Camelback Mountain is the most iconic natural feature of the Town of Paradise Valley in Arizona. Its famous profile is also visible in nearby neighborhoods such as Scottsdale, Arcadia, the Biltmore, and Phoenix. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Valley of the Sun. As a result, it is very crowded, and parking is almost impossible after 6 am.
Camelback Mountain is located south of McDonald Drive, east of 44th Street, north of Camelback Road, and west of Invergordon Road. It has to trailheads. The most popular is at 4925 E McDonald Drive, and is called the Echo Canyon Trailhead. The Cholla Trailhead is at 5150 N Invergordon Road. The Phoenician Resort lies to the south of the Cholla trailhead. A great map of Camelback Mountain is at the City of Phoenix website.
Camelback got its name because the summit is shaped like the back of a dromedary (one-hump) camel. The false summit looks like the head of the kneeling camel.
Camelback Mountain is 2,704 feet at its summit. That doesn't sound too high, but it is a very steep ascent. In some sections on the Echo Canyon side, you have to hold onto a guide rail to hoist yourself up the trail. On the Cholla side, the drop from the trail is very steep, so you must watch your step. People have fallen and died as a result.
Hiking Camelback Mountain can take anywhere from two to three hours depending on your fitness level. Its important to start early, both to get a parking space and to avoid the midday sun. Pace yourself, and bring plenty of water and snacks. You'll also need good hiking boots, and hat, and possibly even hiking gloves. (Source: Camelback Mountain.)
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