Phoenix, Arizona
March 2024
Camelback Mountain by
Paul Sager, on Flickr
Camelback Mountain, a prominent landmark of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a popular recreation destination for hiking and rock climbing.
Camelback Mountain Two hiking trails ascend 1,280 feet to the peak of Camelback Mountain. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.14 miles and the Cholla Trail is 1.4 mi . Both trails are considered strenuous with steep grades.
Camelback Mountain A cave discovered on the north side of Camelback Mountain indicates that it was used as a sacred site by the prehistoric Hohokam culture before they abandoned the area in the 14th century.
Camelback Mountain Camelback Mountain saw increased encroachment from private development until the 1960s. The Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, led by Barry Goldwater, helped to ensure the area's protection in 1968.
Camelback Mountain Smaller animals, including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels, a variety of birds and snakes (including venomous rattlesnakes) are regularly encountered. Here we found a Chuckwalla.
Camelback Mountain Plant species include saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, Christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear cacti.
Camelback Mountain This was Michele's first attempt at a mountain of any height. Repeatedly, she wanted to turn back, but I kept coaxing her to continue as the top "wasn't much further." Toward the top, it changed to, "you've come this far, you might as well finish." At the top was the satisfaction of joining the community of humans who have conquered Camelback.
Camelback Mountain Camelback is one of Phoenix’s premier hiking destinations, and regularly is named a top national destination for avid hikers. Visitors from around the world have traversed this summit trail and praise its amazing 360-degree summit view of the city and challenging terrain.
Camelback Mountain This hike is extremely popular, possibly the most popular hike in Phoenix, so you may be sharing the trail with hundreds of other people. We spent a good 10 minutes in the parking lot on a Friday morning, just waiting for a spot to open in the lot. At several narrow points on the trail, we waited for a break in the people 'traffic' going in the opposite direction to continue our own trek.
Camelback Mountain