Popular Camelback Trail Closing Soon: What Phoenix Hikers Need To Know

PHOENIX, AZ — Hikers who typically use Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail will need to make other plans later this month.

The Cholla Trail will close from Aug. 17, through Aug. 28, while Phoenix crews install a new sewer line along Cholla Lane.

During the closure, hikers and bikers can still reach Camelback Mountain through the Echo Canyon Trailhead at 4925 E. McDonald Drive.

The temporary closure is part of the city’s Cholla Sewer Diversion and Abandonment Project. Phoenix Water Services plans to install a new sewer line along Cholla Lane, then take an existing line south of the road out of service and fill it in place.

Construction crews will dig for the new pipeline, clean and seal the existing line, and restore the trail and street after the work is complete, according to the city’s project notice.

The closure will leave Echo Canyon as the available route for those looking to hike Camelback Mountain. Hikers should plan ahead for potentially busier conditions at the trailhead and parking area.

Residents along Cholla Lane will continue to have access to their homes, though the city said intermittent delays are possible. There will be no expected interruption to water or sewer service during construction.

Drivers should also expect traffic restrictions on Cholla Lane west of Invergordon Road, where the street will be reduced to one lane. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone, and motorists should be ready for brief stops and construction-related delays.

The overall project is scheduled to continue through Oct. 5. Work is generally planned between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Construction activity may bring trucks, heavy equipment and noise to the area during work hours.

For questions about the project or the Cholla Trail closure, call 602-235-2488.