Hiking

After Camelback became a park in 1968, TripAdvisor advertised the hikes as one of the top 10 things to do when in Phoenix. Located right in the middle of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Camelback Mountain is a hike that both locals and tourists enjoy regularly. Camelback Mountain has 2 primary trails that hike to the summit, and both offer fantastic views of the valley and of the many species of flora, including a few different types of cactus.

1. Echo Canyon Trail: Echo Canyon trail is the steeper of the 2 trails up Camelback, although slightly shorter at 1.23mi to the summit. This trail is well-managed but steep and is a great challenge for hikers, taking 2-3 hours round trip, depending on the pace. The phenominal views along the way make the hike well worth the challenge. For this trail, parking is available at the Echo Canyon Recreation Area, but very limited on the weekends after 7am, so plan accordingly. Unfortunately , the parking is only available dawn to dusk, so don't plan on hiking for any sunrises or sunsets on the summit. Spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset can be seen along the trail, however, which is okay as long as you obey the parking hours.
2. Cholla Trail: Cholla trail is longer than Echo Canyon at 1.4mi but is a little easier for those still eager for a refreshing workout outside without too much huffing and puffing. The first mile hikes on a fairly maintained trail and the second mile or so gets a little steeper and may require intense hiking and scrambling. Along the Cholla trail, there will likely be some of Arizona's wildlife posing for pictures if hikers are quiet. Popular creatures include hawks, road runners, chuckwallas, harris antelope squirrels, and quail. Rattlesnakes are also common on the trail, so be alert. Parking for this trail is available all along Invergordon Road (64th St) and a walk to the trailhead, resulting in less limited space and more flexible hours than at Echo Canyon

Climbing

The climbing at Camelback mountain has a particular style loaded with easier climbing, sparse protection, and falling rock. There are still a few classics that both locals and visitors can enjoy on the "petrified mud" that is desert climbing. There are 42 total climbing routes spread over 11 areas, making up 5 boulders, 24 sport routes, 11 trad routes, and 1 Top-rope. Of these climbs, the majority are in the 5.6 or easier range with 17 or so moving into the moderate 5.8-easy 5.11 range. One of the classics at the crag is Chimera on Gargoyle Wall, a 2-pitch 5.9 PG-13 sport route worth 4 stars.

Parking for climbing at Camelback mountain is available at the Echo Canyon Recreation Area lot or on Invergordon Road (64th St) on the other side of the mountain