Echo Canyon Trailhead

Difficulty: Easy

Access: Start at Echo Canyon Trailhead and connect with Echo Canyon Trail. From Echo Canyon Trail, proceed to Bobby's Rock Trail.

Description: Located within beautiful Echo Canyon, Bobby's Rock Trail is a short hike that loops around a large cube-shaped sandstone rock, Bobby’s Rock. To find Bobby’s Rock Trail, start on the Echo Canyon Trail and veer to the right shortly after beginning your ascent. Hikers will immediately find a helipad and then Bobby’s Rock. Follow the loop trail approximately two-tenths of a mile from its initial intersection to be brought back to Echo Canyon Trail. A turn to the west will return hikers to the trailhead, while a turn to the east will take them toward the Extremely Difficult summit trail. Bobby’s Rock Trail has a total elevation gain of 200 feet and provides hikers with a fantastic view of Paradise Valley and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Hikers will see a variety of Sonoran Desert vegetation, including saguaro cactus, creosote bushes and teddy bear cholla. Hikers also may observe small animals, including cottontail rabbits, Harris antelope squirrels and the occasional snake (including venomous rattlesnakes).

Distance: 0.2 miles

Elevation Change: 200 feet

Difficulty: Extremely Difficult

Access: Start at the Echo Canyon Trailhead and proceed to Echo Canyon Trail.

Description: Echo Canyon Trail is an Extremely Difficult, incredibly steep, very rocky, out-and-back trail that requires the assistance of handrails and other aides to reach the summit. To add to its extreme difficulty, Echo Canyon Trail is completely exposed to the elements, and offers very little shade and few places to rest. Starting as a relatively light trek, the trail quickly escalates to a strenuous climb that increases in difficulty as you ascend along the mountain's western slope. As hikers approach the top of the trail it becomes less defined as you enter extremely rocky areas, and in certain sections hiking gives way to climbing. Echo Canyon Trail is one of Phoenix’s premier hiking destinations, and regularly is named a top national destination for avid and experienced hikers. Visitors from around the world have traversed this summit trail and praise its amazing 360-degree summit view of the city and challenging terrain. It is not uncommon for hikers, even those who are capable and prepared, to underestimate the challenges of Echo Canyon Trail and require assistance from first responder rescue crews. Couple the trail's extreme difficulty with Phoenix's extreme triple-digit heat and unpredictable summer monsoon storms, and even the world's best hikers have required rescuing. Please understand the risks of hiking Echo Canyon Trail. Review these "Take a Hike. Do it Right" guidelines to better prepare for any hike, but for Camelback Mountain extra precaution is required. Camelback Mountain is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including saguaro cactus. Additionally, hikers may observe smaller wildlife such as cottontail rabbits, Harris antelope squirrels and the occasional snake (including venomous rattlesnakes).

Distance: 1.14 miles

Elevation Change: 1,400 feet