Camelback Mountain - 2.7 Miles Round-Trip

Camelback Mountain is located northeast of Phoenix in the Lower Colorado River Valley, the most arid subdivision of the Sonoran Desert (7.5 – 9.5” of annual rain). This distinction, coupled with compact soils and steep slopes subject to erosion, limits ecological diversity on the mountain. Sparse vegetation, heavy use and an urban setting affect larger wildlife on the mountain as well.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

The head of Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon) is comprised of inclined sandstone, which is relatively young compared to the Precambrian granite hump. The hump (summit) formed as a mass of molten cooled, was buried, then uplifted and stripped to reveal the formation we see today.

The sequence of Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks between the head and hump are missing, creating an unconformity. The granite hump is about the same age as the lowest rock layer in the Grand Canyon, where sediments appear to be younger than on the canyon rim.

Of 3 trails leading to the summit, the Cholla Trail is considered the most moderate route. It scales the rump of the mountain with several challenging but non-technical scrambles on the final leg.

Visitors will enjoy terrific views across the metro area that include McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the 4 Peaks Wilderness and Superstition Mountains.

Note street parking is not permitted on Casa Cholla Drive, and you therefore must park on Invergordon Road and walk .3 miles to the trailhead:

The trail climbs 400’ in the half mile on the route’s most moderate section (.5 miles : 1,857’). Grades steepen over more rugged terrain to a small saddle jut below the summit (1.0 miles : 2,203’).

The final approach scrambles over large boulders and outcrops with several exposed areas leading to the summit (1.35 miles : 2,704’). The path is not always clear but intuitively followed and supported by signs. The summit is relatively small but with ample room to maneuver and take in panoramas across the Phoenix and Scottsdale metro areas.