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Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.4 (82)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. …Scottsdale
  5. Camelback Mountain
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“A rigorous, rewarding, and less crowded way to the top of Camelback Mountain. ”

Hunter R
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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.2

KM

Out and Back

2,579' 786 m

High

1,387' 423 m

Low

1,193' 363 m

Up

1,190' 363 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

The trails on Camelback Mountain are only open from sunrise to sunset.

Overview

The Cholla Trail is easily one of the most popular trails in Phoenix and for good reason. Its location in the center of town coupled with its fantastic views from the summit make this strenuous trail surely worth it.

While most people in the area have hiked to the summit of Camelback Mountain via the Echo Canyon Summit Trail, that's only because the Cholla Trail is less publicized and therefore lesser known. It's certifiably the safer, more enjoyable, less crowded, and less heat-stroke inducing of the two options. Which to our mind, makes it the best way to the summit.

Need to Know

While it's less used than the Echo Canyon Trail on the other side of Camelback Mountain, you won't find it any easier to park near the trailhead. Camelback is renowned for heavy traffic and the parking lots fill early and often, so be prepared. For this hike, the closest parking is located on the western side of North Invergordon Road in a signed area alongside the golf course. Parking is prohibited on East Cholla Lane, and make no mistake, the police will aggressively ticket anyone parked improperly in this area.

Description

Once you've sorted out parking, the hike begins at the start of East Cholla Lane as a narrow gravel path on the uphill side of the street. The hike continues on this path for a short time, passing by numerous beautiful homes before reaching the official trailhead for the Cholla Trail and an informational kiosk. At this point, double check that your shoelaces are tight, sunscreen, water, and snacks are in your bag, and that you remembered to bring a positive mental attitude because this hike will test the mental fortitude of even the most seasoned desert hiker.

When you're ready to embark, follow the Cholla Trail as it snakes its way through numerous, rocky switchbacks on its way to the summit. Along the way, be sure to take plenty of breaks and drink plenty of water! Every year, rescue crews are sent to Camelback to retrieve hikers who are dehydrated and/or suffering from sun exposure because they did not plan properly for their hike, or did not exhibit good self-care while on the trail. Don't be one of those people - drink your water.

Near the summit, the trail gets incredibly rocky and can be hard to follow. Take this section slowly, and keep your eyes peeled for trail markers guiding the way.

After making it all this way and finally reaching the summit, give somebody a high-five and congratulate yourself on finishing an incredibly tough hike. Top it all off by enjoying the summit's fantastic views of Phoenix and the entire Valley of the Sun. When you're ready to head back down, carefully retrace your way back to the trailhead and then to the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Small wildlife are common in this area. Along your hike, you may see cottontails, Harris antelope squirrels, lizards, and snakes. While rattlesnakes are common in this area, seeing one on trail certainly does not need to prove dire. Simply give the animal space to move generously off trail, and continue on your hike.

History & Background

Originally earmarked by the federal government as a potential site for an Indian reservation, Camelback Mountain and its surrounding real estate was sold to private owners in the 1940s. In fear that developers might destroy the natural beauty of Camelback with housing and other developments, government from the local level all the way up to the federal level tried to restrict any development above 1,600 feet in elevation. Sadly, no such efforts were successful until the Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, a grassroots community organization led by Barry Goldwater, was able to save the summit of Camelback Mountain via a land exchange. To this day, the hiking community of Phoenix has these dedicated citizens to thank for the protection and preservation of what is now one of the most recognizable features on the Phoenician desert skyline.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Phoenix - Trails and Desert Preserves

Shared By:

Hunter R
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 82 votes

#1

in Camelback Mountain

#84

Overall
  4.4 from 82 votes
5 Star
52%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Camelback Mountain

#6

in Arizona

#84

Overall
101 Views Last Month
15,350 Since Oct 6, 2016
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5%
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Photos

Sunset over Phoenix while descending Camelback
Mar 8, 2019 near Paradis…, AZ
Sunset on Camelback
Mar 8, 2019 near Paradis…, AZ
Looking South from the peak.
Nov 5, 2021 near Paradis…, AZ
Zenful on Camelback
Jan 1, 2018 near Paradis…, AZ
Be careful where you put your hand while scrambling up!
Oct 18, 2017 near Paradis…, AZ
View of the city from atop the mountain
Jan 7, 2018 near Paradis…, AZ

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Check-Ins

Jun 17, 2024
Jeff jeffsready@hotmail.com
Cholla Trail to Camelback Mtn summit and back 2.8mi — 2h 02m
Feb 26, 2024
Kaitlyn Erich
Apr 28, 2023
Rick Zieser
Apr 24, 2023
Eliezer Gurevich
Feb 26, 2023
Siddhesh Dabholkar
Feb 21, 2023
Tyler Heidtke
Owen's first hike! Tom and Gail joined, too. 3.2mi — 2h 48m
Feb 20, 2023
Julie Heidtke
Nov 5, 2022
Amy G

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