Cholla Trailhead is located at the eastern side of Camelback Mountain, off Invergordon Road in Phoenix (near Paradise Valley and Scottsdale). It provides access to the Cholla Trail, one of the two main routes to the summit of Camelback Mountain.
Who Can Access
This trail is for hikers only. No bikers or horses. It is popular with people who are reasonably fit and comfortable with steep, exposed terrain. It isn’t a beginner stroll — many sections are rocky, with steep climbs and even some scrambling.
Dogs Welcome
No — dogs are not allowed on Cholla Trail. This restriction applies year-round.
Difficulty
The trail is rated extremely difficult. After the initial portion, the path becomes considerably steeper and more rugged. The upper third of the trail involves scrambling over rocks, very exposed terrain, and relatively little shade. It requires endurance and sure-footedness.
Distance
The round-trip distance is about 2.6 to 3.1 miles (out-and-back to the summit and back). Elevation gain is substantial — on the order of 1,300-1,420 feet from trailhead to summit.
Views
At the top, you’re rewarded with striking 360-degree views over Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding desert landscape. Early in the hike, you get increasing vistas as you climb, and from “the saddle” area before the final scramble you can already see sweeping desert vistas. The summit itself offers panoramic views of cityscapes, mountain ridges, and desert flora. The exposure also means the trail has dramatic views along ridges and rock sections.