Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
4.5
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Neighborhood: Camelback East
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
300 reviews
Excellent
228
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11
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stan a
Fullerton, CA43 contributions
Nov 2020
Really good workout for the quads. There are two levels to the parking lot, but the parking is a bit limited. There was adequate availability at 0630 on a Sunday morning.
It took me 1' 45" on the way up and 45 minutes on the way down. I had tee time to make so I couldn't dilly, but was not rushed.. The way up is as bit challenging on a couple sections where I was scrambling over the rocks on all four more than hiking. Those sections were not that long. The railing was not that necessary on the ascent, but was a real comfort on the descent. Be careful of loose gravel on the 4x4 steps on the descent as the traction can be marginal.
Wear good shoes with a good ability to grab the rocks.
(The Cholla trail was closed in early November 2020.)
It took me 1' 45" on the way up and 45 minutes on the way down. I had tee time to make so I couldn't dilly, but was not rushed.. The way up is as bit challenging on a couple sections where I was scrambling over the rocks on all four more than hiking. Those sections were not that long. The railing was not that necessary on the ascent, but was a real comfort on the descent. Be careful of loose gravel on the 4x4 steps on the descent as the traction can be marginal.
Wear good shoes with a good ability to grab the rocks.
(The Cholla trail was closed in early November 2020.)
Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebby2k
New Castle, PA2,194 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Very nice free parking area with restrooms. A box of bananas and warnings gave us the clue that this hike was not for the casual stroller. Things started out gradual with a slightly inclined sandy trail but soon it moved to a staircase and then it became more of a bouldering exercise navigating up a rock face - some times there was a metal railing to grip on to. There are a few views prior to the trail getting really steep but it was a lot more intense than any of us expected despite the number of warnings. Still, a beautiful place to go and try out your endurance.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChiTravel84
Indianapolis, IN101 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Excellent trailhead facilities with restrooms, water, and parking. Summer has plenty of parking but busy season is almost impossible. It took about 45 minutes to reach the summit and about 35 to decend back down. It can be challenging so do not recommend if this is one of your first times hiking trails. Bring water bottles.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ntdilts22
Cincinnati, OH81 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We were concerned bc of mixed reviews on what to expect with this trail. We’re not “pro hikers” or in phenomenal shape, but rather just like to adventure and challenge ourselves on trips. I’ll try to talk to those folks like us.
Trail is rated an extremely difficult hike. Let’s start with this. This isn’t a hike. It’s a climb. And it’s is every bit of extremely difficult. You start on a pretty decent grade of a walk but you’re not far into it at all before you get to tall steep stairs with a fence and then a rail section. These are honestly some of the less challenging portions.
The rest of the way after the second rail, you’re not rock climbing, but you’re as close as it gets without using equipment. It pretty much a series of steep rock stairs where you’re picking your own line. It’s going to take your hands and feet to get up.
We went on a 70 degree day at 11 AM. We both drank a gallon of water on the way up. It took us about an hour and a half to get to the top. It’s only a little over a mile, but it’s pretty much straight up in the air.
The things you don’t need that some say you do? Hiking boots, jeans, hiking pole, an extremely trained and fit lifestyle, etc.
Things you do need that some say you do? A gallon+ of water, 2-3 hours of time, a determined mind, a willingness to climb, shoes with some kind of traction.
If you’re carrying a selfie stick all the way up and doing it for the ‘gram, you’re gonna struggle. If you’re looking for a challenge and have the time, you’re gonna be rewarded with a beautiful view and sense of accomplishment.
Trail is rated an extremely difficult hike. Let’s start with this. This isn’t a hike. It’s a climb. And it’s is every bit of extremely difficult. You start on a pretty decent grade of a walk but you’re not far into it at all before you get to tall steep stairs with a fence and then a rail section. These are honestly some of the less challenging portions.
The rest of the way after the second rail, you’re not rock climbing, but you’re as close as it gets without using equipment. It pretty much a series of steep rock stairs where you’re picking your own line. It’s going to take your hands and feet to get up.
We went on a 70 degree day at 11 AM. We both drank a gallon of water on the way up. It took us about an hour and a half to get to the top. It’s only a little over a mile, but it’s pretty much straight up in the air.
The things you don’t need that some say you do? Hiking boots, jeans, hiking pole, an extremely trained and fit lifestyle, etc.
Things you do need that some say you do? A gallon+ of water, 2-3 hours of time, a determined mind, a willingness to climb, shoes with some kind of traction.
If you’re carrying a selfie stick all the way up and doing it for the ‘gram, you’re gonna struggle. If you’re looking for a challenge and have the time, you’re gonna be rewarded with a beautiful view and sense of accomplishment.
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1984laurabohrn
Medicine Hat, Canada61 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
My husband and two children (6 and 10 years old) hiked this on New Years Day. Started out around 10 in the morning. Parking lot had gotten quite full by then, when we pulled up they just were letting a few more cars in. Hike was beautiful. Very different from the Piestawa Peak trail we had done the day prior. Glad we hiked in the morning as the end of the hike we were already getting warm. Lots of spots along the way up to the summit to sit aside to have a break and snacks. View from summit was beautiful. This hike was a great workout. I was hesitant from reading other reviews about taking my kids on it but they handled it better than the adults did I think at times! :)
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silberschnabel
Regensburg, Germany412 contributions
Sep 2022
Just did this hike up Camelback Mountain with a colleague. It was one of the rare days where the sky was cloudy. Pretty humid though so no typical Phoenix conditions. During the week there was ample parking space for our morning hike. Lots of people already on the trail. Takes around an hour either way if you are reasonably fit. Not suitable for people who are not used to using their hands from time to time. It's pretty much an ascent rather than a hike. Water is really important. The view from the top is awesome. You should definitely do it when in the Valley of the sun.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie R
1 contribution
Feb 2021
It was really challenging. It gets narrow in a few spots, but it's doable and people are friendly and take turns. Take at least one bottle of water. I took two and drank one-and-a-half bottles in about eighty degree weather. There are no restrooms along the way, so go at the bottom of the hill before you begin your climb. It gets progressively steeper going up. There were moments I wasn't sure I could make it, but you can do it. If I can do it, you can do it. Definitely worth the burning muscles once you're resting at the top and taking in that view.
Written February 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
craig1086
Atlanta, GA1,959 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Man this climb will humble you. First off, only the Echo Canyon Trail is open. Second, bring at least a half gallon of water, minimum. You will need it. Bring hydration tablets as well. Third, get there in the morning, preferably as early as you can to find good parking(free). The first half will give a false sense of security, as it isn't that challenging. Then the real climb begins. Be prepared to stretch, and use both hands and both feet to climb in certain parts, as the trail gets incredibly steep. The trail is mostly rocks, so the heat will factor in, and it's indeed slippery in certain parts. The views at the top are worth it, but you will earn it. Give yourself at least 2.5hrs to go to the top and come all the way back down. Hiking boots or good-grade trail shoes are a MUST.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jānis Baiža
Adazi, Latvia71 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
Wouldn't call tooking the trail as hiking. It was more like rock climbing. But owerall great experience with co-workers. At the top of the mountain great views to the city. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Also gloves helps a lot, especially when returning.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Northernprairiedog4
Duluth, MN150 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
A can’t miss hike to the top. It’s a grind but worth it. My fit daughter and her old dad made the trek. We are experienced hikers having conquered hikes like Angels Landing but this one was tough in a different way. Straight up and constant bouldering. Caught it on a nice 55 degree morning. Tip: get to the parking lot by 8, we arrived a 7:45 and easily got into auxiliary lot for Echo Canyon. We finished the hike 1hr 42min after a nice break to take on the views of Scottsdale/ Phx. Amazing morning. *know what you are getting into, have proper shoes (ideally hiking boats or trail shoes w/grip), & plenty of water. Get after it and do a pace that works for you.
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can a 7 year old do this trail? Too difficult?
Written February 24, 2022
Do you go down the same way you go up? Or is there another trail down?
Written September 28, 2021
No, there is not a fee. Expect parking to be difficult, though.
Written May 29, 2020
Hey,
Looking to hike this in mid-December. Is it possible to climb in the evening/night even after sunset? is that worth it?
Thanks!
Written August 23, 2019
I believe that The trail closes at dark.
Written August 27, 2019
How can you hike Echo up and Cholla down...? Wouldn't you then have a problem getting back to your car..?
Written September 17, 2018
People have done it. I didn't , but yes, you have to walk back to your car. Other people have used Uber to drop off then have pick up the other side. Hope this helps!
Written September 18, 2018
Sunrise. Is the best time to get there earlier the better do not attempt in the dark it gets extremely difficult the first half mile not bad but when you start up the part with the railing use both hands. Bring mucho water and rest when needed
Written April 18, 2018
No this is a difficult trail you can go partly up not far it you want but it gets extreme at parts
Written January 30, 2018
What is the rafting company? When I go to the link, it doesn't link to rafting?
Written August 12, 2017
Sorry for the late response. performancetours in Breckenridge. If you google that it should bring you right to the rafting company we used.
Written October 10, 2017
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