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

  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Monument Canyon and Broadway Cave

    3.6
    3.69 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Siphon Draw to Flatiron Summit

    4.9
    5.6 mi / 3415 ft gain
    Flatiron is one of the most popular day hikes in the Superstition Wilderness, just outside of Phoenix, AZ. The hike begins at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. Once inside the park, drive to the last parking area and look for a sign for the Siphon Draw Trailhead. The Siphon Draw Trail ...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park

    4.8
    Lost 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Praying Hands via Treasure Loop

    4.0
    3.03 mi / 919.29 ft gain
    Begin 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Treasure Loop Trail

    4.8
    2.34 mi / 571 ft gain
    Located 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...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Treasure Loop via Jacob's Crosscut Trail

    3.78 mi / 620 ft gain
    Starting 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. 
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Massacre Falls via Massacre Grounds Trail

    5.0
    5.28 mi / 1293 ft gain
    There 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...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Marcus Landslide Trail

    4.5
    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

    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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  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail

    5.0
    7.45 mi / 3045 ft gain
    To 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...
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  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Hieroglyphic Trail

    5.0
    2.9 mi / 614 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Butcher Jones Trail

    4.6
    5.24 mi / 906 ft gain
    Butcher 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 righ...
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Second Water To Boulder Canyon Camp

    9.12 mi / 951 ft gain
    Second Water To Boulder Canyon Camp is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona.
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Battleship Mountain

    5.0
    11.42 mi / 1722 ft gain
    Battleship 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 ...
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Black Mesa Loop

    4.5
    8.86 mi / 997 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop

    5.0
    15.79 mi / 1850 ft gain
    To 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...
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