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  • Fountain Hills, Arizona

    Top Spots in and near Fountain Hills

    • Scottsdale, Arizona

      Sunrise Trail to Sunrise Peak

      4.8
      3.73 mi / 1037 ft gain
      Sunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you t...
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    • Fountain Hills, Arizona

      Hike the Dixie Mine Trail

      2.0
      5.5 mi / 591 ft gain
      The MineDixie mine was established in 1877, when mining scouts noticed the large amount of quartz in the area. The Dixie Mine was sold many times throughout the 20th Century and was ruled no longer efficient in 1977 when it was sold to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The PetroglyphsThe area ...
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    • Scottsdale, Arizona

      Bike the Pemberton Loop in McDowell Mountain Park

      15.4 mi
      This is a 15.4 mile loop that has 879 feet of elevation gain and descent. We took this trail clockwise. The trail is very well marked and maintained. It starts out flat from the parking lot. Once you have made it across the road it begins to climb. You continue with a gradual climb until you've g...
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    • Fort McDowell, Arizona

      Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail

      2.5
      2.4 mi
      This scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife.  Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail.  This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...
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    • Mesa, Arizona

      Photograph the Salt River Wild Horses at Coon Bluff

      5.0
      Wild horses have roamed the banks of the lower Salt River since long before the Tonto National Forest was created in 1902.  It is thought that these wild horses have descended from a herd brought to the area by a Spanish missionary in the 1600's.   In 2015 the United States Forest Service had pu...
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    • 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...
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    • 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...
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    • 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...
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    • 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. ...
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    • 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...
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    • 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...
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    • 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...
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    • 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...
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    • 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...
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    • Maricopa County, Arizona

      Hike the Goldfield Ovens Loop

      7.5 mi / 575 ft gain
      A Tonto Day Pass is required for this hike as you will park your vehicle at the Blue Point Picnic Area. The trail starts North of the restrooms which are located at the backside of the parking lot. The trail takes you through a mesquite filled area alongside large rock faces. Be sure too look for...
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    • Mesa, Arizona

      Horseback Ride in the Sonoran Desert

      5.0
      This picturesque location is truly unique; featuring Saguaro Lake, the spectacular Bulldog Cliffs and the Salt River winds through the Ranch property, and you’re able to experience it all on horseback. What I loved most is that the horses were well cared for, the handlers obviously adored the ani...
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    Camping and Lodging in Fountain Hills

    Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey
    Apache Junction, Arizona

    Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey

    Cave Creek Group Site
    Cave Creek, Arizona

    Cave Creek Group Site

    Burnt Corral Campground
    Roosevelt, Arizona

    Burnt Corral Campground

    Cholla Campground
    Tonto Basin, Arizona

    Cholla Campground

    Frazier Group Campground
    Roosevelt, Arizona

    Frazier Group Campground

    Windy Hill Campground
    Roosevelt, Arizona

    Windy Hill Campground

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Fountain Hills

    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

    Marmot Men's Alpha 60 Vest Review

    Marmot Men's Alpha 60 Vest Review

    Kevin Kaminski

    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