Echo Canyon Park (Camelback Mountain)050

Camelback Mountain, located in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area, is a prominent Valley landmark. The image of a camel in repose is familiar to many first-time visitors, thanks to travel magazines and scenic postcards. That well-photographed hump draws thousands of hikers to the 2,704-foot sheer red sandstone cliffs each year. While some of the easier trails offer exploration opportunities for all around the mountain's base, families should be aware that the summit trails are strenuous climbs and should be reserved for experienced hikers. Should you and your older children fit that description, the views at the top are unparalleled and well worth the effort. The popular Echo Canyon summit trail is 1.2 miles each way. Arrive very early to find a parking spot - parking is limited and can be almost impossible to find on the weekends. Drinking water, an information board, and a small picnic area are at the trailhead entrance. The first portion of the hike is not that difficult and leads to a saddle area by the Praying Monk, an easily recognizable rock formation. This area is a good stopping point for families with younger children and affords terrific views across Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. The remaining portion of the hike is quite steep - perfect for hikers training for a trek into the Grand Canyon. The summit is at the camel's "head" and comprises the Echo Canyon Recreation Area. The entire Valley can be seen from this vantage point - the highest in Phoenix. The Cholla summit trail is 1.5 miles in length and is accessed on the mountain's east side. It is a somewhat more gradual ascent than the Echo Canyon trail, but is still a difficult climb with steep drop-offs at many points. Hikers must park on Invergordon Street (limited spaces) and walk up to the trailhead; dropping off hikers at the trailhead entrance is prohibited. The Cholla Trail is open Oct-Apr 7am-5:30pm and May-Sep 5:30am-7:30pm. Families hiking in Arizona must remember to slather on the sunscreen and bring plenty of water. Once on the trail, stay on the trail - and respect the desert terrain around you. Enjoy the native plants and wildlife, but give cactus needles and rattlesnakes a wide berth.