Phoenix hikers come hither - Camelback Mtn question

[IronWing]

I'm in Phoenix for the week and might have time to climb Camelback. Which summit trail has the best scenery, Echo Canyon (west) or the Cholla trail (east)?

 

[Bignate603]

I've done Echo Canyon but never the Cholla trail. Echo Canyon was pretty cool, and it's also easier to find a place to park which was the main reason I picked it. Hiking the summit is very popular, so get there early if you want a parking spot. Also, we ended up starting in the afternoon and it got dark on us part way down. That was a mistake, on that trail it would have been easy to slip and bang yourself up. We made it back ok but next time we'll be starting earlier in the day.

The best scenery is up near the summit where the trails come together so you'll probably be happy with either one.

 

[IronWing]

I had a chance to hike up from Echo Canyon this afternoon, very pretty mountain but brutal on the knees. I have to admit that there are a lot more fit folks in Phoenix than I see in Tucson. There were a bunch of people on the mountain and most of them were in better shape than me.

 

[EvilYoda]

It's not a difficult climb, but a lot of big steps/rocks...and it's pretty prime hiking season right now, so I'm sure it was plenty busy.

 

[XZeroII]

I did the Camelback a few years ago. I don't remember which trail but it was a great hike. We did it in the summer though so we got started at like 6:00 AM before it got too hot. I believe that we were back down and at the hotel (the Gainey Suites in Scottsdale) by 9:00 or so. I also did Squaw Peak a couple years later and that was probably even better. The Camelback has a pretty flat top where you can rest but Squaw Peak has some really cool rocky areas at the top. It feels much more rugged. I would highly recommend both. Bring some water along, you'll definitely need it.

 

[XZeroII]

I guess I didn't read the time stamps so you've already done it. Congrats. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Take any pictures from the top?

You want hard on the knees? I did the Grand Canyon a few months ago down to the bottom and back up in 10 hours. 19 miles long, 1 mile down and 1 mile up. I was ready to die. Gotta be sure to take it easy

 

[shortylickens]

Dude, TAKE PICS!!!

 

[IronWing]

I've climbed Squaw Peak a few times. The last time someone needed rescuing about a half hour after I finished. I'm staying off of Peoria making North Mtn Park the closest so I've climbed Shaw Butte a bunch of times. Depending on what time I finish work tomorrow I may try Squaw again or try North Mt.

I took a few pics on the way down but the smog was bad today so they aren't the greatest.