Echo Canyon Recreation Area — Attraction in Phoenix

This is an incredible hike! I went on one of the worst possible days and times. It was 102F and at 2pm. There is a bathroom at the start with a vending machine for water (cash only). You'll find a ranger at the start. I found most are friendly.

I can't stress you need to bring a lot of water. I brought plenty of water, 4-30 ounce bottles. I am a big guy (260 in shape) and I drank all of it. I am in average shape and it took me a little over 2 hours. I was amazed that the regulars go up with 1 or 2 bottles.

Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are a must. For 80 to 90% of the time, you'll be in the sun. And its unrelenting. There was a good breeze from time to time but the heat was tough. Also, with the heat and dust, I wore a bandana over me nose to keep me nose clean.

You will be climbing over a lot of bolders and jagged rocks. Recommend gloves for the rocky sections. There are 34 markers with most easy to find. BTW, going down is no easy task. There are slick sections. I stopped to rest and to take pictures. I found a lot of regulars asking if I needed water, which was great. Most people were friendly and willing to offer advice.

Also, do not get caught after sunset. Your car will get a $140 fine and you will get a $200 fine for loitering. I asked the ranger today and he said these...

Echo Canyon gets four stars from me, but only because of the crowd factor. The hike itself is awesome. I have reviewed it before and surprise, nothing has changed. Still beautiful. Still packed. It is like Camelback is the only trail people in Phoenix have heard of, so naturally the entire city decides to show up at once. If you are trying to get some peace and quiet, this is not the spot unless you show up early.

Now, if you hit it before sunrise, it is a five star experience all the way. There is nothing like making it to the top, catching that first light over the valley, and smashing some summit snacks while watching the city wake up. But once 7am hits, the trail starts feeling like rush hour in hiking boots. Four stars if you go early, three if you are showing up late and trying to dodge selfie sticks the whole way up.

The hike itself is moderate but can get tough if you are not prepared. Bring water. Take breaks. Do not underestimate the climb or overestimate your cardio. You are not going to impress anyone if you push too hard and have to be carried out. If you are not feeling it, turn around and come back another day. The mountain is not going anywhere.

Still a solid hike with killer views, just go in knowing you are not going to be alone. Or silent. Or probably...

Wow. Just wow. I was on a business trip so I had only yoga pants and thin rubber soled city boots but I think I'm a pretty fit 60 yr old and was determined to complete this technical hike. I made it perhaps half way up; it is a very busy vertical trail, and so I was waiting for some women to use the railing at a spot before I continued my climb, one challenged but fit woman perhaps a few years younger than me stopped, looked down at my shoes, " Wow, you wore the wrong shoes"! Which I'd already surmised. But when she and the rest of her group encouraged me to turn around at the next little plateau my already jelloed muscles reluctantly agreed. Experienced hikers know that going down is harder than the climb and by the time i reached the bottom I was both satisfied with my workout and disappointed that I missed the summit. A park ranger was gearing up to do the climb and I stopped and told him that the only thing I injured was my ego. He said, " well you're one of the smarter people to climb then." P.S.. I know there are incredible hikes all over the west but I relly qant to try this again with a good soled pair of running shoes or...