The view is always worth the climb.
While I was in Arizona I hiked up Camelback Mountain with my family and it felt SO good to reach the top! I hiked so comfortably in my Somnium Racerback Tank and Somnium Allure Shorts. They both breathe so well, and are the perfect athletic material to keep me from being drenched in sweat! Also, it’s so tough to find shorts that are the perfect length, and these are spot on. They aren’t too short (the worst situation for hiking), yet you’re also not drowning in them. I’d consider them to be the length of soccer shorts!
We chose to hike up Echo Canyon and the go down Cholla Trail so we could get a feel for both hikes. The only thing these two trails have in common is the view from the top! Since they’re so different, I’m splitting this post into two sections so I can go into detail about each. You ready to climb? Let’s do this!
Echo Canyon
Difficulty: Extreme
Distance: 1.33 Miles to the top
If you’re heading here in April, you’re going to want to either park in a nearby parking lot and uber over (this is what we did) or be prepared to wait in line for parking! This is the busiest time of year to hike these trails, as the weather is typically around 75 degrees. SO gorgeous!
This trail is a true challenge. The incline is wild. You’ll hike for 10 minutes and look up and already have an unbelievable view! For reference, Camelback Mountain is higher than the Empire State Building, and fit climbers can reach the top in 30 minutes. Talk about a steep incline!
The first half is a steep trail. You won’t need ropes or harnesses, yet some parts include a fence and a railing to help you make it up! Then you’ll reach the rocks. You make your own trails within this rock climb, and it goes on for a while. Right when you think you’re almost to the top, you’ll turn a corner and have another hill of rocks to climb. You’ll be using your hands a lot during this hike, so leave your nice hand jewelry at home!
Cholla Trail
Difficulty: Moderate – Extreme
Distance: 1.5 Miles to the top
We chose to go down Cholla because it’s an easier climb than Echo Canyon. The scariest moments, however, were definitely on this trail! Near the top of the mountain, Cholla trail starts going over the Camel’s hump and you’re walking on the tip of the hill which has a steep drop off on both sides. It was fun and adventurous, yet there were some points that made me nervous! Definitely go slow, use your hands and pay attention! After you get over the rocky part, you’re good to go. The trail turns into your typical dirt trail with twists and turns and beautiful views along the way!
If you’re hiking up the Cholla Trail, you’ll need to uber or walk from nearby parking lots! There is no parking at this trail head!
Tips
- Wear hiking shoes with good grips. These aren’t your typical trails!
- Bathrooms are only located at the Echo Canyon Trailhead, not Cholla!
- Wear Sunscreen – That AZ sun is no joke!
- Bring water! I wore a camelbak and had the perfect amount of water.
- Bring a snack! When you reach the top there’s nothing more relaxing then sitting on a rock and enjoying the view while munching on an apple, granola bar, etc.
- Although the trails may be crowded, don’t be afraid to take breaks to rest. Go at your own pace!
- Be safe. There are some scary points (specifically on Cholla) where you really need to take your time and pay attention!
Thanks for adventuring with me, friends!
xx – Bec
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