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Activity Arcadia, Phoenix

Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail

An activity in Arcadia, Phoenix, free to visit and worth about 2.5 hours. Best time to go: Sunrise, Oct–Apr.

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Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail in Arcadia, Phoenix
Photo: David Packer · Google

Why go

Steep, rocky 1.2-mile climb to the city's best summit view.

It is one of 8 curated places we feature in Phoenix, alongside 3 sights, 2 places to eat and 1 place for a drink. The closest of our other picks is Camelback Mountain, 0.8 mi away as the crow flies.

Type
Activity · Adventure
Neighborhood
Arcadia
Price
Free
Time needed
2.5 hr
Best time
Sunrise, Oct–Apr

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 5 beyond Phoenix. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Camelback Mountain

    The city's landmark peak; the Echo Canyon trail climbs about 1,200 feet in 1.2 miles to a summit over the whole valley.

    Outdoors · Papago Park & Camelback · 0.8 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    La Grande Orange

    Arcadia's long-running cafe, bakery and market at 40th Street and Campbell, busy with brunch crowds.

    Food · Papago Park & Camelback · 1.8 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Postino Arcadia

    The original Postino wine bar, in a converted 1950s post office, known for bruschetta boards.

    Drinks · Papago Park & Camelback · 1.9 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Arizona Biltmore

    1929 resort influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, built of patterned concrete blocks; it hosted its own NYE party in 2025.

    Stay · Downtown Phoenix · 2.9 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Rusty Spur Saloon

    Old Town Scottsdale saloon, open since 1951, with live country music.

    Drinks · 3.4 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Desert Botanical Garden

    Garden of saguaros, agaves and desert wildflowers set against the Papago Buttes, with trails of under a mile each.

    Sight · Papago Park & Camelback · 4.4 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail is a stop on our Grand Canyon & Arizona route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More to do in Phoenix

Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail is our only activity pick in Phoenix; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Phoenix guide.

When to go

Average daily highs in Phoenix run from 66°F in December to 107°F in July; January is usually the wettest month. For Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail itself, we suggest: Sunrise, Oct–Apr.

Modelled monthly averages for Phoenix from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Phoenix weather by month.

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Address
E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
Coordinates
33.52139, -111.97356
Destination
Phoenix, Arizona

Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail: quick answers

How much time do you need at Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail?

Plan on about 2.5 hours at Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail?

Our pick: Sunrise, Oct–Apr. Insider tip: Start at sunrise; the lot fills fast and the trail closes in extreme heat.

Is Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail free?

Yes, we list Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Where is Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail?

Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail is at E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA, in Arcadia. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.

Which TripsCircle routes include Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail?

Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail appears on Grand Canyon & Arizona, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add it to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Phoenix.

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Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.