Camelback Mountain-Echo
Canyon-Scottsdale, Arizona
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1/2 Mile Trail, Hug the Fence
5/8 Mile Ascent, to Echo Canyon
Lower Echo TrailOnce you have completed the
second rail, the trail continues briefly right and left on level cinder
and gravel before ascending up lower Echo Canyon.
Don't be tempted to climb the flat, red rock face. It is steep and doesn't transition well back to the trail.
Going up lower
Echo Canyon is not difficult and offers more good views. |
Saddle to 3/4 MileOnce you have completed the climb to the top of Little Echo Canyon, you have completed over half the climb, but the best and worst is yet to come. At the top of
Echo is another great view site overlooking downtown Phoenix and some
luxury homes below. Turn left and
follow the trail which is both gravel and hard imbedded rock with varying
levels. Watch the loose gravel and try to step on the hard rock, this is a
common place to slip and fall. As you head up to the 3/4 mile mark, you
will see a recently lightning hit Saguaro cactus. Continue past the
cactus and and turn left at the marker. You will notice a 10' rise along
On to upper Echo CanyonOnce you complete your hike to 3/4 mile, stop and look to your left. If you want to check out the cave, it is a short walk to the left. Footing is good and the cave is not usually seen by most hikers.
From the 3/4 mark, the trail turns right and heads up to the greater part of the canyon. The ascent starts to rise and the next 1/4 mile is the longest and toughest stretch. Follow the trails and there are a few going up the canyon, just stay away from the yellow closed trail marks.
Trail Splits up Echo Canyon
As you start up the canyon there are two trails side by side. The one directly ahead is steep, try and take the trail to the left, pictured above. The trail is recognizable by its 45 degree face and is next to the gravel trail; it offers a gradual incline to the next level.
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Closed Trail Marker near 7/8Along the way
you will see a closed trail
Monitor Yourself and your PartyDepending on what shape you are in, you might be exhausted at the 3/4 to 7/8 mark. If you have been at it for over an hour and you are out of gas, consider regrouping for another day. If it is late in the afternoon, consider your return hike. It could take an hour to get down from the 7/8 mile marker, especially if you don't have great leg strength. Going down, you will use a new set of muscles. If your legs already hurt, you should try doing some stretches; just find a good place away from the gravel and out of traffic.
Mile Marker
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After
you have successfully navigated the first rail, you will descend on an
easy rock and gravel trail, following the fence along the edge. Be careful
to turn left as you continue along the trail, avoiding the steep incline
that used to be a trail. You can't miss it, there is a steel pole that
says, turn left. (See Picture inset)
At
the 1/2 mile mark you will see the second rail. It is much easier than the
first with imbedded rocks and railroad ties to step on. Try and stay on
the right side of the trails and rails as you ascend and descend. At the
top of the second rail there are several areas to rest and view the city,
canyons and desert area. 
Lower Echo Canyon is lined with medium to large boulders. If you
step properly the boulders offer a stairway to the top in 5 to 10 minutes
with little effort. Just watch for the few loose boulders before stepping
up. As you come down, stepping on the tops of these boulders will get you
down quicker. Take your time going up and down the canyons, use your hands
when necessary to get a good grip. In the mornings, watch where you grip
as Chuckwallas and lizards sun themselves on the rocks along the way.
a
rock trail until you get to a short wall with steps in the face. You will
know the way as designated by the round direction arrow. Look closely for
the foot and hand holds, you are at the 3/4 mile mark- Congratulations.
Wireless
sign, bear right till you get to the 7/8 mile marker. At the 7/8 mile
marker, there are several flat steps, follow them up, you are near the
mile marker. If you get tired, take a break and a drink, you are almost
there. 
another
hard left going up over a few large boulders. Continue on up the trail. At
the end of the trail you will see a black rock face with a 45 degree
incline. Stay to the left, following the concrete direction markers.
Continue up the red rock
footholds,
and bear right. You should see the summit. Two large boulders on your left
mark the final steps to reach the top of Camelback Mountain.