Camelback Mountain

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday season! Enjoy the view!

I hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the kids of St. Jude!

"Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery. There are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair."

Words to think about on your journey to the top.

Hiking Camelback is medicine for the soul.

All are welcome!

NOW: The view looking east down Stanford Drive from 40th Street shows the camel’s head directly ahead (it looks a lot more ragged up close than from a distance) and the Praying Monk formation on the upper-left side. The monk, legend has it, is praying because his camel has died.

THEN: In 1879, the federal government declared the area around Camelback Mountain an Indian reservation. Less than a year later, after protests by Phoenix residents, it reverted to local control. Soon after, construction of the Arizona Canal began south of the mountain. By the 1960s, most of the land was in private hands and homes were being built onto the mountainside. A land exchange in 1968 prevented further development on the slopes. (Courtesy of the Arizona Historical Society)

It's good to have this beauty open to the public again.

Photos highlighting some of the improvements that were made to the Echo Canyon Trailhead. Arizona's most popular trail just got better!

It feels nice to be back. I've missed my friend the Echo Trail. What does everyone think of the new improvements?

Rumor on the street is Echo Canyon will be open on January 15th!!!

Updated Construction photos. Echo Canyon will be open soon enough!!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good hike!

Not sure if you got a chance to hike Camelback this morning, but it was a beautiful day to do so!

Q&A With PHX Parks & Rec Lead Staff Member Chris Ewell on Camelback Mountain Improvements

A great Q&A with more info about the new Echo Canyon Trailhead.

Q&A With PHX Parks & Rec Lead Staff Member Chris Ewell on Camelback Mountain Improvements As you may have heard, the Echo Canyon Trailhead on Camelback Mountain, and the Summit Trail that leads from there to the top of Camelback, are closed this summer for trailhead improvements. We s...

Some info for those who are curious as to what improvements are being made to the Echo Canyon Trailhead. Very exciting things!

The improvement project, viewable in this trailhead design illustration, will:

-Improve pedestrian safety through the addition of walkways throughout the parking area, providing a safety buffer for hikers approaching the area on foot, who in the old design had to approach on the roadway.

-Improve vehicle and pedestrian safety at the park entrance through the addition of a roundabout at the park entrance. The roundabout will control vehicle speeds at the park entrance, making it safer for hikers crossing over to the trailhead and for vehicles entering the lot.

-Renovate, rebuild and reroute the summit trail to improve footing, eliminate erosion-prone areas and increase long-term sustainability for the mountain.

-Increase the size of the parking area to 132 spaces from the 68 previously.

-Improve traffic flow and reduce traffic through the creation of separate entrances for the trailhead and the neighboring residential area.

-Add a permanent restroom.

Panoramic view looking toward the south. On the far right you can see Piestewa Peak. In the center, you can see Sky Harbor Airport off in the distance. In between those is the Downtown Phoenix Skyline. On the left is Old Town Scottsdale, and at the far left edge of the photo is Talking Stick Resort.

Echo Canyon Trail

Camelback Sunsets

The Praying Monk is a red sandstone rock formation which is used for rock climbing. Located on the northern slope, the formation resembles the silhouette of a man kneeling in prayer. It rises approximately 100 feet (30 m) and the eastern face has several permanent anchor bolts for attaching a belay rope.

Some of the creatures you might encounter on your hike.

Camelback Mountain

A view from the top, looking down the Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain.

Happy 4th of July!! Our thoughts go out to all those past, present, and future who have made this day possible, and will continue to protect our liberty for years to come.

Over 600 likes! I know there are more fans of this beautiful creation, so don't forget to share this page with your friends.

Camelback Aerial Views

With each day that passes, we are one more day closer to the re-opening of the Echo Canyon Trailhead. A glorious day it shall be.

What makes Camelback so special for you? It is the most recognizable landmark in the entire valley. A must see tourist attraction. But what makes it special for you?

Summer is around the corner. Get your hikes in before it gets too hot!

Did anyone find the Easter eggs hidden along the trail? Keep your eyes open.

Hopefully people are still enjoying the Cholla Trail while the Echo Canyon parking lot is closed.

Our journey to the top is full of surprises, which await us around every turn.

Late night adventures on the trail...lights of the city brighten the night sky. Glowing even as most are fast asleep.

What inspires you each time you start out on the trail to the top?