Echo Canyon Recreation Area On Schedule For Fall Opening

September 09, 2013

After months of renovation, two prime hiking trails in Phoenix will open in time for the hiking season. The city closed Echo Canyon at Camelback Mountain in January. The area was in need of modernization and of a new entrance.

In the past, visitors used the same roadway as residents of adjacent neighborhoods, which contributed to many traffic problems. Now, there’s a new access road to the trailhead. Other upgrades include an expanded parking lot, permanent restrooms, new walkway up to the trail and a new and improved lower trail route that increases the length of the trail.

David Urbinato is with Phoenix Parks and Recreation.

“We are right on schedule with the construction at Echo Canyon for late fall opening on November 30, that’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” said Urbinato. “The Thanksgiving holiday really is the start of the high season on Phoenix hiking trails.”

The city of Phoenix is also expanding the Sonoran Preserve area west of Cave Creek. There will be a new parking lot and miles of dirt trail. The project is also expected to be completed and open to the public sometime in the fall.