Standing guard over the city like a giant sleeping camel, Camelback Mountain is the most beloved landmark in all of Phoenix — and it’s completely free to climb!
Rising 2,704 feet above the desert floor, this mountain is the centerpiece of Camelback Mountain Recreation Area, one of the Valley’s most popular city parks. Two trailheads — Echo Canyon and Cholla — offer very different routes up: Echo Canyon is steeper and bolder, while Cholla winds up the mountain’s shoulder with sweeping city views all the way. Along the way you’ll spot saguaro cacti, red rock formations, and maybe even a desert tortoise enjoying the sunshine.
It’s ideal for active families, sunrise chasers, and anyone who wants the classic Phoenix postcard view with their own two feet. Practical tip: go early in the morning (parking lots fill up fast!), bring more water than you think you’ll need, and wear real hiking shoes — the trail is rocky and challenging. The 360-degree view from the summit, stretching from downtown Phoenix to the far edges of the desert, is one of the happiest rewards in the city.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
