Outside AZ: Camelback: Echo Canyon

ECHO CANYON TRAIL

One-Way Mileage: 1.2 miles

Elevation gain: 1,264 feet

Experience: Recommended for experienced hikers only

Difficulty: Strenuous

Parking: There is a trailhead to park at but I have had to wait in line for 30 minutes to get a spot. Trailhead is at Echo Canyon Parkway just east of Tatum Blvd off of McDonald Drive. Trailhead also offers bathrooms and a picnic area.

Pets: Yes you can bring them, but bring ample water for the poor poochies

Hours: I wouldn't want to hike this in the dark so stick to daylight hours. Trail is said to be open from sunrise to sunset.

Safety: Echo Canyon is the less exposed of the two Camelback summit trails. You mainly hike through sandstone rock formations. Lots of hand over hand work and I find that this trail has points near the top that are harder to follow the trail, so stay alert.

November 2008

People Meter: High traffic on weekends and in good weather. I prefer to hike this on a weekday off of work when I have no other plans so I don't get frustrated at the parking situation. Usually the bottom portion of this hike is more likely to traffic jam as tourists and less experienced hikers may drop off and turn around. There is also a portion of the first half that is fenced in and provides a handrail, this area can get backed up and harder to navigate through as a result.

August 2007

November 2008

My experiences: My first hike of this trail was the day before my 30th birthday, I wanted to prove I was still young and capable. It was August 30th and 120 degrees outside (no joke). I think I saw one or two others. I was overwhelmed by heat and the intensity of the hike but I made it to the top. I think the hike took me nearly 3 hours that first time because of my lack of preparation. On the way back down I nearly lost my track and I came face to face with a lizard as I slipped and slid down a sandstone rock. The next day I was so sore I could barely walk. But boy did I know I was alive!