This is the 'easier' of the two trails to the top of Camelback Mountain. Easier is all relative, though. It is still rated extreme.
It is 2.6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1100+ feet to the top.
There is no parking allowed on the street with the Cholla Trailhead. The mountain is in the middle of several very fancy residential neighborhoods, as well as having a schmancy looking hotel at the foot of the mountain. There is street parking up on the connecting street. The walk to and from the trailhead (ride sharing services are also not allowed to drop you off at the trailhead...but rather up at the corner of the street) will probably add another mile on to your total walk.
The first, and therefore last, mile are actually relatively easy. Sure it is a climb, and your legs and knees will feel it. But the last .3 mile is STEEP. Be ready for some climbing! I did alright with most of it, and just needed some encouragement at the really steep parts.
The whole thing took us just over two hours, I believe, which included a rest and snack stop at the top.
It isn't the prettiest hike I have ever done, being in the middle of the the city. But it certainly is challenging.
The only downside is the trail runners. The trail is pretty narrow for the most part, rocky, and highly traveled. So people running up and down the trail is slightly frustrating. But to each their own.
A nice hike, a bit frustrating to get to, and you will feel like a star when you finish!