Phoenix, Arizona
Top Spots in and near Phoenix
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Apache Junction, Arizona
Treasure Loop Trail
4.82.34 mi / 571 ft gainLocated about 40 miles east of Phoenix right off AZ-88 E/N Apache Trail. The initial trail begins at an elevation of 2000 feet within the Sonoran Desert. The trail can be accessed via the Cholla (northern side) Day-use Area or the Saguaro (southern) Day-use Area. Once you're on the trail you wil...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike to Praying Hands in Lost Dutchman State Park
4.04.3 mi / 954 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 -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Photograph Cactus Blooms at Lost Dutchman
4.5And there is no better place to experience this beautiful display than at Lost Dutchman State Park. The State Park website shares that visitors can find "chuparosas, poppies, fiddle necks, globe mallow, chuparosa, brittle bush, desert evening primrose, lupine, ocotillo, chicory, scorpion weed, sk...Read more -
Morristown, Arizona
Experiencing Castle Hot Springs
The grounds of this location are absolutely incredible – food is amazing, and the hot springs are magical. Each hot spring boasts its own naturally occurring hybrid mix of minerals, which vary from place to place depending on the geology of the area. For the storied history of this location and ...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
Treasure Loop via Jacob's Crosscut Trail
3.78 mi / 620 ft gainStarting Treasure Loop from Jacob's Crosscut offers a slight variation on Treasure Loop as well as ~1.5 miles if you're looking for a little extra distance. This trail is dog friendly on-leash and is used by hikers and runners.Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike Massacre Grounds Trail to Massacre Falls
5.05.5 mi / 1125 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
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 -
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 -
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