Tonto Basin, Arizona
Looking for the best backpacking in Tonto Basin? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Tonto Basin. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Tonto Basin
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Payson, Arizona
Hike Barnhardt Trail
4.88 mi / 1912 ft gainTo 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 -
Apache Junction, Arizona
White Rock Springs Camp Loop via First Water Trailhead
4.724.18 mi / 3635 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Maricopa County, Arizona
Second Water To Boulder Canyon Camp
9.12 mi / 951 ft gainSecond Water To Boulder Canyon Camp is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona.Read more -
Rogers Trough Trailhead, Arizona
Hike Rogers Canyon Trail
5.08 mi / 1108 ft gainThe Superstition Wilderness is a vast rugged landscape where you can find the cultural remains of ancient Hohokam, Salado, Apache, and Yavapais tribes. Rogers Canyon Trail takes you to one of the most impressive and best preserved archaeological sites this region has to offer. These Salado ruin...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Bluff Springs Loop
4.014.55 mi / 2523 ft gainFrom 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 -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Superstition Peak 5057 via Carney Springs
5.07.71 mi / 2831 ft gainThis 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 -
Payson, Arizona
Horton Springs Loop
4.48.42 mi / 1896 ft gainThis is a more scenic and bit more strenuous loop hike to the spring, taking in the Derrick Trail, part of the Highline Trail, and the Horton Creek Trail.After parking the cars near Upper Tonto Creek Campground follow the Derrick Trail and hike gently uphill for 1.4 miles through the rim country ...Read more -
Payson, Arizona
Mogollon Rim via Washington Park
4.04.32 mi / 1138 ft gainThis trail begins at the Washington Park Trailhead which meets up with passage #27 of the AZT. You begin traveling northbound as you ascend the great Mogollon Rim. The trail takes you through a gorgeous forest and rewards you with an awesome cliff side view at the summit. 2.25 miles into the tra...Read more -
Payson, Arizona
Hike the Colonel Devin Trail
4 mi / 1116 ft gainThe hike will begin at Washington Park in Payson, Arizona. To reach Washington Park, take AZ87 to Forest Road 199 (Houston Mesa Road) and turn east. Continue for 10 miles until you reach Forest Road 64 and turn west. Traveling less than a mile you will turn north on Forest Road 32 and in 3 miles ...Read more -
Yavapai County, Arizona
Verde Hot Springs
3.32.46 mi / 118 ft gainThe pools at the Verde Hot springs are the remnants from an old resort built in the 1920's. The resort was a once thriving tourist attraction and also rumored to be one of Al Capone's hideouts. In the 1960's a fire destroyed the resort only leaving behind the foundation and the thermal pools al...Read more -
Payson, Arizona
Cabin Loop Trail
18.82 mi / 2028 ft gainPeople think Arizona is all just desert, but this hike will show you otherwise. Up on the Mogollon Rim, this trail takes you past old cabins, through lush forest, and near many creeks. Day 1: (10 miles) Drive on Rim Road to the General Springs Trail Head. The cabin marks the start of the tr...Read more -
Mayer, Arizona
Verde Rim Loop Trail
14.32 mi / 2631 ft gainVerde Rim Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Camp Verde, Arizona.Read more -
Queen Creek, Arizona
Hike the Dynamite and Goldmine Loop
5.04.7 mi / 773 ft gainThis 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