Hiking can sometimes be all work with no reward, but not at Camelback Mountain! During the holiday season, Santa and a fully ornamented Christmas tree will be awaiting your arrival at the summit. What a unique family tradition to adopt! Check it out:
Echo Canyon Trail is the quickest way up the mountain, clocking in at just 2.4 miles.
AllTrails/Zosia King. It is relatively tough, with an elevation gain of more than 1,000 feet, but the effort definitely pays off.
Hikers looking for a greater challenge can embark on Cholla Trail.
AllTrails/Scott Johnson It is slightly longer, facing the opposite direction to offer an entirely different viewpoint.
Each holiday season, a group of volunteers carries a Christmas tree up the mountain.
AllTrails/D. Beasley Critics have pushed back for years, arguing it invites littering, but the tradition persists nonetheless.
Your reward for reaching the summit? A picture with “Camelback Santa!”
Facebook/Camelback Santa Camelback Santa has proudly graced the Christmas cards of families all over Arizona.
Visitors are free to place ornaments on the tree so long as they’re made from birdseed.
Facebook/Camelback Santa Each year, the volunteers involved dedicate their work to a specific cause. This year, it’s honoring frontline workers and medical professionals who have worked heroically throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
This special tree stands from early December through Christmas Day.
Facebook/Camelback Santa Camelback Santa makes appearances on weekends leading up to Christmas week and will be handing out candy canes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. right up through Christmas Day. Follow Camelback Santa on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on when he’ll make appearances.
Camelback Mountain is located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Hop on North Echo Canyon Drive for easy access.
Google Maps Get ready to start a brand new holiday tradition sure to stick around for decades.
Visit Camelback Mountain’s official AllTrails page to learn more.
AllTrails/Zosia King.
It is relatively tough, with an elevation gain of more than 1,000 feet, but the effort definitely pays off.
AllTrails/Scott Johnson
It is slightly longer, facing the opposite direction to offer an entirely different viewpoint.
AllTrails/D. Beasley
Critics have pushed back for years, arguing it invites littering, but the tradition persists nonetheless.
Facebook/Camelback Santa
Camelback Santa has proudly graced the Christmas cards of families all over Arizona.
Each year, the volunteers involved dedicate their work to a specific cause. This year, it’s honoring frontline workers and medical professionals who have worked heroically throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Camelback Santa makes appearances on weekends leading up to Christmas week and will be handing out candy canes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. right up through Christmas Day. Follow Camelback Santa on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on when he’ll make appearances.
Google Maps
Get ready to start a brand new holiday tradition sure to stick around for decades.
Have you ever hiked Camelback Mountain during the holiday season? If so, did you see Santa or the tree? What about pictures? We’d love to hear all the merry and bright details of your festive experience.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
