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Tonto Basin, Arizona

Looking for the best chillin 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 Chillin Spots in and near Tonto Basin

  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Girlie Man Near Tom's Thumb

    5.9+ 3 bolt slab. About 65ft. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Continue on the well marked tra...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Hanging Garden's on Gardner's Wall

    This is a 2 pitch 5.6 trad climb. About 130 feet in total. Access the Hanging Garden's climbing area off of the Tom's Thumb Trail. About half way up the trail you will see signage for "Rock Climbing Access Route." On the sign you will see an arrow pointing towards Gardner's Wall. This is the dire...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Climb Sphincter Boy Near Tom's Thumb

    5.9 trad route. About 60ft. Can be set up as a Top Rope. To get there you will start on the Tom's Thumb Trail for about .1 mi. Then take the Mesquite canyon trail left (SE) for .2mi. It will connect with the Feldspar trail. Turn left (E) and continue on until you see the climber access sign. Cont...
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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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  • 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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  • Pinal County, Arizona

    Photograph Elephant Arch

    4.0
    0.4 mi / 250 ft gain
    ...For this very short stroll to Elephant Arch, I'd like to clarify that it's more of a sightseeing and/or photo opportunity trip than a hiking trip. It's so close that it can be seen from the side of the road. So just forewarning! Nonetheless, if you love natural wonders then it's a landmark you...
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  • Pine, Arizona

    Hike the Pine Creek Loop in Tonto Natural Bridge SP

    4.7
    1.8 mi / 300 ft gain
    There is a fee to enter this area. It was $7 when we went. There are 4 trails with many viewpoints from the parking lot, all of which are out and back. We followed the recommendation of the ranger working at the visitor's center and took the Gowan Trail down to the observation deck located in the...
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  • Payson, Arizona

    Horton Springs Loop

    4.4
    8.42 mi / 1896 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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  • Payson, Arizona

    Dispersed Camping on Mogollon Rim (FR 9350)

    4.7
    Dispersed camping with a view! With no site fees and no reservations, this camping spot is incredibly popular.  Note that several campsites are bordered by a 200' vertical drop. This area is not recommended for families with young children or people who are uneasy with heights.   All campsites ha...
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  • Pine, Arizona

    Stroll Pine Creek's Lavender Farm

    The building was built in the early 1900’s by the first settlers of Pine, the farm was turned into a lavender farm.  There’s a little shop, and the owner also does cooking classes!  Wonderful way to spend some time in the northern Arizona sunshine. For more information and a calendar of events, p...
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  • Coconino County, Arizona

    Hike Woods Canyon Lake Loop Trail

    5.0
    3.7 mi / 154 ft gain
    This hike is a ~4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that circles Woods Canyon Lake, on the beautiful Mogollon Rim.  Peaceful and easy, this trail is suitable for all skill levels, and is great for families looking to spend a bit of time in nature.  The trail follows the shoreline closely, and fo...
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  • Coconino County, Arizona

    Fish Woods Canyon Lake

    You can rent a charming metal fishing boat at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own boat, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).  Note that gas motors are NOT permitted on boats (only trolling motors).  This makes it an incredibly quiet experie...
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  • Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona

    Kayak Woods Canyon Lake

    5.0
    Is there any better way to spend a Saturday, then paddling on a glassy, peaceful lake?  You can rent kayaks at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own kayak, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).  One of the best parts of this lake is that w...
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  • Payson, Arizona

    Hike the Colonel Devin Trail

    4 mi / 1116 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Apache Wash Loop Trail

    5.79 mi / 541 ft gain
    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...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Climb the Praying Monk

    4.3
    0.5 mi
    Park at the Echo Canyon Parking Area.From the trailhead, hike up Echo trail until your reach the saddle.  At the saddle, you will turn south and start taking the climbers trail to the headwall, which is just past the sign that says "caution, active bee area."  Once you reach the headwall, there a...
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