Mesa, Arizona
Looking for the best hiking in Mesa? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mesa. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Mesa
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Phoenix, Arizona
Quartz Ridge Trail
4.52.29 mi / 509 ft gainQuartz Ridge in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve (also known as Trail 8A) is a great escape getaway trail that can be done as a single track or combined with many intersecting trails. It is a very popular trail for hikers, trail runners, pet walkers, sky gawkers and more! The trailhead sits in a sm...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Ruth Hamilton Trail
3.32 mi / 981 ft gainRuth Hamilton Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail
5.07.45 mi / 3045 ft gainTo get to the trailhead from US60, turn north onto Kings Ranch Road where you will begin the winding path through the neighborhoods. From Kings Ranch Road, turn east on Baseline Ave, north on Mohican Road, west on Valley View Drive, north on Whitetail Road, and east on Cloudview Ave until it com...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Hieroglyphic Trail
5.02.9 mi / 614 ft gainThis 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 ...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Mojave Connector Trail #202
2.18 mi / 820 ft gainThe best starting point to access this hike is parking at the Mojave Picnic Area and heading up the Mojave Trail #200. At .4 miles, you will hit the junction and stating point for the Mojave Connector Trail. Head left at the saddle and begin a rapid ascent up switchbacks to a small flattened summ...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Freedom Trail Loop
5.03.8 mi / 1093 ft gainAs the third longest trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Freedom Trail provides a great option for those looking for a longer hike, which can also be made even a bit longer by bolting on the Piestewa Summit hike along the way (adds 1.2 miles additional and a view from the top!). Many look...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Piestewa Peak Summit
4.42.25 mi / 1050 ft gainPiestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Piestewa Peak is a popular spot for locals who do not want to drive or...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Mojave Trail #200
4.51.88 mi / 430 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Marcus Landslide Trail
5.03.77 mi / 561 ft gainNamed 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...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tom's Thumb
4.33.98 mi / 1236 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike the Boulder Canyon Trail
4.010 mi / 1500 ft gainParking for the trailhead is actually in the same lot as the marina. There is a restaurant, campground, and restrooms all in the vicinity of the parking lot. The actual trailhead is on the other side of the street opposite the parking lot entrance road. The hike begins an uphill climb. In a c...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Hike Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout
4.04.1 mi / 1135 ft gainDobbins lookout is a popular high point in South Mountain Park that offers views of the entire Phoenix area. It's accessible by road or by trail with no entry fee. Consider going in the evening for the best views.If you plan to hike to the top, the shortest route is the Holbert trail. Take a l...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Shadow Mountain Loop
2.07 mi / 600 ft gainShadow Mountain Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Phoenix, Arizona.Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Superstition Peak 5057 via Carney Springs
5.07.71 mi / 2831 ft gainThis is the true beast hike of the Superstitions. If you think Flatiron is a toughy, give this a whirl! You will be poked, prodded, slapped, smacked, jolted, tripped and stabbed the entire way, but rewarded with arguably the finest sights the valley of the sun has to offer: the entire Superstitio...Read more -
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 -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Wave Cave Trail
4.73 mi / 948 ft gainFrom the trail-head you will follow the old and wide dirt road for a while until you reach the wilderness fence line. It's easy to get lost. When you reach the fence there's an area to go through. It's difficult to see. Make sure you look closely. DO NOT follow the signs that say "trail". Once yo...Read more