Tempe, Arizona

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Tempe

  • 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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  • Glendale, Arizona

    Deem Hills Loop

    3.5
    5 mi
    Located in north Phoenix, the Deem Hills recreation area features a dog park, playground, soccer field, and trailhead leading into the neighboring hills.   To begin your hike, get around the dog park by starting at the Circumference trailhead on the north side of the parking lot.  To complete th...
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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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  • 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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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    White Rock Springs Camp Loop via First Water Trailhead

    4.7
    24.18 mi / 3635 ft gain
    The 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...
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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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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Boulder Canyon Trail

    4.5
    10.11 mi / 1572 ft gain
    Parking for the trailhead is actually in the same lot as the marina.  There is a restaurant, campground, and restrooms all in the vicinity of the parking lot.  The actual trailhead is on the other side of the street opposite the parking lot entrance road.  The hike begins an uphill climb.  In a c...
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  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Go John Trail

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 804 ft gain
    As you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...
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  • 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...
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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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  • 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...
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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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