Home › Arizona › Phoenix › Echo Canyon Recreation Area
Echo Canyon Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,966 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Echo Canyon Recreation Area'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.
Sizable park housing Camelback Mountain & its 3 hiking trails, free parking & recreation area.
What runners say about Echo Canyon Recreation Area
“However, it is well maintained and safe if you go with a friend and ensure you have the proper equipment.”
“The views were gorgeous and watching the raptors fly above and around you, as well as catching a few honey bees to observe on the wildflowers, was truly magnificent.”
What a fun and challenging hike! Very well maintained. This hike is very difficult and I saw many people who were not prepared. You really need lots of water and hiking shoes. You gain 1300 ft of elevation in just 1.3 miles to the top. Be very careful on the way back down, lots of people were slipping and tripping.
My, oh my! My love for adventure will never seize! This is the type of adventure that I love doing!!! The weather was at a perfect temperature when we started climbing but when we were coming back down, the sun became hotter. The climb is numbered from one to 36.
Absolutely an amazing hike! The views at the top were worth every step. This is a difficult trail, especially if you're not used to hiking in rocky terrain. Do not be fooled by the locals running up & down the mountain in tennis shoes; hiking boots or shoes with an aggressive tread are a must!
The park and trail were in great condition. Clean, easy to navigate, busy but not overcrowded. Quality grip boots would be ideal and it's all pretty steep and there is a bunch of boulder climbing, rock scrambling, loose rocks and shimmying to let someone pass if they're moving faster than you and vice versa.
Trail conditions & character
“The views were gorgeous and watching the raptors fly above and around you, as well as catching a few honey bees to observe on the wildflowers, was truly magnificent.”
“Hiking shoes will make a big difference here as the slope becomes quite steep as you progress higher l.”
“There is free parking but it is limited and seems to fill up fairly fast.”
Plan your run at Echo Canyon Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Phone+1 602-261-8318
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Phoenix
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 Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 2,830 reviews
Trailhead featuring a parking lot, restrooms & the start of a trail leading up Camelback Mountain.
Camelback Hike
4.8 ★★★★★ 262 reviews
Popular mountain hike featuring challenging terrain and scenic vistas, including city panoramas.
Camelback Mountain
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,062 reviews
Rocky hiking destination with two major trails featuring steep elevation gains & sweeping views.
Quartz Ridge Trailhead (#8A) Phoenix Mountain Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 141 reviews
Peak with scenic trails popular for hiking.
