Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 268 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona worth booking?
Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona is a 3-hour experience in Phoenix, United States, from $120 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 268 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (268)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Explore the world-famous Camelback Mountain—the most popular peak in Phoenix, Arizona, with a fun, experienced, local Mad Desert Trekking guide. Experience the thrill and accomplishment of summiting the highest mountain
What you get
About this experience
Explore the world-famous Camelback Mountain—the most popular peak in Phoenix, Arizona, with a fun, experienced, local Mad Desert Trekking guide. Experience the thrill and accomplishment of summiting the highest mountain in Phoenix. We love Camelback Mountain ... and we know you will, too. Why should you book your Camelback Mountain hike with Mad Desert Trekking? 1. We approach every trip with fun and adventure in mind. 2. Our pro guides will show you the secrets of Camelback Mountain that few people know about. 3. All Mad Desert Trekking guides maintain either Wilderness First Responder or EMT certifications. We will provide everything you need for your hiking adventure, including: - Use of backpacks - Sunscreen - Bottled water - Sports drinks - Trail snacks - Cold beverages following your hike Our No. 1 priority is your safety. We guarantee a safe, enjoyable and memorable Camelback Mountain hiking adventure! Mad Desert Trekking Rad Guides | Bigger Experience | More Adventure
What's included
Included
- Backpacks
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Cold beverages following the hiking adventure
- Professional, certified adventure guide
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Phoenix
Your Mad Desert Trekking guide will meet you outside the Echo Canyon Trailhead building off E. McDonald Drive. Please note that the parking lot is sometimes full and you may have to wait for a parking spot. Uber and Lyft will drop off at the trailhead.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your Mad Desert Trekking guide will meet you outside the Echo Canyon Trailhead building off E. McDonald Drive. Please note that the parking lot is sometimes full and you may have to wait for a parking spot. Uber and Lyft will drop off at the trailhead.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mad Desert Trekking
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 268 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
10 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
268 verified traveler reviews for Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Conquering Camelback mountain with Curtis Whipple
This hike was truly one of the best experiences of my life. Being completely brand new to hiking, I did not know what to expect going into it. Fortunately, I was paired with the best Hiking guide in the world Curtis Whipple. He truly made the experience even better. With his uplifting personality, his patience and his motivation to reach the top I was able to conquer the hike and reach the top. Curtis does an amazing job of explaining how to navigate the hike to make sure we are prepared for what’s to come as we got closer to the top. He truly has a big heart and cares a lot about people, throughout the hike when we passed several people that looked like they were struggling a little bit or maybe just taking a break. He would always ask if they were okay, if they needed any water, or even if they needed a bandanna to cool down. He was also extremely prepared for the hike. He had a backpack filled with many different things to make sure that the extreme heat and weather conditions did not affect me in any way. This experience is truly something I will never forget and I look forward to my next trip to Arizona so that I can plan another hike with Curtis. I fell in love with Hiking on this trip and I hope to make it a new hobby of mine for the rest of my life. Thanks again Curtis, you truly are one of a kind!
Response from the operator: Ricky, your story is truly inspiring! 🤩 Thank you for trusting Mad Desert Trekking with your first big hike. Hearing that this hike was a life-changing experience for you is the absolute best compliment we could ever receive. And, knowing that you’re planning to make hiking a lifelong hobby makes us so proud. We're thrilled your guide Curtis made such a huge impact on your journey. See you on your next trip to Arizona—the mountains will be ready for you! 🌅 — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🏜🦎☀️🌵
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Experience Climbing Camelback Mountain
I booked the tour as I was scared to climb Camelback Mountain with my 13 year old son by myself. Mad Desert Trekking was the perfect answer to my dilemma. I booked the tour and called the phone number listed to ask questions. The owner Matt Kalina answer all my questions. Matt actually was our tour guide for the climb and he was excellent. He explained all the sections of the climb, encourage us as we climbed, pointed out local plants, took wonderful pictures at the summit and pointed out local scenery I would have never been able to know about not being from Arizona. I wouldn't hesitate to book with Mad Desert Trekking if I was in Arizona again. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
Response from the operator: Cheri, a huge thanks to you and your son for choosing us to guide your Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure! It was a blast hiking with you. Happy trails until we see you again! 🙌 — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🏜🦎☀️🌵
via Tripadvisor
Expertly Guided Camelback Hike with Doug
I had an amazing experience hiking Camelback with Mad Desert Trekking! As a solo woman hiker, I felt completely comfortable and supported the entire time thanks to the guide, Doug. He was incredibly skilled, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the hike, sharing great information while making sure I felt safe and encouraged. What really stood out was how mindful he was of everyone on the trail. On the trail, another hiker started cramping badly, and Doug immediately stepped in to help. As a medic, he handled the situation calmly and professionally. His experience and care made a huge impression on me. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a challenging but rewarding Camelback experience with a truly exceptional guide!
via Viator
Curtis// Camelback Hike
Curtis led us on the tour of Camelback Mountain. He was extremely knowledgeable, light-hearted, and was friends with everyone on the mountain. Took the time to care for others on our journey, wonderful picture and action shots, and amazing service. The hike itself is difficult and contains breathtaking views. Would recommend Curtis, and this to anyone!
Response from the operator: Alec, yes! 🤜💥🤛 Breathtaking views, a challenging route, and a fun guide — that's what it is all about. We're thrilled your guide Curtis was there with you to explore Camelback Mountain and reach the summit! ☀️🥾 — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🏜🦎☀️🌵
via Tripadvisor
10/10 Hike with Curtis
We had the BEST experience hiking thanks to our guide, Curtis! 🙌 From the very beginning, he went above and beyond—reaching out the day before with helpful tips on parking and what to expect, which made everything so smooth and stress-free. During the hike, he was incredibly patient and made sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. Curtis truly made the experience unforgettable. He knew all the best photo spots, shared so much interesting history and information about Arizona, and even took photos and put together a video of our hike for us—such a special touch! If we’re ever back, we will 100% be requesting Curtis again. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for an amazing, fun, and memorable hike! Thank you, Curtis, for making our adventure so special! 🌄✨
Response from the operator: Breana, Best. Experience. Ever! That’s the goal! 🎯 Huge thanks for the shout-out to your guide Curtis, who helped balance the challenge of a strenuous hike with having a great time. We’re glad those parking tips and personalized videos made the difference for you. Next time you're in Phoenix, you know who to call! — Matt Kalina | Owner | Mad Desert Trekking | Scottsdale, AZ | Intense Human-Powered Sonoran Desert Adventures 🏜🦎☀️🌵
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $120 to $220
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 94
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Phoenix.
How much does Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona cost?
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Prices start at $120 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Phoenix usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Phoenix is not rushed.
Is Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 268 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Phoenix, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona?
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Around 94 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Phoenix can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Phoenix and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Phoenix within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Phoenix?
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Phoenix runs on desert experiences: sunrise hot air balloon lifts over the Sonoran, Camelback and South Mountain hikes, off-road Tonto Forest tours and day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Heat safety and start times decide whether a tour is good, so we weight timing detail in the ranking. On Outty we rank every Phoenix experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip, Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix, Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Phoenix?
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November to April. Summer tours run at dawn or not at all. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Phoenix?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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