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Gold Canyon, Arizona

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

Top Chillin Spots in and near Gold Canyon

  • 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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  • 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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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike to Praying Hands in Lost Dutchman State Park

    4.0
    4.3 mi / 954 ft gain
    Begin your hike in the Cholla parking lot, and start Treasure Loop Trail (this is the north side of the loop, heading east).  Once you get to the base of the main cliffs, and the trail starts to veer to the right, this is where you branch off.  Instead of veering right, go straight and off to the...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park

    4.8
    Lost Dutchman State Park is located near the Superstition Mountains in central Phoenix, about 40 miles from Phoenix. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you’re camping ($15/night). The park offers 134 campsites, each with a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire pit, a...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Drive Through The Apache Trail

    4.8
    Its about a 40 minute drive to the beginning of the trail from Phoenix, and the trail itself is close to a two hour drive, if you don't plan on stopping along the way. The beginning of the trail really begins at the Superstition Mountains, you'll see a sign that says you are entering the Tonto Na...
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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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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike the Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop

    5.0
    16 mi
    To get to the trail head, drive past Lost Dutchman State Park on the 88 and then take the dirt road (on your right) with arrows leading you to First Water Trail Head.  There is an outhouse at the trailhead, so I suggest visiting it before you begin this hike.  I also started this hike about an ho...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Kayak Canyon Lake Reservoir

    4.5
    Canyon Lake is located in a National Recreation Area. It was created by the damming of the Salt River, in Arizona, specifically by the Morman Flat Dam. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,660' and has a mean depth of 130', and an area of 1.484 mi². We launched our kayaks from the boat launch area ...
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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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  • 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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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake

    4.6
    4 mi / 300 ft gain
    Butcher 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 ...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Kayak Saguaro Lake

    4.0
    If 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...
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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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  • 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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  • 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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