Outbound Collective logo

Cave Creek, Arizona

Top Spots in and near Cave Creek

  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Go John Trail

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 804 ft gain
    As you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...
    Read more
  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Elephant Mountain Fortress Hike

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 867 ft gain
    This hike beings at Spur Cross Ranch in Cave Creek, which is a lush riparian area flowing with Saguaros. Starting at the trailhead, you will start this loop by hiking clockwise on Tortuga trail which will connect with the Elephant Mountain trail at 1.5 miles. As you start to ascend the Elephant M...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Pima and Dynamite Loop

    5.0
    50.27 mi / 2136 ft gain
    Pima and Dynamite Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Apache Wash Loop Trail

    5.79 mi / 541 ft gain
    This hike begins at the Apache Wash Trailhead where you will find restrooms and a covered rest area. This loop is simple to follow and offers various shortcuts along with an access to an optional summit climb.  The loop begins from the north-east end of the parking lot near the restrooms. Turn l...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail

    3.98 mi / 154 ft gain
    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Pinnacle Peak Trail

    4.4
    3.87 mi / 896 ft gain
    Pinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Tom's Thumb

    4.3
    3.98 mi / 1236 ft gain
    The infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline.   The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledg...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Boulder the Unknown Handcrack near Tom's Thumb

    V-easy. 20 feet. Start on the Tom's Thumb Trail about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Brusin' and Crusin' on Gardner's Wall

    This is a 100 foot 5.8 trad climb. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the direction you want to take. ...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Girlie Man Near Tom's Thumb

    5.9+ 3 bolt slab. About 65ft. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked tra...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Hanging Garden's on Gardner's Wall

    This is a 2 pitch 5.6 trad climb. About 130 feet in total. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the dire...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Sphincter Boy Near Tom's Thumb

    5.9 trad route. About 60ft. Can be set up as a Top Rope. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Cont...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Marcus Landslide Trail

    5.0
    3.77 mi / 561 ft gain
    Named after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike.  It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hi...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Gateway Loop

    4.5
    4.32 mi / 764 ft gain
    The Gateway Trailhead is one access point into the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and is my favorite “Gateway” into the treasure trove of great trails and vistas in the McDowell Mountains. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of t...
    Read more
  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Hike Bell's Pass

    7.3 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Starting at 1800 ft elevation, the trail begins at Gateway Loop. This part of the trail will start off pretty flat and be more crowded than Bell's Pass depending on the day and time you are hiking. If you enjoy running this would be the time to do it before you reach Bell's Pass and the incline i...
    Read more
  • Glendale, Arizona

    Deem Hills Loop

    3.5
    5 mi
    Located in north Phoenix, the Deem Hills recreation area features a dog park, playground, soccer field, and trailhead leading into the neighboring hills.   To begin your hike, get around the dog park by starting at the Circumference trailhead on the north side of the parking lot.  To complete th...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Cave Creek

Cave Creek Group Site
Cave Creek, Arizona

Cave Creek Group Site

Turney Gulch Group
Crown King, Arizona

Turney Gulch Group

Horsethief Cabin
Crown King, Arizona

Horsethief Cabin

Sycamore Cabin
Mayer, Arizona

Sycamore Cabin

Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey
Apache Junction, Arizona

Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey

Cholla Campground
Tonto Basin, Arizona

Cholla Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Cave Creek

The 5 Best Hikes In Phoenix

The 5 Best Hikes In Phoenix

Kevin Kaminski

7 Hikes You Need to Do in the Phoenix Area

7 Hikes You Need to Do in the Phoenix Area

Calvin Weibel

10 Of Arizona's Best Campsites

10 Of Arizona's Best Campsites

Kevin Kaminski

The 5 Best Winter Camping Spots in Arizona

The 5 Best Winter Camping Spots in Arizona

Sara Sheehy

The top 25 hikes in Arizona

The top 25 hikes in Arizona

The Outbound Collective

The Best Waterfall Hikes in Arizona

The Best Waterfall Hikes in Arizona

The Outbound Collective