Camelback Mountain is a staple of the community and a prominent landmark of the Phoenix metropolitan area. This popular destination for hiking and rock climbing is is located in the backyard of Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Many people who visit the area have an extreme interest in hiking the mountain. There are two hiking trails that lead to the peak of the mountain. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.14 miles and the Cholla Trail is 1.4 miles—both considered to be challenging and offering an incredible view. 

The Praying Monk is rock formation which many people use for rock climbing. The sandstone rock resembles a man kneeling in prayer and is approximately 100 feet tall.

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia does not encourage hiking from May to September due to risk of heat exposure and fatal weather conditions.

Things to Know Before You Hike Camelback

• Bring at least 32 oz. of water for every hour you plan on hiking, 2 liters if you plan on a full hike.
• Stay on the trail and hike with someone, not alone.
• Remain with your party at all times.
• Inform someone of your hiking plans before you leave.
• Bring a fully charged cell phone with you.
• If in distress, stay calm, call 911 and wait for help.
• Choose the hike best suited to your fitness level: Options, such as walking along the base of Camelback Mountain are available, as well as other trails in the area that you may enjoy.
• Wear proper footwear such as hiking or all terrain shoes or sneakers.
• May-September: Hiking is not recommended during these months due to risk of heat exposure and fatal weather conditions.
• October – April: Hiking is recommended at dawn to minimize risk of heat exposure.
• Hikes on all trails in Arizona are done at one’s own risk. Beginners should not attempt hikes on Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak or Pinnacle Peak since trails may be steep and treacherous. All trails may present hot and dry conditions. The desert has extreme temperatures from high heat, to cool weather and rain. Be sure to check the weather before heading out for the day and be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Self-Guided Hiking

Echo Canyon Trail
Echo Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Paradise Valley and is located 0.9 miles from the resort. Rated one of the tougher hikes in the area, this hiking path has dirt, gravel, boulders, steep grades, some handrail-assisted sections, and is recommend for those who
maintain a higher fitness level. The distance to the top is 1.14 miles and will take approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to reach the summit and back. No dogs are allowed on this trail.

How To Access Echo Canyon Trail
Take a left on Lincoln Drive and turn left on Tatum Blvd. Turn left at the first light onto McDonald Drive and take the first exit onto Echo Canyon Pkwy. If the lot is full, traffic will be directed away and cars encouraged to try parking down the street or at another trail.

Cholla Trail
Cholla Trail is 1.4 miles to the summit and is located 4 miles east of the resort and does contain steep grades that resemble more of a climb than a hike. In order to reach the top, three-quarters of the way up the mountain, hikers will come across a section that requires maneuvering through large sections of boulders. It’s recommended that hikers proceed slowly and carefully. Hiking time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, each way. No dogs are allowed on this trail.

How To Access Cholla Trail
Take a right on Lincoln Road and turn right on Invergordon Road. Drive past Jackrabbit Road and stop before you pass Jokake Inn on your right. Cars may be parked on the east and west sides of Invergordon Road. Walk to Cholla Lane and head west toward the trailhead. Where there are “NO PARKING” signs on Invergordon, cars may not be parked. Pay mind to these signs as tickets are issued to cars parked in marked areas.

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