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Camelback Mountain
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,062 Google reviews · Running trail in Paradise Valley, Arizona · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Camelback Mountain's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rocky hiking destination with two major trails featuring steep elevation gains & sweeping views.
What runners say about Camelback Mountain
“Views are beautiful and trail is really fun and unique if you’re a hiker and adventurous.”
“We saw people of all ages doing the hike , though before the top it’s a bit tricky.”
Camelback Mountain is one of my favorite hikes in Arizona and a must do every time I make it to Phoenix. I always hike it at sunrise and well before the sun comes up due to the heat! I cannot express how hot it gets up there once the sun comes up so starting early with tons of water is a must!
A very technically challenging trail with majority of the hike I would consider rock scrambling. The views are stunning and well worth the effort. Allow yourself 2-3 hours to complete. I’d suggest hiking up echo canyon trail and down the cholla trail. Cholla trail is less rocky and more enjoyable to hike down.
I know this hike is very touristy and busy, but I have loved it every single time I've climbed it. There are a lot of scrambling areas, which makes it really fun. Hiking boots are so much easier than tennis shoes because she's tend to slip, although people wear all different shoes and make it up just fine.
Incredibly fun trail with a super rewarding breathtaking view of the Phoenix area at the finish line. Kid and pet friendly trail but for the love of God, where some damn shoes that protect your feet, not sandals 🤦🏿♂️ The trail is very rocky and slippery in certain areas. I highly recommend hiking sticks.
Trail conditions & character
“Incredibly fun trail with a super rewarding breathtaking view of the Phoenix area at the finish line.”
“Cholla trail is pretty easy until the last 3-400 feet where it becomes challenging and steep in areas.”
“Parking can be tight at times but with the heat on the rise, we're finding ourselves alone atop the summit on weekday sunset nights.”
“Kid and pet friendly trail but for the love of God, where some damn shoes that protect your feet, not sandals 🤦🏿♂️ The trail is very rocky and slippery in certain areas.”
“But if you only do the first 5 mile posts, it’s moderate.”
Plan your run at Camelback Mountain
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Phone(602) 534-5867
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Paradise Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Echo Canyon Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,966 reviews
Sizable park housing Camelback Mountain & its 3 hiking trails, free parking & recreation area.
Camelback Hike
4.8 ★★★★★ 262 reviews
Popular mountain hike featuring challenging terrain and scenic vistas, including city panoramas.
Echo Canyon Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 2,830 reviews
Trailhead featuring a parking lot, restrooms & the start of a trail leading up Camelback Mountain.
Jackrabbit Miller Canal Bridge
4.6 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Old Crosscut Canal
4.5 ★★★★★ 163 reviews
Canal-side trail for walking, running and cycling plus a scenic urban greenbelt.