Scottsdale, Arizona

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...

If you want to enjoy some paddle time on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, launching from Butcher Jones Recreation Area is your best bet.  If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent from the nearby Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and they’ll bring the kayaks to the launch point for you (as well as provide...

Horseshoe Dam is a stunning, family-friendly spot surrounded by nature, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Located in the Tonto National Forest, this hidden gem is perfect for outdoor lovers looking for a peaceful escape. The area is surrounded by BLM camping spots, making it easy to...

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...

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 family and dog friendly, so if you've got slightly older kiddos or a pup, definitely bring them alon...

Acer Summit Via Mormon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.

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...

Although a tourist trap, Goldfield Ghost Town is a place any visitor might like stopping for a little food and a drink if they're hiking in the Superstition Mountains at the nearby Lost Dutchman State Park. It's certainly a place that has plentiful opportunities for some photography.While there y...

Its about a 40 minute drive to the beginning of the trail from Phoenix, and the trail itself is close to a two hour drive, if you don't plan on stopping along the way. The beginning of the trail really begins at the Superstition Mountains, you'll see a sign that says you are entering the Tonto Na...

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...

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 ...

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. 

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...

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...

And there is no better place to experience this beautiful display than at Lost Dutchman State Park. The State Park website shares that visitors can find "chuparosas, poppies, fiddle necks, globe mallow, chuparosa, brittle bush, desert evening primrose, lupine, ocotillo, chicory, scorpion weed, sk...

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...