What draws so many to this mountain? Maybe it's because it is a Phoenix landmark and bucket list item for a city hike. Perhaps it's the challenge of making it to the top along with the 360° views. 

It's all of the above. Around 450,000 hike the Cholla or Echo Canyon trail every year. 

You'll find the trails in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix and the town of Paradise Valley. Although the fight to preserve this area started as early as 1910, it wasn't until 1965 when Barry Goldwater took up the cause and helped stop further development in the mountain's higher elevation. It became a Phoenix city park in 1968.

This past Monday, Dave and I decided to challenge ourselves and hike up the Cholla Trail. The last time we made the trek was back in 2016 to see the controversial Christmas tree—a tradition started seven years ago by a fellow named John Cressey. Many complained that it violates the "leave no trace" policy of the park service, while others have accused the city of being a Grinch. The tradition continues to find a way to survive within strict boundaries. 

Thanks to an early start and a weekday morning, we were able to park relatively close by. For the Cholla trail, parking is located only in designated areas along Invergordon. Be prepared to walk up to a mile to reach the trailhead.

The temperature was a perfect 45°, and miraculously, it did not become crowded until our descent. But it was steep—about a mile and a half and 1,500 feet of elevation to the top. 

We were treated to spectacular city views, thanks to a cold front that had pushed through the day before. 

My favorite part of the hike was the portion just beyond the helicopter rescue pad. It consisted of scaling boulders by following a trail of blue reflective markers — kind of like solving a puzzle, only scarier. Our adrenaline was riding way too high to even think about fatigue. 

Once at the top, we joined hikers from the Echo Canyon side, to visit and gaze at the valley below. We also saw a pro athlete doing a motivational video blog that was quite inspiring. 

But where was the tree? A half-eaten ornament was all we saw. Leave no trace.

Fear not my friends. Kris Kringle and his tree will be at the summit from Dec. 21-25, for photos and holiday cheer. This year the tree is dedicated to veterans who have PTSD. If you decide to go, feel free to bring a birdseed ornament to hang for someone you love.

Happy Holidays from AZtoAB!