Field notes · Phoenix, AZ
IV Therapy at Camelback Mountain
- Summit
- 2,704 ft
- Trailheads
- Echo Canyon · Cholla
- Trail hours
- Sunrise to sunset
- City park since
- 1968
Camelback Mountain is named for its outline, the head and hump of a kneeling camel, and its summit is the highest point in the Phoenix area. It is two mountains in one. The higher part of the peak is Precambrian granite about 1.5 billion years old, while the head is red sandstone laid down roughly 25 million years ago. A cave on the north side shows that the Hohokam treated the mountain as a sacred site before they left the region in the 14th century. In January 1879 President Rutherford B. Hayes placed it inside a reservation for the Salt River Pima and Maricopa tribes, and six months later the territorial legislature reversed him. Houses crept up the slopes until Barry Goldwater led the fight to save the upper mountain, and it became a city park in 1968. On the north slope, a red sandstone spire called the Praying Monk still draws climbers.
01
Two trailheads, one summit
The City of Phoenix trail guide, in brief
Echo Canyon
4925 E. McDonald Dr. · North side
- Rating
- Extremely difficult
- Distance
- 1.14 mi
- Elevation change
- 1,400 ft
- At the trailhead
- Restrooms · water
The shorter, steeper route, with handrails on the climb. In winter and spring the lot fills by late morning and the gate closes; the City tickets drivers who idle on McDonald Drive or Tatum Boulevard. The easy Bobby's Rock loop starts here too.
Cholla
5150 N. Invergordon Rd. · East side
- Rating
- Extremely difficult
- Distance
- 1.5 mi
- Elevation change
- 1,420 ft
- At the trailhead
- No water
A longer climb up the hump, open to the sun with little shade. Parking is limited, so the City marks yellow-curb ride-share drop-off spots on Cholla Lane. There is no potable water or restroom here.
Water first
The City's own checklist says to drink before you set out, carry more water than you think you need, and hike in the cool hours. If someone becomes unwell on the trail, call 911. A mobile IV visit is not emergency care.
02
Around the mountain
Camelback Road and the north slope
Camelback Road borrows the mountain's name and crosses the Valley for about 34 miles. We cover the neighborhoods on both sides of the mountain, each with a page of its own.
- 24th Street · 85016Biltmore area
Resort towers and offices on the road's west stretch.
- Along the canal · 85018Arcadia
Ranch-house streets on the south side.
- Village of PhoenixCamelback East
The Phoenix village that wraps the south side.
- North slope · 85253Paradise Valley
Echo Canyon side, up to Mummy Mountain.
There is no travel fee in the ZIP codes we cover.
03
A mobile visit near the mountain
Registered nurse · your door
- Pick the placeA home, hotel, office or event on either side of Camelback. Add the gate code, casita or room number.
- Pick the timeVisits run daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Book at least one hour in advance.
- Bring friendsFor a group, book one visit and note the extra guests on the intake form.
- Settle inA registered nurse stays with you from start to finish.
Doctor-founded care, delivered by registered nurses. Cancel more than 1 hour before your visit for a full refund.
04
Prefer a clinic?
Two Arizona clinics · open daily
Old Town Scottsdale
7172 E Main St · Daily 10–4
In the Arts District near Main Street and Scottsdale Road, southeast of the mountain.
Book Old TownParadise Valley
12611 N Tatum Blvd · Daily 10–4
At Cactus Road and Tatum Boulevard, north of the mountain up Tatum.
Book Paradise ValleyQuestions first?
Arizona team
Call or text 602-492-6594