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• Fabulous Experience Climbing Camelback Mountain

  486cherig,May 14, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I booked the tour as I was scared to climb Camelback Mountain with my 13 year old son by myself. Mad Desert Trekking was the perfect answer to my dilemma. I booked the tour and called the phone number listed to ask questions. The owner Matt Kalina answer all my questions. Matt actually was our tour guide for the climb and he was excellent. He explained all the sections of the climb, encourage us as we climbed, pointed out local plants, took wonderful pictures at the summit and pointed out local scenery I would have never been able to know about not being from Arizona. I wouldn't hesitate to book with Mad Desert Trekking if I was in Arizona again. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!

• Expertly Guided Camelback Hike with Doug

  Kathryn M,May 6, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  I had an amazing experience hiking Camelback with Mad Desert Trekking! As a solo woman hiker, I felt completely comfortable and supported the entire time thanks to the guide, Doug. He was incredibly skilled, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the hike, sharing great information while making sure I felt safe and encouraged. What really stood out was how mindful he was of everyone on the trail. On the trail, another hiker started cramping badly, and Doug immediately stepped in to help. As a medic, he handled the situation calmly and professionally. His experience and care made a huge impression on me. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a challenging but rewarding Camelback experience with a truly exceptional guide!

• Curtis// Camelback Hike

  82alect,Apr 26, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Curtis led us on the tour of Camelback Mountain. He was extremely knowledgeable, light-hearted, and was friends with everyone on the mountain. Took the time to care for others on our journey, wonderful picture and action shots, and amazing service. The hike itself is difficult and contains breathtaking views. Would recommend Curtis, and this to anyone!

• 10/10 Hike with Curtis

  210breanaf,Apr 26, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had the BEST experience hiking thanks to our guide, Curtis! 🙌 From the very beginning, he went above and beyond—reaching out the day before with helpful tips on parking and what to expect, which made everything so smooth and stress-free. During the hike, he was incredibly patient and made sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. Curtis truly made the experience unforgettable. He knew all the best photo spots, shared so much interesting history and information about Arizona, and even took photos and put together a video of our hike for us—such a special touch! If we’re ever back, we will 100% be requesting Curtis again. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for an amazing, fun, and memorable hike! Thank you, Curtis, for making our adventure so special! 🌄✨

  

  

  

  

• Awesome Experience!!

  juliekH1621JU,Apr 21, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had an incredible hike on Camelback with Doug, truly couldn’t have asked for a better guide. From the start, we felt completely safe in his hands. He’s extremely knowledgeable, clearly highly trained, and knows the mountain inside and out, which gave us so much confidence throughout the hike. One of the highlights was a spontaneous side adventure into a cave—such a unique and fun experience we never would have found on our own! Doug was also incredibly encouraging, keeping the energy positive and helping us push ourselves just the right amount. He made everything feel easy by coming fully prepared with water, snacks, and all the gear we needed, so we could just focus on enjoying the experience. This was our second time booking with Mad Desert Trekking, and once again, they delivered an outstanding experience. We’ve had nothing but amazing guides and seamless trips - highly recommend both Doug and the company. It truly couldn’t have been better!

• A Gorgeous Outing (not for the weak)

  H9393SWmaxf,Apr 18, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Wonderful hike and amazing guide Doug! He is very experienced and has been doing this for years. I would 100% recommend him as a guide for any hikes.

• Fabulous experience! Doug is a kind, encouraging companion on what is a grade 1 scramble.

  Sonia S,Apr 17, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  I did the Cholla trail. It is a Grade 1 scramble- limited exposure, no ropes or even poles needed. Sandstone is grippy and makes the scramble very doable. What made this possible for me to do solo, was my guide Doug! Doug was patient and very supportive. His “You got this!” got through some spicy bits laughing and with a smile on my face. He had water which I definitely needed after finishing the contents of my 1l water bottle at the summit. The descent is much easier than the climb up. I had a great time! Thanks Doug- for the encouragement and the numerous photos!

• Camelback Mountain Hike

  Paradise433893,Apr 16, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Hiking Camelback Mountain with Curtis was easily one of the highlights of my trip. He was exceptional - funny, engaging, and incredibly motivating throughout the entire hike. He set a perfect pace that made the experience both enjoyable and manageable, and the thoughtful touches like bringing snacks made a big difference. Curtis was the ultimate accountability partner, keeping me encouraged every step of the way while making the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. We had such a wonderful morning, and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend!

  

• Fantastic hike - great feeling, great views. Puts life in perspective.

  Wander30811330479,Mar 29, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  On March 14th I hiked with guide Curtis Whipple for 3 hours in the Sonoran Desert and had a great time. He knew a lot about the desert and had some great stories to share along the way - along with snacks and extra water. He kept me safe and we had a good time. I can't recommend him highly enough. I'll look him up next time we're in the area!

• We Recommend a Guide

  eileensK9918MM,Mar 20, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I read an article on how it was highly suggested to have a guide on a first trip to Camelback Mountain due to the intensity and difficulty of the hike. We found Curtis through Mad Desert Trekking on Trip Advisor. I honestly don't think I would have enjoyed the hike as much as I did without him. He explained what was coming ahead, we rested at the perfect times, and he would show us exactly how to step around some precarious boulders along the route. He gave us valuable hints and tips and took several wonderful pictures as we made our way up and down the mountain. It was nice to have someone knowledgeable to help keep us safe!

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