Camelback Mountain Hike - Cholla Trail

3.1 miles - Hard Effort
2:30 Hours (Total)
1,540 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 2,707 feet
No Dogs Allowed

The Camelback Mountain hike is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix. Camelback Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown and can be seen all over the area, rising to 2,707 feet. It's a popular spot for hikers, rock climbers, and tourists, so make sure you do the hike as early as possible, with sunrise being the sweet spot. There are a few ways to hike Camelback Mountain, and this guide takes the easier, less trafficked, and more scenic Cholla Trail. It's still a tough hike, but the Cholla Trail is a nicer way to hike Camelback Mountain, which is a must-do Phoenix hike.

In this Guide:

Turn by Turn Hike Directions
Camelback Mountain Hike Trail Maps
How to Get to the Camelback Mountain Hike
When to Hike Camelback Mountain

Quick Links:
Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

About 450,000 people a year hike Camelback Mountain, and it can feel like all of them are with you on the trail if you leave at the wrong time. It's not only important to leave early to beat the crowds, but also to beat the heat. You're in the middle of the desert, and if the temperatures are high, the heat can be serious.

There are about 200 search and rescue efforts in Phoenix, with the majority of those happening at Camelback Mountain. That's about one rescue every other day, which is pretty crazy. The two main reasons why hikers get in trouble is the heat, and from going off trail (intentionally or unintentionally). While this is a popular hike, it's also a tough hike that requires you to be prepared and smart. Read this guide, follow the advice, and you should have a great time hiking Camelback Mountain.

The Cholla trail has been undergoing some maintenance and may not be open. Click the "alerts & closures" link above to confirm. If the trail has reopened, please drop me a line and let me know.

Where is the Camelback Mountain Hike?

Use this trailhead to get to the parking area: 5191 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ, 85253, USA.

Parking is free in a residential neighborhood. Don't park on Cholla Lane or you'll be towed.

Camelback Mountain Hike parking — Park on Invergordon Road. It’s street parking and it’s free.

Cholla Trail sign — Signs on the street lead you to Cholla Trail.

Walk to the corner of East Cholla Lane and Invergorden Road, this is where my hike mileage starts.

Another note, if you decide to take the other route up, Echo Canyon, the rangers are strict and aggressive about ticketing after official sunset in the trailhead lot. Do yourself a favor and just take the Cholla Trail (and park correctly).

Gear for the Hike

You can get away with workout clothes on this hike, and most people do. What's imperative is bringing enough water and sun protection. Bring at least 1L of water. I brought 2L.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Camelback Mountain Trail Maps

Just a note on the trail. The last half a mile of the Camelback Mountain hike involves a rock scramble. I've seen kids, senior citizens, and dogs all do the rock scramble, but if you're not comfortable with it, it may not be for you.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Camelback Mountain Hike 3d map — The Cholla Trail is a little longer but takes the gradual ridge line up to the Camelback Mountain summit.

Camelback Mountain Hike elevation — The hike to Camelback Mountain on the Cholla Trail is all uphill, but has a gentler slope than other options. Pace yourself and bring more water than you think you need.

Camelback Mountain Hike Directions

Note: Hike milage references start from the intersection of Invergordon Road & Cholla Lane.

Hike up beautiful East Cholla Lane. Some of the homes here are valued in the millions.

At about 0.3 miles on the left, you’ll see the Cholla Trail trailhead. Notice all the warning signs. Be prepared and take it seriously.

water on cholla trail — Sometimes rangers leave cases of bottled water here for the folks who are unprepared.

Look for the blue Cholla Trail makers and hike your way up the well worn trail.

Camelback Mountain Hike views — As you hike up, you’ll immediately have nice views.

Camelback Mountain Hike rock stairs — The trail is well marked and climbs up rock stairs for a while

Camelback Mountain Hike signs — Blue blaze signs mark the Cholla Trail and yellow signs warn of fragile and dangerous areas.

Camelback Mountain Hike left turn — At about 0.5 miles, hike to the left along the trail.

Keep following the blue blaze Cholla Trail signs.

desert quail — Keep your eyes open for lizard, hawks, falcons and quail.

Camelback Mountain Hike crosses rocks — Occasionally the trail goes over rocks. Usually there's a sign marking where the trail crosses them.

Camelback Mountain Hike trail — At around 1 mile, the hike turns toward the saddle of Camelback Mountain and gently climbs up.

Camelback Mountain saddle — At about 1.2 miles, the gradual climb ends at the saddle of the mountain. This is the middle of “the hump” of Camelback Mountain. Make the right to hike up to the summit.

people climbing on camelback mountain — The saddle has great views. On this day, someone was climbing along the cliff at the saddle. DON’T DO THIS. This is why people get hurt and die on Camelback Mountain.

Camelback Mountain hikers — This section of the hike goes up the ridge of the mountain. The trail is rocky and not a dirt path. If you want to know which way to head, look for other hikers going up and down.

Camelback Mountain Hike trail markers — This is where the rock scramble begins. The small blue signs are now mixed in with yellow blazes and reflectors on the rocks. Follow them up. There is no rhyme or reason to which marker is used when. You’ll also see the brown and yellow signs occasionally.

Camelback Mountain Hike rock scramble — You will have to use your hands to pull yourself up some sections of the hike. You can do it, just take your time and stay away from the edges of the ridge.

Camelback Mountain Hike sign — When you see trail signs, you know you’re hiking in the right place.

You’ll also see a mix of trail markers, including blue and yellow paint blazes.

Camelback Mountain Hiker — If you loose the trail, you can wait to look for hikers coming down for a clue as to which way to go.

Camelback Mountain Hike side trails — In general, you want to hike towards the middle of the ridge. There are side trails that dead end. Just turn around and hike back.

Camelback Mountain Hike — Be prepared to pull yourself up some sections.

A post with the blue Cholla Trail marker tells you that you’re almost at the Camelback Mountain summit.

Don't forget to get a shot with the Cholla Trail summit marker.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.