Camelback Mountain hike Phoenix: Guided 3-4 hour trek

Climb Camelback to a 360-degree view of Phoenix and fifty miles of Sonoran Desert

A three to four hour guided hike up Camelback Mountain in Phoenix with a local Mad Desert Trekking guide, customized to your fitness level and terrain preference. You ascend the peak through sections of hands-on rock scrambling to reach the summit and a panoramic view of the Phoenix metro area and the Sonoran Desert stretching fifty miles in every direction. Backpack, water, snacks and sunscreen are provided.

The experience

What makes this hike different from a solo climb or a generic trail walk? Your guide knows the Sonoran Desert secrets most visitors never find, and the route itself is customized to match your mileage, terrain and grade preferences before you start. The hike runs three to four hours, with the strenuous sections concentrated on the ascent: hands-on rock scrambling takes up part of the climb, so you're not just walking but using your hands to pull yourself up. The payoff is the summit: a 360-degree view of the Phoenix metro area with the Sonoran Desert visible for more than fifty miles in every direction.

You meet your guide at the trailhead in the hiking area, so there's no separate pickup or shuttle. The guide brings backpacks for everyone, plus bottled water, sports drinks, trail snacks and sunscreen. Everything you need for the sustained effort. After you finish, cold beverages wait for you, a small reward for the climb. The experience is built around safety and fun in equal measure: the guide's job is to get you to the top and back down without incident, and to show you the desert the way someone who loves it actually sees it.

What’s included

• Backpack.
• sunscreen.
• bottled water.
• sports drinks.
• trail snacks.
• cold beverages after finishing the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mad Desert Trekking

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the hike at a pace you set together, so you're not locked into a group speed or a rigid itinerary. This works best for hikers with at least moderate fitness who are comfortable with sustained effort and hands-on rock scrambling.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How steep is Camelback Mountain and what does the rock scrambling involve?

Camelback is rated strenuous, with sections of hands-on rock scrambling where you use your hands to climb, not just your legs. The guide customizes the route to your fitness level, so you can choose terrain and grade preferences before the hike starts.

What's the view like from the top of Camelback Mountain?

From the summit you get a 360-degree view of the Phoenix metro area and the Sonoran Desert stretching fifty miles in every direction in all directions. On a clear day the scale of the desert becomes obvious from up there.

What do I need to bring, or does the guide provide gear?

The guide provides backpacks, sunscreen, bottled water, sports drinks and trail snacks, so you don't need to pack your own gear. Wear hiking boots or trail shoes and bring a hat. The desert sun is intense even in winter.

Is this hike suitable for someone who is not in peak physical condition?

The guide customizes the hike to your fitness level and terrain preference, so you can adjust the difficulty before you start. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The three to four hour duration and rock scrambling sections mean this is not a casual stroll.