Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain
A distinct “hump” in the landscape offers panoramic views over the Valley of the Sun.

Camelback Mountain resembles a camel at rest in the Sonoran Desert. The “head” of the camel is made up of red sandstone. Its “hump”, the peak of the mountain, is a granite formation that rises 2,704 feet (824 meters) above sea level. This makes it the highest mountain in Phoenix with one of the best panoramic views in Arizona.Walking or climbing the trails is a popular half-day trip.

For millions of years the huge landform stood deserted until the Hohokam people took up residence here in the first century. They abandoned the site some 1,450 years later for unknown reasons. The ceremonial cave they left behind gave Camelback its folk name: Sacred Mountain. Today, hundreds of thousands of hikers tackle the slopes each year.

To reach the summit, you have to ascend roughly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from the base at Echo Canyon. Steep narrow paths and rough surfaces can make it a challenge, especially on hot days. The Echo Canyon Summit Trail, a 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) round trip, is one of the more strenuous. The longer Cholla Trail is more gradual, but joins up with the final steep section of the Summit Trail. It is worth the effort to get a 360-degree view over the Valley of the Sun. Allow a few hours for the return trip. Watch out for snakes and sharp rocks, wear adequate clothing and carry your water on your back because you’ll need your hands for climbing. 

There are plenty of great ascents for rock climbers. After a relaxing walk with a view, try one of the trails around Camelback’s base. Check out the rugged landscape of cacti, wildflowers, gardens of lichens, and rocks that have been beaten into a myriad of shapes by millennia of erosive forces.

Camelback Mountain is a 25-minute drive northeast of downtown. Come early, because parking near the base is very limited. 

Please note that in January 2013 work began on an upgrade of the Summit Trail, Echo Canyon Recreation Area, parking area and restrooms, making future access easier but closing the trail for a large part of the year.

Popular places to visit


Top Camelback Mountain Hotel Deals

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
4 out of 5
7200 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort and Spa
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort and Spa
5 out of 5
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Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of Hyatt
Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of Hyatt
5 out of 5
5200 E Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ
Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of Hyatt
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
5 out of 5
6000 E Camelback Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
4.5 out of 5
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Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
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Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, Luxury Collection
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, Luxury Collection
5 out of 5
6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, Luxury Collection
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
4 out of 5
6302 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
5402 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.