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 the ol' Camelback Mountain Christmas Tree out this year - and be sure to get photos. You never know when this one might disappear for good. Christmas in Arizona has never been so much fun.
Echo Canyon Trail is the quickest way up the mountain, clocking in at just 2.4 miles.
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
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.
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. Want to amp your hiking game up? Check out AllTrails Plus - you'll wonder how you ever hiked without it!
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. What are your favorite things to do in Arizona during the winter? Let us know.
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