Echo Canyon - Phoenix, Arizona
Hiking Safety-Planning- Surviving Camelback Mountain to 1/2 Mile

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Dogs & Things to Take

Only recently were dogs allowed back on the Echo Canyon trail. Keep them on a leash and pick up their poop. Take a soft bowl and extra water, so they can stay hydrated. Dogs have had seizures and died when their owners didn't take care of them. Certain breeds are less adaptable to the terrain and none should be taken on the mountain when temperatures exceed 85. The two dogs shown at the 3/8 mile mark were both on leashes, were well watered and seemed very happy to be hiking with their owners.

Things to take on your hike include a hat to shield your head, sunglasses, small first aid kit, cell phone for emergencies, although they don't work very well in some areas. If you are hiking in the afternoon, you should take a small flashlight and or glow sticks, you can pick them up at Home Depot for a buck. Sun screen should be used all year. If you are bringing kids, cover them up with sun screen, hats, and socks on their feet and hands and long sleeves for (babies being carried.) I have seen sun burnt babies and it's not pretty. Child protection laws apply to unprotected kids in Phoenix.

Carrying Water & Gatorade

If you go up in a group, make everyone carry their own water, especially little kids. Small bottles fit in pockets easily. Many kids and party members get separated and the person lagging behind usually has the water. If you are coming from a hotel, grab several bottles, even leaving a few in the car for after your hike.

If you have Gatorade, consume some before you start your hike and take a bottle with you if possible. It can be quite helpful in the event of dehydration.

For a really safe hike, visit REI or or sporting goods store prior to your hike and pick up a water backpack, or belt that holds a couple of bottles and other hiking safety supplies. Please carry out your empties.

Parking at Echo Canyon

Planning your hike to Camelback Mountain includes some patience. Local rules prevail and you will probably wait in line for the limited amount of parking spaces, about 5 minutes per car in front of you. If you see a parking space along Echo Canyon road, take it and walk up the hill. Line cutters will be dealt with by locals. Take the time to stretch, put your boots on or read the paper.

Camelback Trail Head Facilities

There is a shaded bench area if you or someone in your party decides not to go up along with a few portable toilets. There are NO other facilities on the Camelback Mountain trails. There is running water, but don't go up without a water bottle.

Sunset View Trail 1/4 Mile

If you get a late start and want a good view of Phoenix, the Sunset View Trail is reachable in 30 minutes for most and has good footing. There are over 1/8 mile of  railroad tie lined steps, transitioning to a gravel and cinder trail ending on embedded,  rough rock faces for good gripping with most shoes and boots. Step on the ties and embedded rocks for best footage. Avoid flat smooth rocks and gravel when possible. Stay on the right side of the trail where possible, keeping your kids close by. This is important to let runners and other groups moving more quickly to safely pass you.

Beware of Runners

There are regular runners, going up and down the trail. These local, daily runners, move very fast and you should give them room. Failure to yield the right of way can be dangerous to you, your kids and runners.

Echo Canyon Sunset View

Approaching the quarter mile mark and Sunset View the trail turns to imbedded rock. Once you reach the top there are views of the McDowell Mountains, Seven Peaks, Paradise Valley and North Central Phoenix.

3/8 Mile Trail & Rail Ascent

The back side trail descends slightly along a gravel trail for an 1/8th of mile before ascending briefly along

the way on more railroad tie steps and then ascends steeply along a rough rock incline with an imbedded rail. If you are afraid of heights, overweight or out of shape or don't have proper shoes, this should be the end of your trip. If you have little kids, this also becomes difficult to get yourself and children up and down. Getting up is easier, I have seen people freeze when they have to get down.

Light Headed, Goose Bumps?

It is important that if you or any of your party starts to feel light headed or  starts getting goose bumps,  you should rest for several minutes and reconsider continuing. Light headedness is the first sign of dehydration and you need to pay attention. Consume fluids and catch your breath. Let others in your party know and don't feel pressured to go on. If you brought Gatorade, consume as much as you can. Get help if your lightheadedness or headache persists.

On to the 2nd Rail

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Camelback Hiking

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