Glendale, Arizona
Top Spots in and near Glendale
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Fountain Hills, Arizona
Hike the Dixie Mine Trail
2.05.5 mi / 591 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Cave Creek, Arizona
Elephant Mountain Fortress Hike
5.05.5 mi / 867 ft gainThis 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
Bike the Pemberton Loop in McDowell Mountain Park
15.4 miThis 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...Read more -
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 ...Read more -
Morristown, Arizona
Hiking in Hells Canyon Wilderness
Spanning 9,951 acres of backcountry a few miles northwest of Lake Pleasant and about 25 miles north of Phoenix, Hells Canyon Wilderness area offers a quick way to escape into an untamed swath of desert that’s more paradise than purgatory.I have to say, this entire trail is 36.3 miles (and is tec...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail
2.52.4 miThis 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...Read more -
Mesa, Arizona
Photograph the Salt River Wild Horses at Coon Bluff
5.0Wild 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...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike the Wind Cave Trail
4.32.9 mi / 790 ft gainThis is a great trail for a run or for stretching your legs exploring the caves in Usery Mountain Regional Park. Keep in mind that the trail leads you up to the cave and is the end point. To get better views of the area, you'll have to climb up past the caves, where the trail is not marked.Read more -
Maricopa County, Arizona
Hike the Goldfield Ovens Loop
7.5 mi / 575 ft gainA 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...Read more -
Mesa, Arizona
Kayak the Lower Salt River
5.0It's not an Arizona summer without time spent on the Salt River! And there's no better way than by kayak. Summertime on the Lower Salt is full of people, mostly in tubes and on SUP's. Getting on the river in the early hours of the morning help avoid some of the crowds. The best launch point by...Read more -
Mesa, Arizona
Horseback Ride in the Sonoran Desert
5.0This 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...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Kayak Saguaro Lake
4.0If you want to enjoy some paddle time on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, launching from Butcher Jones Recreation Area is your best bet. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent from the nearby Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and they’ll bring the kayaks to the launch point for you (as well as provide...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake
4.64 mi / 300 ft gainButcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat!The trailhead is located right ...Read more -
Black Canyon City, Arizona
Explore Pueblo La Plata
0.25 miPueblo La Plata is the largest ancient Indian ruin in Agua Fria National Monument and dates back to before 1200 A.D. The ruin at one time had 80 to 90 rooms for living quarters. Now the sight seems like just a pile of rubble. However there is significant research continuing on the mesa of Agua Fr...Read more -
Queen Creek, Arizona
Hike the Dynamite and Goldmine Loop
5.04.7 mi / 773 ft gainThis trail is a moderately-rated hike. It is used for a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, running, and walking. To access the trail, it is important to note that there is a $7 cash parking fee, so be prepared! The beginning of the trail is the most challenging part as it ...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Catch a Sunset at Goldfield Ranch
4.0Although a tourist trap, Goldfield Ghost Town is a place any visitor might like stopping for a little food and a drink if they're hiking in the Superstition Mountains at the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park. It's certainly a place that has plentiful opportunities for some photography.While there y...Read more