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The Camelback Mountain hike in Phoenix, Arizona is one of the more popular hikes in the Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley area. The hike is a great way to spend part of Christmas day as we recently found out. Normally I’m in the kitchen cooking on Christmas but the year we did this, things were different. We were meeting my father and step-mother at the atmospheric Lons in the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley for a 4 PM Christmas dinner. And we had nothing to do.
There were no presents to open and breakfast was finished by 10 AM – a very abnormal Christmas for all of us. So we decided to do the Camelback Mountain hike. Apparently though, we weren’t the only ones not cooking that day. It felt like the whole world had descended on the mountain. It was especially noticeable as we had to park about a mile away from the trailhead.
Beware of bees at the Camelback trailhead
The first sign that greeted us at the Camelback Mountain hike trailhead is the one you see below.
The bees have been a real problem in the past, though I saw only a few on the day we hiked. Back in October 2012 a man was swarmed by bees and fell 150 feet to his death. Two others sustained 300 bee stings each – so the bees are to be taken seriously.
Camelback Mountain hike from the Cholla Trailhead
It’s a steep hike on the Cholla Trail for the majority of the distance up Camelback Mountain – especially once you get past the helipad. Because of the huge number of hikers we were forced to slow down – sometimes because the people in front were quite obviously clueless about all the people they were holding up.
At times the Camelback Mountain hike was an exercise in patience – which is not my forte.
The Camelback Mountain hike is tough even though it’s popular
Despite the sheer number of people and dogs when we did it, this is one great hike. You do feel like you get a workout and the views of Scottsdale and Phoenix are superb on the Camelback Mountain hike. But don’t underestimate the difficulty.
Hikers consistently get into trouble on this hike – primarily because of the heat and ending up off trail. There are plenty of falls too – and probably the reason for the heli-pad part way up the mountain. We did see someone getting lifted off.
Be really smart about foot placement, staying on route and taking sunscreen , a sunhat and lots of water. Get an early start to beat the heat.
Surprise on the summit of Camelback Mountain
When we arrived at the summit of Camelback Mountain – after perhaps 45 minutes – we were in for a real treat – truly one of the highlights of our visit to Scottsdale.
Santa and a fully decorated tree were there – handing out candy canes to the good people – and lumps of coal to the bad ones. Most guys got coal. Then Santa posed for photos. He told me he brought 700 candy canes to the summit and this was the first year he’d done it.
Santa, you made our day. It finally felt like Christmas on the summit of Camelback Mountain.
If you haven’t done the Camelback Mountain hike, do it. Take lots of water, wear sturdy shoes and don’t wear black unless you love the heat.
Take your time as the footing can be tricky. One woman was being airlifted off the mountain when we were there because of a head injury – but still that shouldn’t stop you. Accidents happen and most can be prevented. If you are unsure of hiking on the steeper sections, then hike at least as far as the helipad. You won’t regret it.
Camelback hike summary
Distance: 1.6 miles one way if you start at the Cholla Trailhead
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,540 feet.
Steeper option: Echo Canyon – 1.2 miles long one way.
Time needed: About 1.5 – 2 hours return
Parking: Invergordon Street – where permitted for the Cholla Trailhead.
Trailhead for the Camelback Mountain hike: 5191 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley
Fees: None for the Camelback Mountain hike.
Dogs: Not allowed.
Good to know: Start super early in the warm months as this would be one hot trail. Take lots of water and sturdy footwear.
Be patient: Approximately 450,000 people a year hike this mountain so it can be hard to beat the crowds.
For more information visit the Phoenix Parks website.
Further reading related to travel and hiking in Arizona
- Hiking Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, Arizona
- The Apache Trail: Arizona’s Most Scenic Drive
- 7 Fun Outdoor Things to Do in Mesa, Arizona
- The Aravaipa Canyon Hike in Arizona
- Discover the Beauty of Petrified Forest National Park
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