Payson, Arizona

Top Spots in and near Payson

  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Elephant Mountain Fortress Hike

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 867 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail

    3.98 mi / 154 ft gain
    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Bike the Pemberton Loop in McDowell Mountain Park

    15.4 mi
    This 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...
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Badger Springs Wash Trail

    5.0
    1.48 mi / 98 ft gain
    Badger Springs Wash Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cordes Junction, Arizona.
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Hike the Badger Spring Wash Trail

    3.5
    4 mi
    Badger Spring Wash is a dry stream bed most of the year. This trail starts from the Badger Spring Trailhead just off Route 17 north from Phoenix. The trail follows the stream bed, sometimes in or along side for 1.5 miles. At about one mile, you reach the spring and a good amount of water which is...
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Richinbar Mine and Pueblo Trail

    5.0
    2.36 mi / 92 ft gain
    Richinbar Mine and Pueblo Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Crown King, Arizona.
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  • Cordes Lakes, Arizona

    Crown King OHV Trail

    4.0
    24.85 mi / 3497 ft gain
    Crown King OHV Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mayer, Arizona.
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Tom's Thumb

    4.3
    3.98 mi / 1280 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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. ...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Marcus Landslide Trail

    5.0
    3.77 mi / 561 ft gain
    Named 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...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Pinnacle Peak Trail

    4.4
    3.87 mi / 896 ft gain
    Pinnacle 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...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Pima and Dynamite Loop

    5.0
    50.27 mi / 3983 ft gain
    Pima and Dynamite Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
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