Is Hiking Camelback Mountain Dangerous? (Arizona Hiking Safety Tips)
Looking For Info On Whether Or Not Hiking Camelback Mountain Is Dangerous Or Even Worth Hiking In Scottsdale, Arizona?
As a former Arizona resident (I lived in Scottsdale 12+ years), I’ve hiked Camelback Mountain (even during the summer) and I’ve hiked with a friend who is a Camelback expert (she hikes it on a regular basis), and while hiking in Arizona, or specifically at Camelback Mountain, can be dangerous (more than 200 rescues take place every year, many at Camelback), when you come prepared and know what to do, you can hike one of Scottsdale’s most difficult, yet rewarding trails (that’s definitely worth doing) without any issues.
⚠️ Why Can Hiking Camelback Mountain Be So Dangerous?
Many hiking trails throughout Arizona can be dangerous depending on climate conditions, but Camelback has a few other factors that many people overlook and they end up putting themselves in danger.
Extremely Difficult Trail Rating
The Echo Canyon trail for Camelback Mountain is only 2.6 miles (the Cholla trail is just 3.0 miles), so many assume hiking here is going to be short and easy. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for Camelback Mountain because the official trail rating is “Extremely Difficult” (pictured above).
Not only is a lot of the terrain rocky (there is a point towards the top where you have to boulder up) and full of loose gravel (very easy to slip on), it’s also an extremely steep route that rises to an overall elevation of 2,704 feet.
Many unfortunately underestimate the difficulty of hiking Camelback Mountain (I exercise regularly but my legs were still killing me once I finished hiking) and end up having to turn back or worse, end up in a fatigued and dangerous situation where they need to be rescued off the mountain.
Unforgiving Arizona Temperatures
It’s no secret Arizona is brutal during the summer (which is basically April through October), but for some reason many think the heat won’t be any issue for them.
In reality, these scorching temperatures during the summer months (reaching up to 120° sometimes) are the top reason hiking Camelback Mountain can be so dangerous.
Heat related deaths are at a high in Arizona (more than 600 in 2023), so it is so important to not take the Arizona temperatures lightly when considering hiking during the summer months.
Dangerous Arizona Wildlife
During the summer (and even sometimes during the winter) Arizona wildlife is out and about all throughout the area, but especially in more natural desert areas where hiking trails run through.
Many of these animals and reptiles can be found while hiking Camelback Mountain and they can be very dangerous to humans. Possible wildlife you can encounter include (but are not limited to) rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions, bobcats, javelinas (pictured above), coyotes, Gila monsters, quail, and roadrunners.
In all my years of living in Arizona, I have seen every single one of these animals/reptiles, and have almost stepped on rattlesnakes a number of times while out walking in more deserty areas.
Underestimating & Unpreparedness
The Camelback Mountain hike is one of the most popular hikes in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas because it’s so conveniently located, it’s got great 360° views of the valley, and it’s a challenging route that not everyone can complete.
Unfortunately, the loads of tourists that visit Camelback Mountain often underestimate the difficulty, the unstable terrain (pictured above), and the harsh conditions of the trail and they show up completely unprepared in the middle of a hot day.
My friend that regularly hikes Camelback Mountain told me she sees busses show up and dump unprepared tourists at the Echo Canyon trailhead, wearing flip flops, no hats or proper clothing, and little to no supply of water.
➡️ How To Make Hiking Camelback Mountain Less Dangerous?
None of the possible dangerous scenarios listed above are meant to deter you from hiking Camelback Mountain, I highly recommend this hike (despite others describing it as overrated) for its views and feelings of accomplishment, but I strongly suggest taking these safety precautions seriously so you can have a fun and safe experience.
You can also find guided Camelback Mountain hiking experiences or even join a hiking meetup group so you don’t have to hike alone.
Fitness Preparation
As I said before, I exercise regularly but the steep incline of the Echo Canyon trail (a small portion pictured above) still had my legs super sore for a few days following the hike. Even if you exercise regularly, I suggest doing some leg and incline exercises ahead of time to prepare.
If you aren’t a frequent exerciser, I highly recommend building up your endurance by getting out and at least walking (in addition to leg and incline exercises) before you go and try this hike.
The average time to hike Camelback Mountain is around 1.5 to 2 hours, but don’t feel rushed at all, just go as slow as you need to to keep from getting too fatigued.
Hike Early
Whether you hike in the “summer” months (April to October) or the “winter” months (November to March), arriving early to hike Camelback Mountain is super important.
During the summer months, you must start early to avoid the excruciating summer heat. I last hiked in May and got to the trailhead at 4:45 am (pictured above) just before the sun started to rise (it’s also really cool to see the sun rising from the top of Camelback).
During the winter months, it’s still really important to arrive early to avoid the large crowds and a slow hiking journey up the mountain (this is also important for parking at Camelback).
Dress Accordingly
As I mentioned earlier, tourists often show up to Camelback Mountain completely unprepared, often wearing flip flops and expecting to hike up this steep and rocky mountain.
Not only are closed toed shoes with good traction important for the uneven, rocky, and sometimes slippery gravel terrain, you really don’t want your feet exposed to the number of potentially dangerous wildlife you could encounter on the mountain.
Proper clothing is important too and I suggest light colored clothes (white is best), a hat, and non-toxic sunscreen.
Bring Proper Supplies
If you bring nothing else on a hike in Arizona, make sure you bring a large supply of water (more than you think you’d need). You don’t want to get dehydrated or have heat exhaustion hit you while you’re up on the mountain (you’d likely need to be rescued off the mountain in this scenario).
I also suggest bringing a backpack of some sort to carry your water and some snacks in case of emergency. The bouldering towards the top (pictured above) requires you to use your hands and feet, so a backpack helps free up your hands.
🔁 Sum Up: Is Hiking Camelback Mountain Dangerous?
Hiking Camelback Mountain can be very dangerous when proper safety precautions aren’t taken seriously because of the strenuous trail, the unforgiving Arizona temperatures, potentially dangerous wildlife, and showing up unprepared, but with the right information (preparations, time of day, proper dress, and proper supplies) this is a fantastic and rewarding trail to hike with awesome views of the valley.
