Mesa, Arizona
Top Spots in and near Mesa
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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 -
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...Read more -
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. ...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...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 -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Kayak Canyon Lake Reservoir
4.5Canyon 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 ...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 -
Phoenix, Arizona
North Mountain Trail
4.71.42 mi / 571 ft gainBeginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area. Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top. Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pinnacle Peak Trail
4.43.87 mi / 896 ft gainPinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...Read more