San Carlos, Arizona
Looking for the best hiking in San Carlos? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Carlos. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near San Carlos
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Apache Junction, Arizona
Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park
4.8Lost Dutchman State Park is located near the Superstition Mountains in central Phoenix, about 40 miles from Phoenix. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you’re camping ($15/night). The park offers 134 campsites, each with a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire pit, a...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
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
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake
4.64 mi / 300 ft gainButcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat!The trailhead is located right ...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 -
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