How long does it take to run Camelback Mountain?

Budget 1.5–2 hours for the full Echo Canyon to Cholla loop, depending on stops.

Is Camelback Mountain hard to run?

Yes — about 40% of the route is scrambling or hiking rather than running, with roughly 1,500 feet of gain over the loop.

Do you need a permit to run Camelback Mountain?

No permit required, but parking is limited and fills early.

Can you run the whole Camelback Mountain loop?

Some of it. Expect to alternate between running and scrambling — very few people run it start to finish without walking sections.

Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon to Cholla Trail Loop (Phoenix, AZ)

Written By:

Kyle Cash

Published:

March 10, 2026

Destinations

Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon to Cholla loop is 5.7 miles, 1,500 ft of climbing, and 40% scrambling. Here's what running it is actually like.

The Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon to Cholla Trail is a 5.7 mile loop in Phoenix that mixes pavement, scrambling, and about 1,500 feet of climbing. It’s iconic for a reason, but “iconic” doesn’t always mean “great running.”

Here’s what the Echo Canyon to Cholla loop is actually like, who should run it, and who should skip it.

TTR Trail Rating

ECHO CANYON TO CHOLLA LOOP

Phoenix, AZ

5.0

Overall

7.5

Scenery

8.0

Technicality

3.0

Runnability

8.0

Crowds

2.0

Parking