On this page, we look at the sights in Camelback East Phoenix. Visitors to Phoenix usually arrive through here, as Sky Harbor International Airport (web) is located on the southern edge of Camelback East, making it by the far the most convenient way into the area for travelers from out of town.
State Route 51 (also known as the Piestewa Parkway) is the major north/south freeway through the region, running north from Interstate 10 and continuing past Piestewa Peak and on into the more northern regions of the city. The road runs just east of 16th Street in this region.
State Route 202 (also known as the Red Mountain Freeway) is the the major east/west freeway in the region, running just south of McDowell Road. It begins at the same point as State Route 51 where Interstate 10 goes from east/west to north/south, a location referred to as the "mini-stack" (as opposed to Stack interchange where Interstate 10 and Interstate 17 intersect in West Phoenix).
Interstate 10 is the main east/west route into Phoenix, and runs past the airport. It serves effectively as the "extension" of both SR 51 and SR 202, continuing on south past the termination of SR 51 and continuing west past the termination of SR 202.
Getting Around
As with most parts of the Valley, having a car available is virtually a must for seeing the area. (Click here for car rentals) South of the mountains the roads are almost universally laid out in a grid format, with numbered streets running north/south and increasing in number as you move east towards the Scottsdale border.
Leaving the area to the north generally means passing through one of two major mountain passes--the Dreamy Draw via State Route 51 or around Camelback Mountain and through the Town of Paradise Valley via 44th Street to MacDonald Drive and then north along Tatum Boulevard. Either route offers some stunning views of urban desert mountain settings.
What to see in Camelback East, Phoenix
Piestewa Peak, 2701 E. Squaw Peak Ln. or 2421 E.Northern Ave., (602) 262-7901, [web]. 5am-10pm (Dreamy Draw Park) 11pm (Phoenix Mountains Park). The other well known mountain in the area (Camelback Mountain being the most well known), the peak was formerly known as "Squaw Peak" prior to being renamed in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa who was the first Native American woman killed in combat in the U.S. Military in 2003. Due to the recent name change visitors will find references to the peak under both names (for instance, the road leading to the park on the south side of the mountain still has the prior name). This mountain, whose summit rises to 2,608 feet, is much more accessible to visitors than is Camelback Mountain. Picnic areas exist both on the south side of the mountain (Phoenix Mountains Park entrace on Squaw Peak Lane) and the north side (Dreamy Draw Park, entrance via Northern Avenue).
Camelback Mountain, (East McDonald Drive at Tatum Boulevard), (602) 256-3220, [web]. The most recognizable landmark of the area, Camelback Mountain rises to 2,704 feet at its summit. It sits between Phoenix to the south and Paradise Valley to the North. The lower areas of the mountain contain some of the most exclusive residences in the Valley, with the upper sections now part of a park. There are very challenging and difficult hiking trails to the summit that are not recommended for any but experienced hikers. As well, parking near the mountain is extremely limited. The mountain consists of red rock, and is in the general shape of a camel's silhouette. A rock formation on the mountain is known as Praying Monk. The park also contains Echo Canyon.
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, [web]. 7am-8pm. 50 acres of exhibits showcasing desert plants, with an emphasis on plants native to the Southwestern United States. Located in Papago Park, near the Phoenix Zoo.
Arizona Biltmore Hotel, 24th St. and Camelback Rd, [web]. Visit this legendary Phoenix landmark built in 1921 and has hosted famous guests such as Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and the President of the United States when he is in town.
Wrigley Mansion, 2501 East Telawa Trail, [web]. Take a tour of the amazing architecture and grounds of this historic mansion built by the famous chewing gum magnate.
Shopping in Camelback East, Phoenix
Town & Country Shopping Center (web), 20th Street and Camelback Road. Down the street from Biltmore Fashion Square is a mall without a true major anchor tenant, but with a number of smaller shops and less expensive restaurants (including both chains such as Chili's and Black Angus and local restaurants like Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen). edit
Biltmore Fashion Park (web), 24th St. and Camelback Rd. Includes many high-end tenants such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, and Escada; and many highly-acclaimed eateries.
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