Due to forecasted storms, free sand for sandbags is now available on a first-come, first-serve basis at nine City of Phoenix parks.
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is considered one of the nation's top hiking destinations and attracts visitors from around the world.
North Mountain Park Closure
North Mountain Park will be closed from December 2026 through early 2028 for renovations.
Other trailheads in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, including the North Mountain Visitor Center, will remain open.
History and Area Information
Camelback Mountain saw increased encroachment from private development until the 1960s. The Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, led by Barry Goldwater, helped to ensure the area's protection in 1968. By that time much of the mountain was already surrounded by residential development which cut Camelback Mountain off from other natural spaces, thus limiting the number of large animals found in the area today. However, Smaller animals including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels, a variety of birds and snakes (including venomous rattlesnakes) are regularly encountered.
Plant species found at Camelback Mountain are typical of those found in the lower Sonoran Desert and are dominated by the cacti species such as the saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear. Tree species include palo verde, mesquite and ironwood, along with the ocotillo plant.
Hours
Sunrise to Sunset
Contact
Gatehouse: 602-534-5867