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Fort McDowell, Arizona

Looking for the best chillin in Fort McDowell? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Fort McDowell. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Fort McDowell

  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Monument Canyon and Broadway Cave

    3.6
    3.69 mi / 866 ft gain
    ...Who doesn't enjoy a short adventure to an scenic location?! If I were to guess, I'd say a good majority of us. This four mile, low trafficked hike to the Broadway Cave will lead you to one of the best spots to hang out or watch the sunset. The Broadway trailhead is located by taking Highway 60...
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  • Tonto Basin, Arizona

    Hike to Brown's Peak

    5.0
    6 mi / 1957 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead you will begin hiking through oak trees and forest. At numerous times throughout the hike Roosevelt Lake can be seen to the northwest. Approximately 3 miles into your hike you will reach a small campsite in the saddle of the mountain. This is your turnaround point if you...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hole in the Rock

    3.6
    0.27 mi / 200 ft gain
    Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails. The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it off...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hike the West Park Loop Trail in Papago Park

    4.4
    4 mi
    This trail begins from the parking lot on the west side of Galvin Parkway. To the east of the parking lot is a single track, dirt trail that heads north towards the big buttes. It continues counterclockwise around the big butte and heads south around the smaller butte. It continues west around th...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Mojave Trail #200

    4.5
    1.88 mi / 430 ft gain
    The entrance for the Piestewa Peak area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive. The Mojave Picnic Area & Trailhead is the first parking area on the right. This is a very popular trail when the outside temps drop a bit so get there early for sunset hikes to ease parking. The trail begins on t...
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  • Tempe, Arizona

    Catch a Sunset from Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue Bridge

    4.5
    Last year I went to Phoenix for a few days for work.  I googled lots of places to shoot pictures around Phoenix, but the majority of them were in neighboring areas, and I only had an hour or two after work and couldn't drive an hour to a better photography spot.  One place that kept coming up was...
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  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Hieroglyphic Trail

    5.0
    2.9 mi / 614 ft gain
    This hike is a great beginner hike for those who want to experience the beauty of the Superstitions. I suggest going early in the morning because this trail gets very crowded later in the day (especially on weekends). To get to the trailhead from US60, turn north onto Kings Ranch Road where you ...
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  • 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...
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  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Fremont Saddle via Peralta Canyon Trail

    4.7
    4.53 mi / 1378 ft gain
    After taking Peralta Road all the way to the end, park your car in the parking lot and you'll see the sign for the trail head. Sign in at the register and then begin our hike on Peralta Trail. This trail winds through the canyon and then takes you up switch backs until you reach the saddle. The ...
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  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Bluff Springs Loop

    4.0
    14.55 mi / 2523 ft gain
    From the Peralta Trailhead, start hiking on Bluff Springs Trail. This trail will wind over a few hills past incredible views, and then take you down into a wash. In the wash you will intersect with the Terrapin Trail. Turn left onto the Terrapin Trail, and it will take you out of the wash and pa...
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  • Pinal County, Arizona

    Photograph Elephant Arch

    4.0
    0.4 mi / 250 ft gain
    ...For this very short stroll to Elephant Arch, I'd like to clarify that it's more of a sightseeing and/or photo opportunity trip than a hiking trip. It's so close that it can be seen from the side of the road. So just forewarning! Nonetheless, if you love natural wonders then it's a landmark you...
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  • Morristown, Arizona

    Hike the Wild Burro Trail

    4 mi / 112 ft gain
    Hike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from ...
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  • Morristown, Arizona

    Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ

    5.0
    Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Phoenix, AZ lies a 10,000 acre desert oasis known as Pleasant Lake Regional Park. This expansive body of water serves as a great opportunity to beat the heat of the central Arizona sun, while taking in the beauty of the vivid blue waters and surroundi...
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  • Young, Arizona

    Camping on Roosevelt Lake Overlook

    5.0
    Stumbled upon this phenomenal spot while dual-sporting through the Sierra Ancha range.Turning off 188 the Globe-Young Highway winds down into a valley and crosses the Salt River before passing some small homesteads and farms. It then climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Ancha mountain range. A...
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  • Coolidge, Arizona

    Explore Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

    4.0
    0.25 mi / 10 ft gain
    No one really knows why the people from the Sonoran Desert built this mud skyscraper. Some scientists believe it was built as a astronomical observatory. What ever the reason, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a engineering marvel that was built in the 1300's. People have been so puzzled...
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  • Morristown, Arizona

    Experiencing Castle Hot Springs

    The grounds of this location are absolutely incredible – food is amazing, and the hot springs are magical.  Each hot spring boasts its own naturally occurring hybrid mix of minerals, which vary from place to place depending on the geology of the area. For the storied history of this location and ...
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