CityBuddy
Camelback Mountain
Best time to visit
Start before 7 a.m. from November through March to avoid heat stroke and trail traffic. Summer climbs should begin by 5 a.m. at the latest, as trail temperatures can exceed 110°F by mid-morning.
Budget tips
Parking is free but the 75-space lot fills by 6 a.m. on weekends. There is no entry fee, though you'll want to bring your own water since none is sold on site.
Recommended for
Thrill-seeking hikers, Solo travelers wanting a challenge, Local Phoenix residents, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
2-4 hours
About
Quick facts: The trail to the summit gains 1,280 feet in just 1.2 miles, making it one of the most challenging urban hikes in the country. Two rocky outcroppings give the mountain its name: one looks like a kneeling camel, the other like its head.
Highlights: At the summit, you can spot all five of Phoenix's mountain preserves in a single 360-degree view, a geography lesson etched in granite and saguaro. The 40-million-year-old pink granite cap at the top feels like a giant warm stone turtle shell, heated by the desert sun and scattered with tiny ancient fossils.
Insider tips
- Skip the main lot and park at the 32nd Street trailhead lot instead, which has more spaces and opens earlier.
- Wear grippy hiking shoes, not running shoes, since the smooth pink granite gets slick from morning dew and loose gravel.
- The best photo spot is at the 'saddle' between the camel's head and hump, where the city skyline frames perfectly behind saguaro silhouettes.
- Bring at least one liter of water per hour of hiking, and check your watch: most rescues happen to hikers who underestimate the heat and the elevation gain.
Practical info
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