Desert Drama on Camelback: Rescue Teams Scramble to Cholla Trail

Technical rescue crews from both Phoenix and Tempe rushed to the Cholla Trailhead on Camelback Mountain on Monday after reports of an injured hiker, according to the Phoenix Fire Department. A public information officer was sent to the scene, and officials said they would share more details as they become available.

Official Update From Phoenix Fire

In a post on X, the Phoenix Fire Department said technical rescue teams from Phoenix and Tempe were responding to an injured hiker at the Cholla Trailhead and that a public information officer would provide updates from the mountain. The department did not release the hiker's condition, age or whether extra resources, such as an airlift, were part of the response.

Where Cholla Trailhead Is

The Cholla Trailhead sits on the east side of Camelback Mountain off Invergordon Road. The City of Phoenix trail map lists the trailhead at 5150 N. Invergordon Road and rates Cholla as "Extremely Difficult," with steep, exposed sections and very little shade. The route climbs about 1,420 feet in elevation, which can make technical extractions challenging for rescue teams.

Rescues Are Common on Camelback

Phoenix mountain trails regularly generate a high volume of rescue calls. ABC15 reports that the Phoenix Fire Department handles more than 200 rescues a year, and local coverage shows crews frequently relying on rope-and-pulley systems, "big wheel" stretchers and helicopter lifts on Camelback Mountain. Those operations are physically demanding and can stretch on for several hours.

Hiker Safety Reminders

Officials continue to urge hikers to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear and skip steep summit attempts in high heat, as well as to give rescuers space to work if they come across an active incident. For official trail guidance, see the City of Phoenix "Take a Hike. Do it Right." page.