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Scottsdale, Arizona

Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near Scottsdale

  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Hike Black Mesa Loop

    4.5
    9 mi
    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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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Explore Pueblo La Plata

    0.25 mi
    Pueblo La Plata is the largest ancient Indian ruin in Agua Fria National Monument and dates back to before 1200 A.D. The ruin at one time had 80 to 90 rooms for living quarters. Now the sight seems like just a pile of rubble. However there is significant research continuing on the mesa of Agua Fr...
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  • 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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  • Tonto Basin, Arizona

    Hike to Brown's Peak

    5.0
    6 mi / 1957 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead you will begin hiking through oak trees and forest. At numerous times throughout the hike Roosevelt Lake can be seen to the northwest. Approximately 3 miles into your hike you will reach a small campsite in the saddle of the mountain. This is your turnaround point if you...
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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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  • 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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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Hike the Badger Spring Wash Trail

    3.5
    4 mi
    Badger Spring Wash is a dry stream bed most of the year. This trail starts from the Badger Spring Trailhead just off Route 17 north from Phoenix. The trail follows the stream bed, sometimes in or along side for 1.5 miles. At about one mile, you reach the spring and a good amount of water which is...
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  • Buckeye, Arizona

    Hike Valley Vista from Turnbuckle Trail

    5.0
    2 mi
    The Valley Vista trail is a short hike in Skyline Regional Park, located in the southern region of the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix.  From the top you'll have a great view of the Estrella Mountain Range and the southwest valley.  For the most direct route, take the Turnbuckle trail.  This...
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