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Echo Canyon Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 2,830 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Echo Canyon Trailhead'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.
Trailhead featuring a parking lot, restrooms & the start of a trail leading up Camelback Mountain.
What runners say about Echo Canyon Trailhead
“The scenery was absolutely stunning, with incredible views of the surrounding desert and city that made every step worth it.”
“That said, this is not an easy hike.”
What a great hike! I would say it’s more Climbing than Hiking. So if you like climbing up rocks, this is for you. I loved it. Very tiring but very rewarding I would say average time is 2-3 hours It took me 60 min up, 12 min hanging out at the top and then 45 min back down.
I've done this trail twice now, once 20 years ago and once Christmas eve 2025. This is by far one of my favorite trails. It tests you the entire way but the challenge is worth it. Go early and bring lots of water. Stay away in the summer months!
Pulling into the Echo Canyon Trailhead lot at Camelback Mountain, you immediately feel the high-stakes energy of one of Arizona’s most iconic and intense urban hikes.
Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain absolutely humbled me. It’s basically nature’s version of a StairMaster set to “revenge.” Between the steep incline and the rock scrambling, you’ll question your life choices at least three times on the way up. That being said… it’s SO worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“Standing at the top with a 360-degree view of the Valley, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, you get a 10/10 sense of accomplishment that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city.”
“Pulling into the Echo Canyon Trailhead lot at Camelback Mountain, you immediately feel the high-stakes energy of one of Arizona’s most iconic and intense urban hikes.”
“Several sections were quite challenging, with steep inclines, uneven terrain, and some rock scrambling that required careful footing.”
“The hike up Camelback Mountain is steep, rocky, and relentless, especially in the final stretch.”
Plan your run at Echo Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–8 pm |
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 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.
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.
