Outbound Collective logo

San Carlos, Arizona

Top Spots in and near San Carlos

  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hike Marcos de Niza Ridgeline / National Loop

    5.0
    2.8 mi / 640 ft gain
    This is somewhat of a hidden gem in South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the United States, even though it's right there for all to see. The best way to take advantage of this trail is to attack the ridgeline with an intense hiking pace or trail run, connecting it to the National Tr...
    Read more
  • Tempe, Arizona

    Catch a Sunset from Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue Bridge

    4.5
    Last year I went to Phoenix for a few days for work.  I googled lots of places to shoot pictures around Phoenix, but the majority of them were in neighboring areas, and I only had an hour or two after work and couldn't drive an hour to a better photography spot.  One place that kept coming up was...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hole in the Rock

    3.6
    0.27 mi / 200 ft gain
    Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails. The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it off...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hike the West Park Loop Trail in Papago Park

    4.4
    4 mi
    This trail begins from the parking lot on the west side of Galvin Parkway. To the east of the parking lot is a single track, dirt trail that heads north towards the big buttes. It continues counterclockwise around the big butte and heads south around the smaller butte. It continues west around th...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Acer Summit Via Mormon Trail

    2.46 mi / 758 ft gain
    Acer Summit Via Mormon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hidden Valley via the Mormon Loop Trail

    4.0
    3.63 mi / 873 ft gain
    This is a great spot for an afternoon hike near Phoenix. There are some beautiful rock formations, nice trails, and pretty stunning views of the city and desert beyond. It's open year round and is dog friendly so if you've got a pup, definitely bring it along. It gets super hot in the summer and ...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail

    3.63 mi / 863 ft gain
    Hidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Phoenix, Arizona.
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hike Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout

    4.0
    4.1 mi / 1135 ft gain
    Dobbins 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
  • Paradise Valley, Arizona

    Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail

    4.5
    2.68 mi / 1158 ft gain
    This challenging hike up the east side of Camelback Mountain has beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale, and is not often crowded. You will begin on switchbacks heading up the mountain, with trail markers to guide you at first. The hike increases in difficulty about 1 mile in, when you reach ...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Climb the East Face of the Praying Monk

    0.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    5.6 Sport climb, up an 80 foot face, 9 bolts to the top.  This was the first outdoor climb for myself. It opened the doors to getting out of the gym and becoming a part of the local climbing community. I highly recommend it, as it is not too difficult, and can be done with a group of people.  The...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain

    4.5
    2.46 mi / 1214 ft gain
    If you live near or around Phoenix, you know that Camelback Mountain is pretty hard to miss. Due to the mountain's height, this hike isn't exactly what you would call easy. There are two sides of the mountain you can hike, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon is shorter, but still an extreme...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Climb the Praying Monk

    4.3
    0.5 mi
    Park at the Echo Canyon Parking Area.From the trailhead, hike up Echo trail until your reach the saddle.  At the saddle, you will turn south and start taking the climbers trail to the headwall, which is just past the sign that says "caution, active bee area."  Once you reach the headwall, there a...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Lost Ranch Ruins Trail to Lost Ranch Mines Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.97 mi / 1184 ft gain
    Lost Ranch Ruins Trail to Lost Ranch Mines Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
    Read more
  • Queen Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Dynamite and Goldmine Loop

    5.0
    4.7 mi / 773 ft gain
    This trail is a moderately-rated hike. It is used for a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, running, and walking. To access the trail, it is important to note that there is a $7 cash parking fee, so be prepared! The beginning of the trail is the most challenging part as it ...
    Read more
  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Quartz Ridge Trail

    4.5
    2.29 mi / 509 ft gain
    Quartz 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 gain
    Ruth Hamilton Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in San Carlos

Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey
Apache Junction, Arizona

Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey

Burnt Corral Campground
Roosevelt, Arizona

Burnt Corral Campground

Cave Creek Group Site
Cave Creek, Arizona

Cave Creek Group Site

Cholla Campground
Tonto Basin, Arizona

Cholla Campground

Frazier Group Campground
Roosevelt, Arizona

Frazier Group Campground

Picacho / Tucson NW KOA Journey
Picacho, Arizona

Picacho / Tucson NW KOA Journey

Guides, Insights and Stories from San Carlos

The 5 Best Hikes In Phoenix

The 5 Best Hikes In Phoenix

Kevin Kaminski

7 Hikes You Need to Do in the Phoenix Area

7 Hikes You Need to Do in the Phoenix Area

Calvin Weibel

Marmot Men's Alpha 60 Vest Review

Marmot Men's Alpha 60 Vest Review

Kevin Kaminski