Is Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail harder?

The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.3 miles one way to the mountain summit. While both hikes have the same hike rating, Cholla is known as being slightly easier.

Which is better Echo Canyon or Cholla?

Echo Canyon is by far the more popular route up, with a nice parking lot and railings along the tricky spots, leaving Cholla to the more adventurous. The other reason is access. The trailhead for Echo Canyon is gated and guarded until sunrise.

Why is Cholla Trail closed?

The trail closed in March 2020 after a boulder, loosened by recent rain, injured a hiker. The city of Phoenix set to work immediately on rock remediation to secure the trail and repair damage done by the 500,000 or so people that hike both Cholla and Echo Canyon Trails each year.

How hard is the Cholla Trail?

Cholla Trail is rated a double-black hike and is considered to be extremely difficult. It is 1.2 miles in length and ascends just over 1,200 feet on the East Side of Camelback Mountain. At the end of the first mile hikers end up at the rescue Helicopter Pad on a ridgeline with some great views.

Which Camelback trail is easiest?

Cholla Trail
There are a few ways to hike Camelback Mountain, and this guide takes the easier, less trafficked, and more scenic Cholla Trail. It’s still a tough hike, but the Cholla Trail is a nicer way to hike Camelback Mountain, which is a must-do Phoenix hike.

How long does the Cholla Trail take?

approximately 2-3 hours
Cholla gains about 1250 feet over 1.42 miles and may not be for you if your’e afraid of heights and look out for the loose gravel. The round trip hike will take approximately 2-3 hours but really depends on your fitness level and how many times you stop to take pictures.

Is Cholla Trail reopened?

The Cholla Trail remains closed. The Echo Canyon Trail is still open, with parking reduced by 50 percent to encourage more physical distancing and limiting how many hikers are on the trail at any given time.

How hard is Camelback trail?

Hiking Camelback Both are rated extremely difficult. The Echo Canyon hike is the more rugged of the two and requires steep climbs and scrambling over large rocks. The last third of the trail requires scrambling up steep grades with drop-offs on each side. Both hikes are a little under 2.5 miles long.

Which trail on Camelback is easier?

Along Camelback Mountain there are two hiking trails leading up the summit, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. Cholla Trail is actually the easier of the two, but that doesn’t necessary mean that this is an easy trail. In fact, just getting to the trailhead can be a challenge within itself!

Where do you park for the Cholla Trail?

Invergordon Road
Parking at Cholla can be less of a challenge, as you will park on Invergordon Road (aka 64th St) and walk up Cholla Lane. Once parked you will need to walk about 1/4 to 1/2 mile to reach the trail. Dogs are not allowed on the trail and there are no restrooms available so plan accordingly.

What are the signs on the Cholla trail?

Blue blaze signs mark the Cholla Trail and yellow signs warn of fragile and dangerous areas. At about 0.5 miles, hike to the left along the trail. Keep following the blue blaze Cholla Trail signs. Keep your eyes open for lizard, hawks, falcons and quail. The trail signs change to brown occasionally.

Is the Cholla Trail better than Camelback Mountain?

It’s still a tough hike, but the Cholla Trail is a nicer way to hike Camelback Mountain, which is a must-do Phoenix hike. About 450,000 people a year hike Camelback Mountain, and it can feel like all of them are with you on the trail if you leave at the wrong time.

Can you take the Cholla trail up Echo Canyon?

Another note, if you decide to take the other route up, Echo Canyon, the rangers are strict and aggressive about ticketing after official sunset in the trailhead lot. Do yourself a favor and just take the Cholla Trail (and park correctly). You can get away with workout clothes on this hike, and most people do.

Where to Park on the Cholla trail in Paradise Valley?

Use this trailhead to get to the parking area: 5191 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ, 85253, USA. Parking is free in a residential neighborhood. Don’t park on Cholla Lane or you’ll be towed. Park on Invergordon Road. It’s street parking and it’s free. Signs on the street lead you to Cholla Trail.