We'll start our morning at Echo Canyon Trailhead located in Paradise Valley. This trail is an intense and difficult hike for most of the 1.23 miles to the summit. It ascends approximately 1,280 ft, from 1,424 ft above sea level to 2,704 ft. You can anticipate the round trip hike to take about 2 to 3 hours. The hike begins with a steep well marked trail for the first 3/8 mile. You will then hit the railroad tie steps. The first vertical hand rail comes next, which is the steepest and most difficult part of the trail. After this challenge there is about 200 feet of low grade hiking until another, less intense, hand rail section. Once past the second rail, the Echo Canyon trail consists of large rocks, phenomenal views, and continued steep grade until the summit, another .7 miles. There are many good places to stop for photos so be sure to bring your camera! We'll spend about 15-20 minutes at the summit and then begin our climb down.