Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Summit Trail

The trail to the summit begins adjacent to the restroom at Echo Canyon Recreation Area. The lower section of the trail to the first saddle was rebuilt and rerouted in 2013 to eliminate dangerously eroded areas. The new lower route is more resistant to erosion and avoids the use of artificial steps, which are prone to erosion. The new rerouted lower trail section added .125 (1/8) of a mile to the total trail distance. Past the first saddle, the trail heads south and two sets of handrails are available to assist while scrambling up some slick rock sections. Another saddle is reached at the end of the second handrail with commanding views looking south toward South Mountain. The remaining section of the trail to the summit is characterized by several steep, boulder filled sections of the path and a few trail posts guiding the way to the summit. Despite a recent expansion, parking for this trail may continue to be difficult to find, especially during peak times and season. If you have limited time, please consider another trail. This trail also ascends rapidly in a relatively short distance. Please view the hiking map for the specific location of the trailhead.