Mesa, Arizona
Looking for the best chillin in Mesa? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mesa. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Chillin Spots in and near Mesa
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Scottsdale, Arizona
Boulder the Unknown Handcrack near Tom's Thumb
V-easy. 20 feet. Start on the Tom's Thumb Trail 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 trail towards the Girlie Man climbing area...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Climb Brusin' and Crusin' on Gardner's Wall
This is a 100 foot 5.8 trad climb. 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 direction you want to take. ...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Kayak Canyon Lake Reservoir
4.5Canyon Lake is located in a National Recreation Area. It was created by the damming of the Salt River, in Arizona, specifically by the Morman Flat Dam. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,660' and has a mean depth of 130', and an area of 1.484 mi². We launched our kayaks from the boat launch area ...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Fremont Saddle via Peralta Canyon Trail
4.74.53 mi / 1378 ft gainAfter 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 ...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 -
Phoenix, Arizona
Apache Wash Loop Trail
5.79 mi / 541 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Tonto Basin, Arizona
Hike to Brown's Peak
5.06 mi / 1957 ft gainStarting at the trailhead you will begin hiking through oak trees and forest. At numerous times throughout the hike Roosevelt Lake can be seen to the northwest. Approximately 3 miles into your hike you will reach a small campsite in the saddle of the mountain. This is your turnaround point if you...Read more -
Pinal County, Arizona
Photograph Elephant Arch
4.00.4 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...Read more -
Coolidge, Arizona
Explore Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
4.00.25 mi / 10 ft gainNo one really knows why the people from the Sonoran Desert built this mud skyscraper. Some scientists believe it was built as a astronomical observatory. What ever the reason, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a engineering marvel that was built in the 1300's. People have been so puzzled...Read more -
Morristown, Arizona
Hike the Wild Burro Trail
4 mi / 112 ft gainHike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from ...Read more -
Morristown, Arizona
Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ
5.0Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Phoenix, AZ lies a 10,000 acre desert oasis known as Pleasant Lake Regional Park. This expansive body of water serves as a great opportunity to beat the heat of the central Arizona sun, while taking in the beauty of the vivid blue waters and surroundi...Read more -
Waddell, Arizona
Hike to Waterfall Canyon
4.02 mi / 200 ft gainSo to fully enjoy the theme of this hike, make sure to try and go right after a rain. But also know that since this is a pretty easy hike, you will won't be the only one there. This is also a great hike/ waterfall to do with someone that is new to desert hiking, since it is relatively easy and th...Read more -
Young, Arizona
Camping on Roosevelt Lake Overlook
5.0Stumbled upon this phenomenal spot while dual-sporting through the Sierra Ancha range.Turning off 188 the Globe-Young Highway winds down into a valley and crosses the Salt River before passing some small homesteads and farms. It then climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Ancha mountain range. A...Read more