Hike up Camelback mountain using the Cholla trail in Phoenix, Arizona
Camelback mountain is a popular hike, for good reason. The views from the top are spectacular and the hiking is fun. Recently (October 2022) the city of Phoenix revised and improved the start of this trail. The trailhead was moved out of the nearby neighborhood and restrooms/water were added. You still need to park along the west side of Invergordon road to get trailhead access, as there is no parking lot at the trailhead.
The Cholla Trail is less steep and a bit longer (3.5 miles round trip) than the Echo Canyon trail. From the trailhead, there are excellent views of the Phoenician resort as well as some of the finer houses and resorts surrounding the mountain. As you climb, views abound from right and left. The trail is well marked and easy to follow for the first 1.5 miles. The last 0.25 miles require some scrambling. Follow the blue reflectors reflectors on the rock to stay on the route. Enjoy the views from the top!
