Tempe, Arizona

The Jane Rau Trail stands as a gateway to the Sonoran Desert's rich ecosystem within Arizona's McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This accessible 0.5-mile loop serves as an interpretive nature trail, honoring Jane Rau, a dedicated conservationist who played a pivotal role in preserving these lands. Wheth...

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...

This is a great spot to go for a quick run or a short hike if you're in North Phoenix. Thunderbird park is easily accessible with free entry and a number of picnic areas. There are 3 main hills with a variety of trail options to hike up/around each. From the top you'll find a nice view of valley...

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...

The Arrowhead Point Loop in Arizona is a 2.4-mile trail located in Thunderbird Conservation Park near Phoenix, Arizona. This trail offers a moderately challenging route with rewarding desert views, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The loop trail features rocky terrain and mild elevation 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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

This hike begins at the Apache Wash Trailhead where you will find restrooms and a covered rest area. This loop is simple to follow and offers various shortcuts along with an access to an optional summit climb.  The loop begins from the north-east end of the parking lot near the restrooms. Turn l...

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 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...