Current access note
As of September 5, 2026, the City of Phoenix Camelback trail page lists Cholla Trail access information and no current Cholla closure. Echo Canyon Trail is temporarily closed September 2–18, 2026 for installation work. Conditions can change, so check the official Camelback Mountain page the day you plan to hike.
The short answer for families
Cholla Trail is not an easy family hike. Phoenix rates it Extremely Difficult. The route is about 1.5 miles each way with roughly 1,420 feet of elevation change, little shade, steep rocky terrain and a difficult upper boulder section. Strong, experienced teens may be appropriate with prepared adults in good conditions. For younger children, beginners, anyone uncomfortable scrambling, or hot-weather visits, the summit should usually not be the goal.
How Cholla Trail access works
The Cholla entrance is off Invergordon Road. There are no designated trailhead parking spaces. The City of Phoenix directs hikers to limited legal parallel-parking sections along the west side of Invergordon Road. A gravel path follows the south side of Cholla Lane to the trailhead. Yellow-curb spaces are intended for rideshare drop-off.
Parking is prohibited along much of the surrounding roadway, and illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. Do not invent your own parking spot because the mountain is pretty. Tow trucks remain unmoved by scenery.
Where Cholla gets serious
The lower portion is more defined, but the City of Phoenix says the upper third becomes extremely steep, boulder-strewn and harder to follow. Just before the boulder section is a saddle/rest area. Phoenix specifically notes that exhausted hikers should turn around there and recommends the final third only for capable, prepared and experienced hikers.
| Family situation | Best call |
|---|---|
| Young children or first-time desert hikers | Choose an easier Phoenix desert trail or scenic stop instead of Cholla summit. |
| Older kids/teens with hiking experience | Consider only in cool conditions with water, proper footwear and a firm turnaround rule. |
| Anyone uncomfortable with scrambling or exposure | Do not push into the upper boulder section. |
| Hot day, late start, inadequate water, active heat warning | Skip the hike. |
Heat changes the answer
Cholla offers little shade and is exposed to Phoenix heat. A route that feels manageable at sunrise can become a very different problem on the return. Check the current National Weather Service forecast and City of Phoenix heat restrictions. If a closure or restricted-hours program is active, follow it.
Family turnaround rules
- Turn around before anyone is exhausted.
- Turn around when half the planned hiking water is gone.
- Turn around if a child becomes unusually quiet, irritable, dizzy, nauseated or weak.
- Turn around before the upper boulder section if the group is not confident scrambling.
- Turn around for thunder, lightning, rapidly worsening weather or unsafe footing.
Cholla vs. Echo Canyon
Both summit trails are rated Extremely Difficult. Cholla is the longer approach and climbs Camelback's eastern side. Echo Canyon is shorter but very steep and includes handrails and climbing-like sections. Neither should be marketed to parents as a casual kid hike simply because lots of people do them.
Echo Canyon normally has a developed trailhead with restrooms and potable water, while Cholla has no potable water or restroom facilities at the trailhead. Current construction and closures can affect which route is available, so verify the city page before leaving.
Better Camelback-area plans for many families
If your goal is to experience the area rather than collect a summit, build a lighter Phoenix morning: photograph Camelback from the surrounding area, choose an easier nearby trail, visit Papago Park, or pair a short desert walk with the Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden area. The family memory does not become invalid because nobody clung to a boulder at 8:17 a.m.
What to bring if Cholla is appropriate for your group
- More water than you expect to need, plus backup water in the vehicle
- Electrolytes or salty snacks
- Trail shoes with reliable grip
- Hat, sunscreen and sun-protective clothing
- Offline map and charged phone
- Basic first-aid supplies
- A clear turnaround time shared before starting
Frequently asked questions
Is Cholla Trail kid-friendly?
It depends heavily on the child's age, experience and comfort with steep rocky terrain. The City of Phoenix rates Cholla Extremely Difficult, so it should not be treated as a routine beginner family hike.
Where do you park for Cholla Trail?
There is no designated trailhead parking lot. Legal parallel parking is limited to specific posted sections along Invergordon Road. Follow current signs and City of Phoenix instructions.
Are there bathrooms at Cholla Trail?
No. The City of Phoenix currently states that Cholla Trailhead has no restroom facilities and no potable water. Arrive self-sufficient and bring all drinking water needed for the outing.
Are dogs allowed?
No. The City of Phoenix prohibits dogs on all Camelback Mountain trails year-round.
What time is Camelback Mountain open?
Camelback Mountain trail hours are sunrise to sunset, subject to temporary closures and heat-safety restrictions.
Official sources
- City of Phoenix: Camelback Mountain trails
- City of Phoenix: current Camelback Mountain alerts and closures
- City of Phoenix: Take a Hike. Do it Right
- National Weather Service Phoenix
Editorial note: Mark Stephenson has worked as a cardiac catheterization laboratory nurse since 2003. This page is general trip-planning information, not individualized medical advice.