep incline. Most of the hike consists of scrambling up rocks which test both your endurance and leg strength. Its basically like performing lunges till you reach the top.Avid hikers would be able complete the ascent in around the 45 minute mark, and the descent takes about 30 minutes. Add 10 minutes to both if taking it easy.

Very fun hiking trail, if its a hot day go early morning or evening

Beautiful hiking experience! Kids had a blast. Trail good for newbies or experience.

I have only done this hike once. It was somewhat hard because 1. Im a n00b 2. I went there towards the end of July and 3. From what I read, this one is harder than the Cholla trail.Theres quite a bit of rock climbing meaning that there are a few parts of it where you are going on really steep ground. Theres quite a bit of people hiking which I didnt mind but some do.Started at 5:15 AM, was back down around 8:00 AM and spent about 20-30 minutes on the top taking pictures and what not. Carried about 80 oz of water which was more than enough. There were some really kind people handing out ice cold water bottles which was a good way to end the hike.Will probably go back during the fall to see if the hike gets easier.

Usually crowed, but an excellent hike in the heart of Phoenix!

Camelback is more than a hike, its a challenge. The mountain invites you to climb with a sense of irony in its voice. As your breathing becomes heavy, as your joints begin to ache, the mountain mocks you, it teases you, it tells you to turn back. Yet you press on, inching ever closer to the summit. You must be fully attentive as you place each foot carefully, taking care not to roll an ankle. Like a well matched chess opponent, you must often plan several moves ahead, or you risk having to turn back several steps and reroute. Then, upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views in every direction. This is when the magic happens. Suddenly, your mind comes to realize that you have transcended life. That your home, your work, your joys, your stresses, and challenges of life are all far below. Its as though life has a pause button, giving you a meditative moment of respite. You have risen above your life, for just a brief moment, suspended in time, looking down with a clear perspective. Then, you descend, and you return to the world refreshed and renewed, filled with energy and focus to own the day. And as a bonus, as you are out and about in the valley throughout the day, you catch glimpses of Camelback. And you say to yourself, I was there, I conquered the mountain. The mountain looks back at you, bowing, submissive, acknowledging your victory. Then you finally realize that Camelback is so much more than a mountain. Shes a coach, simultaneously an opponent and a friend, and a sanctuary.

Be aware its a hard hike if youre not in shape. Remember to bring a good amount of water with you along with a hat, as it gets hot as the day goes on. I brought about a gallon and was about 3/4 through it at the end of the hike.If so inclined try to do the hike early in the morning as to avoid most of the heat. Otherwise it was an awesome morning trek.

Always a great hike. Not too crowded but still a little busy

The hike is challenging for a beginner but not impossible, Im 52 and made it all the way up, view is beautiful and the weather is now just perfect, I recommend a hike at least once a week and you will feel good.

Arrived at the trailhead at 4:30am. It was dark but we didn’t need a headlamp. It started getting light on the way up. You’ll feel like you’re hiking straight up the mountain for an hour. We got to the top right after sunrise. Took the Cholla trail down the mountain.

Amazing view! I went in September and it was 105° by 10:00 AM. This hike is more intimidating than it seems online, be sure to bring plenty of water and hydrate ahead of time.

Great hike, not for beginners

Awesome hike. Clean bathrooms.

Happened across the Echo Canyon Trailhead as I was killing time before I flight out of Phoenix. Was in town for less than 24 hours but I wanted to be sure to do a smidge of sightseeing/hiking before I left. Didnt go far on the trail, but I was able to see some great sights and absorb a bit of Arizona sunshine before heading back to cold Canada. Im hoping to come back to the Phoenix area to explore more, and will definitely be back to hike deeper into Echo Canyon.

Super fun trail to hike with some minor scrambling. Took me about 2 hours, including time to stop for pictures (1 hour ascent, 15 min at summit, 45 min descent). It was cloudy and mild (60-65F) and so I didn’t need that much water/snacks, but lots of water would be a necessity if it is sunny/hot. The trail was well marked and the summit is at marker 37 I believe. Stunning views on this hike - definitely worth it!

First time, I love the view from the very top.

Hard trail but the views are worth every step.

A wonderful and physically challenging trailhead! At the top, breathe deeply and center yourself in the moment to gain that spiritual experience.

A must hike when you visit Phenix!!

1.14 miles and ~1300ft elevation gain going up one way. Not an easy hike by any means but definitely doable if you take breaks in between and drink plenty of water (at least 1L of water is recommended).In terms of parking availability, getting here early in the morning is ideal or else youll be circling around/waiting in line for a spot to open up. From my observations, the latest you should get to the parking area is probably 5:50AM. Lot is usually packed by 6:00AM on weekends and 6:30AM on most weekdays.(My personal ranking on where your hiking time stands amongst other hikers. Times are strictly going uphill one way.)1. < 20 mins (i.e. teens) - Elite2. 20 - 24:59 mins - Very Good3. 25 - 29:59 mins - Good4. 30 - 39:59 mins Average5. > 40 mins - Casual/n00bAnyways, probably the best/most challenging hiking trail in the Phoenix area. You will definitely get a great workout and I highly recommend it!!

Excellent. It took a while to get to the top, but me and two of my friends make it with others already there.

Great hike. Not real difficult. Beautiful.

Hiked it in the afternoon. The temperature was 116 degrees. Felt like I was dying.Lots of fun.

What a hike, certainly one of the toughest Ive been on in awhile. While only 2.5 miles round trip, you climb higher than the Empire State Building. That should give you an idea. Dont confuse this one with the other Cammel Back trail not even close.

Start early to beat the sun, carry lots of water and proper hiking shoes required. We hiked up on Echo trail and came down through Cholla trail. Beautiful view at top. If you’re out of shape, you might struggle.

My first time going there in evening. It was hilarious. U may get too much of sun shine though.

Wonderful view but the trail was extremely busy at 5am on a Saturday morning, making it a less than pleasant experience for anyone respecting public heath guidelines. The vast majority of the roughly 60-75 hikers we encountered were unmasked and blatantly disregarded social distancing, passing within inches on narrow sections of the trail. Not recommended at this time given the risks of COVID-19.

Great hike. Im not a climber, but as a generally fit non-climber, this one has some challenging sections. Really good workout on the way up, especially the last half-mile. Rewarding summit with great views. I was glad I wore shoes with good support and grippy soles (i.e., not running shoes), because theres some loose gravel at points. We went early in the morning in January, which worked great temperature-wise. Im told summertime hikes here can be unbearable.

Great hike. I saw people of all ages, abilities and speed. Beautiful sceneries at every level.

Much more difficult than Cholla, hiking shoes are basically a requirement, and Id advise gloves as my hands felt pretty raw from the rocks on this side. The path for the first few hundred yards is quite deceiving, then you encounter a difficult path climb, even with the rail. After that, youre using hands and feet to overcome a lot of interesting little rock scrambles. The view at the top is amazing and worth the challenge. Bring water.

A beautiful challenge but totally worth it. Views are lit.

Best hiking trail in the valley. Very well kept and trail is clearly marked. It is a hard trail though, so if your a beginner hiker I suggest going to the otherwise of the mountain on the Cholla Trail which is intermediate. Either way come prepared with lots of water, sun screen, and a hat! Also grippy shoes because you will be climbing rocks!

Difficult, if going in the summer start before the sun. Great views. Very crowded! Bring plenty of water and come ready to

Echo Canyon is a fun, challenging, but short hike. There is lots of fun scrambling and climbing to do, so if you’re out of shape it might be tricky. Nevertheless, they do have a metal railing along the steepest portion of the trail that you can hold onto as you climb. The views from the top are vast and beautiful.

Beautiful mountain i love my camelback

Awesome Trail parking can be tricky at busy times but one of the best inclines in the city awesome people on the trail

Very challenging hike. Very steep and rocky but well maintained.

Bust out a steep incline only 15 min from the neighborhood. Love it. Phoenix staple. Also, chuckawala!!

Amazing experience. Climbed all the way up to the top and have to say it was one of the best views I’ve ever seen. Remember to eat before going up and to bring plenty of water. This trail is rated very difficult and trust me it is. You can go a decent way up however without too much trouble.

Even if you’re just stopping by for sunset pictures, Camelback Mountain is a great a spot to visit. Even better if you have time to do the entire trail.

Not an easy trek if youre not in good shape, but beautiful views. Be prepared for climbing steep spots and make sure you hydrate!

Great hike.. Beautiful views.. I would definitely grade it difficult. What I do life about echo canyon vs cholla you have incline and then some flat terrain to catch your breath. Cholla is all straight incline. Ofcourse the reward comes when you get to the top. 360 views of the valley.

Parking and restrooms make this trailhead easily accessible. When I went parking was limited. It fills up early in the day. There is a nice overlook about 1/4 mile on the trail, so even if you dont go to the top it is worth the walk.

We were out of towners so we went off of reviews, so I want to add a few things I didn’t read about.1) when looking at reviews take into consideration time of year. We hiked mid January at sunrise. Which I would highly recommend! But when people take about gallons and gallons of water to bring, you don’t need as much during winter and it actually gets chilly at the top because your sweat starts to dry, so I recommend dressing in layers! And Capri leggings were perfect. We both wore tennis shoes and that was fine for hiking.2) we used our hands more on the way down than we did going up, so hands free is ideal or at least one hand free if you Carry water. I did have a snack bar on the way down but snacks aren’t necessary. Good to have in case! Also, my husband is a little weird and has hiked in his T-shirt, sweater, and jeans on all of our Arizona hikes, so you definitely don’t HAVE to be in athletic gear (it was 40 degrees when we started our hike).3) my husband and I are both athletic but from Wisconsin so we don’t climb mountains a lot. We hiked it in 38 minutes up, spent about 10 minutes, and actually took us 38 minutes to get down because you have to take your time going down the rocks! But everybody is different with their speed and athletic level!4) overall it’s a really nice trail and all the rocks make it a fun climb! You do climb up one part just to find out you have to curl around another part, but still really enjoyed the climb!5) they have a really nice base area with bathrooms and water fountain and parking lot was bigger than I expected, although I’m sure it fills up during peak seasons when climbing hours are limited!6) overall I thought it would be way more difficult, but was just the right amount of challenge and distance.7) definitely worth going at sunrise or sunset. We started our climb at 6:44 am and got up to peak at 7:22 in time for 7:25 sunrise.Have fun and enjoy. Even if it seems intimidating, just take extra water, a snack, good shoes, and plan on taking breaks as needed! Maybe even a walking stick if worded about knees!

It is a great place to explore with nice views of the surrounding area. There is parking along with a bathroom at the bottom and even an opportunity to buy a water if need be. The trail starts off fairly easy with a gradual incline which gets steeper as you go. Then advances to a place where only more adventurous hikers would dare tred.

One of the best experiances Ive ever had. The view of thr City is amazing..

Difficult hike in gorgeous Paradise Valley.

Amazing! It was beautiful! Everyone is very nice that you see as your hiking. People were saying good morning often as they walked by. I look forward to going back.

Trails are well maintained. Friendly Rangers there to warn people of the dangers of trails. Double black diamond rated.

Tough hike but I love it, gives a great burn on the legs and is a very good workout, hope you can hit the summit but make sure to take breaks and drink plenty of water!

This is one of my all-time favorite places to hike. Love living so close to this piece of paradise

What a great hike! Definitely a bit challenging, there are areas of sheer rock, thank goodness there are handrails to hold onto. Parking can be challenging, but the view at the top is worth all of it. Wear shoes with a good grip, that will make it much safer. The entire hike took me an hour and half, I went at a steady pace and didnt spend much time at the top. I will be making this a weekly workout, its so much fun and the views are fantastic!

My favorite hiking trail for now

Great Day! For a hike with a friend....

Cool place. Not prepared to hike today, but plan to come back. 1st rate city park with amazing views, excellent parking, park ranger on site and prolly most important... restrooms. Lol!

Awesome hike. Not kid friendly. Bring tons of water and DO NOT start later than 8am during the summer. Itll take 2.5 hours+ round trip.

This is not a hike for the faint hearted. Expect to climb using hands and exert yourself. It is a great hike for the avid hiker. Make sure to start early when it is cool, bring at least a liter or more of water. Great views.

Very difficult, but so worth it when you the top. Its a full body workout and was crowded at times.

Im not one who goes hiking all the time, but this was definitely something I will hike again. Thought I was gonna die halfway up, but once you get past the elevation change youre good to go. I dont suggest hiking this bad boy during the summer time, either way, be sure to bring lots of water.

The best hike in Phoenix for a serious workout and awesome views.

Get here early!!! The Echo Canyon half is in the shade the earlier part of the day, but the real magic is seeing that sunrise!! Very steep at times, but very worth it. It can get hot so know your water needs. If these pics aint enough to convince you to get up early for this.....dang....

Must do while in Az! Lots of rocky trail - should be at an advanced fitness level to hike.

Strenuous hike, but so worth it. You dont need to he a super experienced hiker, but you do need to be decently fit. Some parts are really steep and were quite close to being actual rock climbing. Definitely remember to bring water.

This was an extremely hard hike, just as the sign says! Im not an experienced hiker but I was able to make it up with many stops along the way. The view was beautiful!

Most fun Ive had hiking! Great challenge, need to always pay attention to footing! Solid hike

Wow, super epic trail. Its clean. Certain amentities were closed due to Covid-19. Really the scenary looks 3D!!! Breathtaking.

Myself, my wife our Pastor, our First Lady and our assembly hike this wonderful trail frequently. We LOVE Echo Canyon Trail. We would recommend it to anyone that loves hiking and a challenge.