Camelback Mountain - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Camelback Mountain
Country:	United States
State:	Arizona
Nearby Town:	Phoenix
Rating:
Directions:	(Echo Canyon Parking Area): In Phoenix, follow 44th St. North. 44th St. turns into McDonald, so follow it past Tatum to Echo Canyon Place. Turn right onto Echo Canyon Place, go up the hill and be prepared to wait around fifteen minutes for a parking spot. Parking is extremely limited at this trailhead and the wait for a spot on weekends can be substantial.
Total Hike Distance:	2.40 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Echo Canyon Parking Area
Trails Used:	Echo Canyon Summit Trail
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	None
Management:	City Park Service
Contact Information:	Forest/Park/Wilderness: City of Phoenix Management: City Park Service Park Address/Phone Number: Phoenix City Hall, 200 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 262-6862 http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/
Best Season:	Winter
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	Camelback Mountain is located on the northern edge of the City of Phoenix and there are outstanding views from the 2,704 foot summit in all directions. Many of the locals use one the four trails up the mountain as their personal stairmaster, and it is not uncommon to see numerous people hiking in the late afternoon just before sunset when the park closes. This hike follows the Echo Canyon Summit Trail up the mountain, and the route is a tough workout which requires the use of metal railings to ascend some steep sections of the trail. Don't underestimate the effort required to reach the top of Camelback Mountain, and make sure you take plenty of water with you on your hike. The views from the summit are outstanding though, and make this a destination that is well worth the effort.