Phoenix, Arizona
Looking for the best photography in Phoenix? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Phoenix. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Photography Spots in and near Phoenix
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Apache Junction, Arizona
Praying Hands via Treasure Loop
4.03.03 mi / 919.29 ft gainBegin 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...Read more -
Morristown, Arizona
Hiking in Hells Canyon Wilderness
Spanning 9,951 acres of backcountry a few miles northwest of Lake Pleasant and about 25 miles north of Phoenix, Hells Canyon Wilderness area offers a quick way to escape into an untamed swath of desert that’s more paradise than purgatory.I have to say, this entire trail is 36.3 miles (and is tec...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Massacre Falls via Massacre Grounds Trail
5.05.28 mi / 1293 ft gainThere are many legends of a lost gold and buried treasures within the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. The most famous is the story of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. In the 1840's, the Peralta family from Northern Mexico mined rich gold ore from the area. In 1848 during one of the families exp...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Monument Canyon and Broadway Cave
3.63.69 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...Read more -
Maricopa County, Arizona
Black Mesa Loop
4.58.86 mi / 997 ft gainFrom 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 -
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 -
Maricopa County, Arizona
Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop
5.015.79 mi / 1850 ft gainTo 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 -
Rio Verde, Arizona
Horseshoe Dam
3.00.97 mi / 308 ft gainHorseshoe Dam is a stunning, family-friendly spot surrounded by nature, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Located in the Tonto National Forest, this hidden gem is perfect for outdoor lovers looking for a peaceful escape. The area is surrounded by BLM camping spots, making it easy to...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 -
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 -
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 -
Black Canyon City, Arizona
Explore Pueblo La Plata
0.25 miPueblo La Plata is the largest ancient Indian ruin in Agua Fria National Monument and dates back to before 1200 A.D. The ruin at one time had 80 to 90 rooms for living quarters. Now the sight seems like just a pile of rubble. However there is significant research continuing on the mesa of Agua Fr...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
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