Scottsdale, Arizona

Looking for the best hiking in Scottsdale? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Scottsdale. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Scottsdale

  • 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 ...
    Read more
  • 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...
    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
  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Catch a Sunset at Three Sisters

    5.0
    Three 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

    Superstition Peak 5057 via Carney Springs

    5.0
    7.71 mi / 2831 ft gain
    This is the true beast hike of the Superstitions. If you think Flatiron is a toughy, give this a whirl! You will be poked, prodded, slapped, smacked, jolted, tripped and stabbed the entire way, but rewarded with arguably the finest sights the valley of the sun has to offer: the entire Superstitio...
    Read more
  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Wave Cave Trail

    4.7
    3 mi / 948 ft gain
    From the trail-head you will follow the old and wide dirt road for a while until you reach the wilderness fence line. It's easy to get lost. When you reach the fence there's an area to go through. It's difficult to see. Make sure you look closely. DO NOT follow the signs that say "trail". Once yo...
    Read more
  • Goodyear, Arizona

    Hike Estrella Mountain's Baseline Trail

    4.0
    2.4 mi / 259 ft gain
    Baseline Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail. This trail features lovely wild flowers and is rated as intermediate. You can use this trail not just for hiking but you can also use the trail for running as well as mountain biking. On the trail you are allowed to bring your furry f...
    Read more
  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Fremont Saddle via Peralta Canyon Trail

    4.7
    4.53 mi / 1378 ft gain
    After 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

    8.02 mi / 2602 ft gain
    Lace up your boots, stock up your gear, bid farewell to civilization and head out to the wild. This adventure is not one for the faint of heart. It will scrape, snag, trip and stumble you. It will scare, taunt and tantalize you. You will need to earn this one, and it is more than worth the effort...
    Read more
  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Weavers Needle Loop

    5.0
    12.37 mi / 2608 ft gain
    This 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

    4.0
    14.55 mi / 2523 ft gain
    From 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
  • Queen Creek, Arizona

    Dynamite and Goldmine Loop

    5.0
    4.52 mi / 837 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
  • Waddell, Arizona

    Hike to Waterfall Canyon

    4.0
    2 mi / 200 ft gain
    So to fully enjoy the theme of this hike, make sure to try and go right after a rain. But also know that since this is a pretty easy hike, you will won't be the only one there. This is also a great hike/ waterfall to do with someone that is new to desert hiking, since it is relatively easy and th...
    Read more
  • Waddell, Arizona

    Hike Mesquite Canyon Trail

    13 mi / 1394 ft gain
    This is a great place to begin your hike in the White Tank Mountains.  From the Ramada Way area, the trail begins to lead steadily into a small canyon.  As you get further up, the trail will begin get more steep.  After a short time it leads up to the first saddle and wraps around a ridge and bec...
    Read more
  • Waddell, Arizona

    Hike Goat Camp Trail

    16 mi
    This is one of the less traveled trails in White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  If you're looking for a solid day hike in the west valley, try this one.  It isn't a loop, but it ultimately connects with some of the other long trails so if you're up for a long hike, you have options.  This starts f...
    Read more
  • Payson, Arizona

    Hike Barnhardt Trail

    4.8
    8 mi / 1912 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, use the turnoff of highway 87 labeled Barnhardt trail (has a marked sign coming from both Payson and Phoenix). Barnhardt road is just over 4 miles and is unpaved. The road can be driven on by lower clearance cars because the terrain is not too rocky. Once at the trailhead...
    Read more