Hiking Camelback Mountain: What You Need to Know

Upon researching things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona, you most likely came across Camelback Mountain, a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike. Even though I’m not a frequent hiker, I would consider it a crime to travel to Arizona without exploring at least one trail. Camelback Mountain is home to two of Scottsdale’s most visited trails, and for good reason. Read below to discover what you need to know before going to Camelback Mountain.

Camelback Mountain Trail Options

When deciding to hike Camelback Mountain, you have two options. Cholla Trail is known to be the easier of the two, though it does still have its difficult sections. I was hoping to go on this trail, but it was unfortunately closed while I was visiting. This forced us to make a slight change of plans and instead go on the Echo Canyon trail, which is known to be extremely difficult. In fact, when we first approached the trail, we were told we could not enter due to a search and rescue going on. This obviously is not something you want to hear when you’re about to begin a trail, but we decided to return later to hike it anyway.

While Echo Canyon is known for being extremely difficult, it was definitely doable for someone of the average fitness level like me. There are some steep areas where you will have to hold onto railings and rocks, so just take it slow when you get to these areas. Many injuries and deaths on trails are due to people going off-trail or not using common sense. As long as you pay attention to your surroundings and don’t try to be a daredevil, the chances are that you will make it out just fine. No matter what fitness level you are at, it is best not to overestimate your abilities.

What to Wear to Hike Camelback Mountain

As you would guess, hiking in the desert heat calls for a light outfit. Consider investing in some biker shorts or other athletic shorts, paired with a sports bra (for the ladies) or lightweight tank top. The most important piece of gear you can wear is your pair of shoes. Since I am not a frequent hiker, I did not invest in the proper footwear. I simply wore a basic pair of sneakers I had in my closet. These worked out okay, but they do not have much tread on them. Because of this, I felt a bit uneasy at steep parts of the trail, especially when hiking downhill. To be as safe as possible, it is recommended to wear hiking boots throughout the trail. If you wear these shoes, you’ll feel more comfortable as you approach steep areas of the trail.

One of my new favorite pieces of travel activewear that I wish I had invested in prior to this trip is my pair of Freeflex™ Roll-Up Pants from KÜHL. This brand provides high-quality clothing optimized for the free-roaming traveler. From hiking pants to travel shorts to rain jackets, there are a wide variety of options for those wanting a brand focused on sustainability and comfort. Upon receiving these pants in the mail, I knew they would become a staple piece of my travel wardrobe and would become quite familiar with my suitcase.

With the lightweight fabric and water-repellant material, these pants are ideal for the adventurous soul wanting to hike comfortably through backwoods scenery or past a massive waterfall. KÜHL is a brand built for mountaineers and outdoorsy individuals. Whether you’re hiking Camelback Mountain or mountain climbing in the Rockies, you can’t go wrong with a product purchased from KÜHL.

What to Bring When Hiking Camelback Mountain

The most important thing you should take with you during your hike is water and not just a tiny plastic water bottle. In the desert heat, you will find yourself chugging water at an excessive rate, resulting in you running out of your supply faster than anticipated. Bring the largest water bottle you own on this trail so that you don’t find yourself in this position. Even though I thought I had brought a substantial amount, I still found myself out of my water about halfway through the trail. Depending on the amount you had to eat prior to hiking, you might also want to consider bringing some small snacks to energize you throughout the journey.

Because of how much you’ll have to use your hands throughout certain points of the trail, I recommend bringing a small backpack for hiking Camelback Mountain. I personally did not bring any bag since my leggings had a pocket for my phone. But my mom had a backpack I kept my water in throughout the hike. You don’t want to have to worry about carrying minuscule items on the trail, so a small, lightweight backpack is your best bet.

Should an emergency happen, it is also wise to have your phone on you. Though there will most likely be other hikers near you for the entirety of the trail, it is always best to have extra comfort in knowing you can call for help if needed. You’ll most likely want to take photos on your phone throughout the hike as well; just be careful not to stand too close to any edges while doing so.

Between the hundreds of thousands of individuals who visit Camelback Mountain each year, there are rarely any fatalities. However, there are quite a bit of injuries recorded throughout each year. Following the tips above will be a huge help in avoiding such injuries or effects from dehydration. Overall, the trail is best known for its stunning views of Scottsdale and Phoenix, as well as the beautiful cacti you’ll pass throughout the mountain. Even though I’m not the biggest fan of heights while hiking, I feel extremely blessed to have been able to hike this trail. I wish you safety and good vibes as you get ready to experience Camelback Mountain for yourself!