Summit Trail

by Chris 4/13/2000

OK, so it's a beautiful Phoenix day, and you have a few hours to spare. You could spend it watching ancient 90210 re-runs on FX, where they still feature the episodes with Shannon Doherty, but what you really want is a new episode where she returns from Paris. Since you can't have that, you contemplate your second choice: enjoy the perfect weather outside without a lot of hassle and aggravation. If you live in the Phoenix area, chances are you're not more than a half hour away from Camelback Mountain. Its 1.2 mile Summit Trail is just what you need to get out and back in time to settle in for the new episode of Charmed.

The Echo Canyon entrance to Camelback Mountain is located on McDonald Drive in Paradise Valley, just west of Tatum Boulevard. Enter the park and try to find a parking spot. This usually isn't difficult unless you're trying to find one on Saturday or Sunday in the mid-morning, in which case you may have to wait a few minutes for a spot to free up. You can also park along the access road leading into the parking lot. If no parking is available, try Cholla Trail. There is a ramada, an information board, and a drinking fountain at the beginning of the trail. The path winds 1.16 miles up to the summit of the 2,704 foot peak, which happens to be the highest peak in Phoenix. It's a steep, uphill climb that averages a climb of 100 feet per tenth of a mile. Railings have been installed in certain areas and are quite helpful. The trail is generally only good for hiking, but I have seen a few ambitious sportos running downhill on occasion. Pets are prohibited.

The summit offers a wide area where you will certainly find many other hikers taking in the wonderful views of the valley. Most people return down Summit Trail but you also have the option of continuing down Cholla Trail and returning to Echo Canyon via the streets of Paradise Valley.

Related Links:
Camelback Mountain/Echo Canyon Park - TravelRapidly.com