Piestewa vs Camelback? Which Should you Hike?
When thinking about what to hike Labor Day Weekend 2020, I thought Piestewa vs Camelback? We have lived in Phoenix for a year but have not hiked Piestewa or Camelback. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to hike both, see what all the fuss is about, check them off my list, and pick my favorite.
This is a comparison post to help you decide which you should hike if you are forced to choose between the two. Piestewa was a clear winner for me. But preferences for hiking and all things outdoors are personal and your preferences might not be the same as mine. Ideally, you should hike both to see which you like better and then come talk to me about it so we can compare notes 😀.
Hiking Stats: Piestewa vs CamelBack
Piestewa
2.6 Miles
1202 Feet
Extremely Difficult
A++++ Views
Camelback
3.5 Miles
1315 Feet
Extremely Difficult
A++++ Views
Map & Elevation Profile
Both hikes are about 1100 feet elevation in just over a mile. My GPX tracks for Piestewa are slightly off because I didn’t start at the trailhead. Oops! Wikipedia reports that Piestewa is 1208 feet in 1.2 miles. I added the small little Bobby’s Rock loop while at Camelback. For Camelback, Wiki states it is 1280 feet elevation in 1.14 miles via the Echo Canyon Trail.
Piestewa
Max elevation: 2597 ft
Min elevation: 1395 ft
Total time: 01:30:27
Camelback
Max elevation: 2716 ft
Min elevation: 1401 ft
Total time: 01:49:39
Views
Winner: Piestewa
Views are a top priority for me on hikes. I want big expansive mountain views because that’s what I like. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in alpine meadows or a pine forest as much as the next gal, but expansive views are what matter to me.
Piestewa
Great views of downtown Phoenix happen right away
The mountain views just get better and better as you continue to climb
There are several excellent rest stops with great views
The views from the summit are holy cow a bunga awesome 🤯
Camelback
Fairly quickly you get views to the west and east towards the Superstitions
There a few excellent rest stops with views
The views from the summit are holy cow a bunga awesome 🤯
The climb is on the north side of the mountain facing Mummy Mountain and views do not feel as expansive
High fences in some areas that obstruct the views
Difficulty
Tie: Both equally hard in their own ways
Both hikes kicked my butt and caused me to have jelly legs on the way down.
Piestewa
Think StairMaster – basically giant steps all the way up
Will make you sweaty and get your heart rate high
Excellent workout
Trail is very exposed and sometimes the giant steps are a little scary (like when descending from the summit, I thought don’t look down)
Camelback
If a StairMaster and rock scramble had kids, this would be it
Will make you very sweaty and breath very hard
Excellent workout
Very steep in places with railings installed – railings get hot after being in the sun
The last half mile to the summit is a rock scramble and a KILLA
Solitude
Tie: No solitude on either
These are both very busy hikes. They are in the middle of a huge sprawling metropolis so expect people to be everywhere.
Piestewa
People galore
Can sneak off on other trails to escape the crowds
Camelback
People everywhere
Wider trail many places so you have more space – especially during rock scramble
Parking
Winner: Piestewa
Both lots are free but there is more parking available at Piestewa.
Piestewa
Big parking lot with more facilities under construction
More parking means more people
Camelback
Good size lot
Fills up fast
Trail
Winner: Piestewa
Piestewa has my favorite type of hiking trail: rocky, not too wide, just feels like a real hiking trail. It’s kind of like the Gateway Loop or Sunrise Trail in the McDowells. Camelback is less defined. It’s not a bad thing, just not my preference.
Piestewa
Rocky and not too wide
Feel likes a real hiking trail
Camelback
Trail undefined in many areas
Beginning is a wide gravel path
Very steep in places!
The Summit
Winner: Camelback
When you do a big climb, it’s nice to have a cool area to hang out, rest for a while, and enjoy the views. Camelback is a clear winner on this.
Piestewa
Small area at summit
Cliff edges close by
AMAZING views
Camelback
Large area at summit
Plenty of space to relax and rest without crowding up on people or being too close to a cliff edge
AMAZING views
Conclusion: Piestewa vs Camelback?
Both are challenging hikes with spectacular views. For me, Piestewa was better because the scenery was more expansive and it felt more like a real hiking trail. After completing both hikes, I thought I would take my BF or out of town friends on Piestewa in a heartbeat but would hesitate with Camelback. I definitely would consider trying taking it slow up Camelback or approaching from the Cholla Trail side.
Which is your favorite and why? Please share in the comments! Everyone has different hiking/trail preferences and it’s good to hear all opinions. Plus on either one, you will get to enjoy mountain views, get a good workout in, and feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Map for Piestewa and Camelback Hikes
You won’t regret having this map. There are a lot of signs but you should always have a map. This Green Trails Map is awesome!
Phoenix Mountain Preserve Green trails map
This is a great map for all the Phoenix Mountain Preserve hikes (affiliate link)!
Photo Gallery To make you want to Visit
Can’t you just see yourself hiking here and enjoying these views!
