Hiking Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon Trail in Phoenix
January 25th, 2014
Some hikes have a reputation and live up to it.
Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon Trail is one of them.
At only about 2.5 miles round trip, it sounds short but don’t fall for it.
Almost every step is uphill, gaining around 1,260 feet in just over a mile before reaching the summit. The trail wastes no time letting you know why it's considered one of Phoenix's most difficult hikes.
I hiked Echo Canyon in January, beginning around 11:00 in the morning. It took me around three hours round trip, giving me plenty of time to dilly dally for photos, catch my breath, and swoon over the views spanning across the Valley.
Unlike Camelback's Cholla Trail, Echo Canyon feels more like an obstacle course than a hike.
Seriously.
There is no easing you into it, after a short walk from the trailhead and around the Praying Monk, the incline gets real.
One of the first major obstacles is the famous handrail section.
The smooth ancient granite is so steep that most hikers grab the railing while working their way upward. The angle is much steeper than photographs usually make it appear.
Beyond the railing, the trail becomes an endless series of rock scrambles.
There’s no dirt path at this point, you're literally climbing over boulders. The granite feels rough and grippy but taking mindful steps and using your hands is still a must.
One section reminded me more of climbing through a dry boulder-filled wash than hiking trail.
One sign near the trailhead offers a comparison that puts the climb into perspective.
The views were inspiring enough to keep me going. The higher I climbed, the more the Valley opened up in every direction.
From the summit, metro Phoenix spans the horizon, with various Sonoran Desert mountain ranges looking dreamy in the distant haze. Piestewa Peak stands out among them, another iconic Phoenix summit that I highly recommend hiking.
The descent deserves just as many props as the climb.
Those same smooth granite slabs and boulders that challenge you going up become even more demanding on the way back down. It’s steep and rocky, and man do your legs really feel it. I found it best to face inward while descending the steepest sections.
If you're looking for a stroll, this isn't it. This hike is short mileage-wise but not on elevation.
But if you want to earn every inch of your summit view, Echo Canyon will deliver.
✦ If You Go ✦
Location: Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona
Trail Length: 2.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,264 feet
Time: About 2-3 hours
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Dog Friendly: No
Best Time to Hike: Fall through spring
Features: Granite scrambling, handrail section, panoramic Valley views
⬗ Bring plenty of water. Echo Canyon is steep from the start and offers very little shade.
⬗ Wear shoes with good traction. Much of the trail consists of granite slabs and boulder scrambling.
⬗ Expect to use your hands. The famous handrail is only one part of the climb. Several sections require scrambling over rocks.
