---
title: "Camelback Mountain — Echo Canyon Trail"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/a0fd7ddf-28cd-40bb-b524-12595bc40df3
source_url: "https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/camelback-mountain"
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/travel/stack/3ec69efd-c999-4f07-9fc6-8cf63bf90a3c
summary: "Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is one of the nation's top hiking destinations featuring two extremely difficult trails with steep elevation gains and unprotected terrain leading to a 2,704-foot summit. The area is protected since 1968 and hosts diverse lower Sonoran Desert wildlife and vegetation, with visitor restrictions including no dogs and limited parking."
tags: "hiking, camelback-mountain, phoenix, desert-trail, safety-guidelines, sonoran-desert, echo-canyon"
key_entities: "Camelback Mountain (location), Phoenix (location), Sonoran Desert (location), Echo Canyon Trail (location), Barry Goldwater (person), Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation (organization), Parks and Recreation Department (organization), Take a Hike. Do it Right (concept)"
classification: "reference"
content_hash: "sha256:1426de2a3b5790e436159954dd4610c34027d563f62c8dd7d36a7c59dfe858b6"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 1031
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# Camelback Mountain — Echo Canyon Trail

Trailheads Trail Map & Description Hours Sunrise to sunset Parking Restrictions Parking is limited at Camelback Mountain trailheads. Parking is not permitted along the majority of roadways near the trailheads. Vehicles parked in violation of posted signs will be towed at the owner's expense. Additionally, tickets will be issued to any visitors who idle their vehicle along the roadways near the trailheads. Animal Restrictions Dogs are prohibited on all Camelback Mountain trails year-round. Contact Gatehouse 602-534-5867 Natural Resources Office (Business Hours Only): 602-495-5458 Contact Natural Resource staff regarding resource management at desert preserves: 602-261-8318 Know Before You Go</h2>\r\n"}}" id="text-e35b44a790" class="cmp-text"> Know Before You Go Camelback Mountain gets its name from the unique silhouette it casts on the Valley skyline. It is considered one of the nation's top hiking destinations and attracts visitors from around the world. However, the two main trails that comprise the vast majority of hiking opportunities are rated Extremely Difficult; subjecting hikers to steep elevation gains, uneven terrain, and a path that is unprotected from the elements. Only experienced hikers, whom are following "Take a Hike. Do it ​Right" guidelines, during optimal weather conditions, should attempt to hike to the summit that sits 2,704 feet above sea level and provides exceptional views of the Valley. ​​ Review safety guidelines before your visit History and Area Information</h2>\r\n<p>Camelback Mountain saw increased encroachment from private development until the 1960s. The Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, led by Barry Goldwater, helped to ensure the area's protection in 1968. By that time much of the mountain was already surrounded by residential development which cut Camelback Mountain off from other natural spaces, thus limiting the number of large animals found in the area today.  However, Smaller animals including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels, a variety of birds and snakes (including venomous rattlesnakes) are regularly encountered. </p>\r\n<p>Plant species found at Camelback Mountain are typical of those found in the lower Sonoran Desert and are dominated by the cacti species such as the saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear. Tree species include palo verde, mesquite and ironwood, along with the ocotillo plant.</p>\r\n"}}" id="text-5f883f8e41" class="cmp-text"> History and Area Information Camelback Mountain saw increased encroachment from private development until the 1960s. The Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, led by Barry Goldwater, helped to ensure the area's protection in 1968. By that time much of the mountain was already surrounded by residential development which cut Camelback Mountain off from other natural spaces, thus limiting the number of large animals found in the area today. However, Smaller animals including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels, a variety of birds and snakes (including venomous rattlesnakes) are regularly encountered. Plant species found at Camelback Mountain are typical of those found in the lower Sonoran Desert and are dominated by the cacti species such as the saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear. Tree species include palo verde, mesquite and ironwood, along with the ocotillo plant. More to Explore Development and Improvement Projects The Parks and Recreation Department has regular projects to maintain, renovate, and improve our natural areas. Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program The Trail Heat Safety Program is designed to help outdoor enthusiasts navigate the Phoenix trail system while minimizing the risks of high heat conditions. Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs Hike with a park ranger, backpacking 101, family workshops, and more. Share: