Maricopa County, Arizona
Top Spots in and near Maricopa County
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Gold Canyon, Arizona
Catch a Sunset at Three Sisters
5.0Three Sisters is a huge rock formation in the southern area of the Superstition Mountains. This spot is only about an hour outside of Phoenix and it's a great spot to do photography in the evening or morning.This is accessed from the Wave Cave parking lot on the way to the nearby Peralta Trailhe...Read more -
Maricopa County, Arizona
Second Water To Boulder Canyon Camp
9.12 mi / 951 ft gainSecond Water To Boulder Canyon Camp is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona.Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
White Rock Springs Camp Loop via First Water Trailhead
4.724.18 mi / 3635 ft gainThe Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. This adventure offers a three day/ two night backpacking trip cover...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike Battleship Mountain
5.011.5 mi / 443 ft gainBattleship Mountain is nestled within the Superstition Mountains, surrounded by dramatic peaks and desert landscapes. The hike itself is beautiful, and the views once on top of Battleship Mountain are exceptional. The diversity and uniqueness of geological formations in the mountains surrounding ...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike the Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop
5.016 miTo 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...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike Black Mesa Loop
4.59 miFrom First Water Trailhead, a short walk east brings you to the junction of the Dutchman trail and the Second Water trail. If you follow the Dutchman trail to the right you'll be heading southeast for a while, catching glimpses of Weaver's Needle in the distance. You can complete the loop going...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 -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Weavers Needle
8.02 mi / 2602 ft gainLace up your boots, stock up your gear, bid farewell to civilization and head out to the wild. This adventure is not one for the faint of heart. It will scrape, snag, trip and stumble you. It will scare, taunt and tantalize you. You will need to earn this one, and it is more than worth the effort...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Fremont Saddle via Peralta Canyon Trail
4.74.53 mi / 1378 ft gainAfter 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 ...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Weavers Needle Loop
5.012.37 mi / 2608 ft gainThis is a difficult hike! Plan on a lot of time and an early start. I did this hike in a clockwise direction (Peralta Trail) which really doesn't matter much but I recommend the direction to get the steepest part of the hike done first. Most people just do an out and back hike to Freemont Saddle ...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Bluff Springs Loop
4.014.55 mi / 2523 ft gainFrom 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...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 -
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
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