One of the Valley's premier hiking trails is about to be spruced up. But, as KJZZ's Dennis Lambert reports, that means this weekend is the last time you'll be able to use it for about nine months.

DENNIS LAMBERT: The Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain will be closed on Monday, according to David Urbanato of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, who says the trail is overdue for repairs.

DAVID URBANATO: It was not built or laid out in a way to minimize erosion, so the lower portion of the trail is going to be renovated and rebuilt to make it more sustainable.

LAMBERT: Urbanato says the old railroad ties will be replaced and improvements will be made to the small, trailhead parking lot.

URBANATO: During the height of the season it wasn't unusual for cars to back up 30-to-45 minutes, waiting for a chance to park and hike the trail.

LAMBERT: Park officials say pedestrian safety will also be improved with a safety buffer for hikers approaching the area on foot. And a permanent restroom will be built at the trailhead. Urbanato says parks officials have budgeted about $3 million from the city's Parks and Preserve Initiative for the project, which is expected to be completed this fall.