Mesa, Arizona
Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near Mesa
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Phoenix, Arizona
Freedom Trail Loop
5.03.8 mi / 1093 ft gainAs the third longest trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Freedom Trail provides a great option for those looking for a longer hike, which can also be made even a bit longer by bolting on the Piestewa Summit hike along the way (adds 1.2 miles additional and a view from the top!). Many look...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Piestewa Peak Summit
4.42.25 mi / 1050 ft gainPiestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Piestewa Peak is a popular spot for locals who do not want to drive or...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Mojave Trail #200
4.51.88 mi / 430 ft gainThe entrance for the Piestewa Peak area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive. The Mojave Picnic Area & Trailhead is the first parking area on the right. This is a very popular trail when the outside temps drop a bit so get there early for sunset hikes to ease parking. The trail begins on t...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Marcus Landslide Trail
5.03.77 mi / 561 ft gainNamed after a landslide that scientists say occurred over 500,000 years ago, this interpretive hiking trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a perfect easy outing for families and nature lovers alike. It begins from the Tom's Thumb trailhead (shared parking lot), which is another beautiful hi...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tom's Thumb
4.33.98 mi / 1236 ft gainThe infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline. The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledg...Read more -
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 -
Phoenix, Arizona
Hike Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout
4.04.1 mi / 1135 ft gainDobbins lookout is a popular high point in South Mountain Park that offers views of the entire Phoenix area. It's accessible by road or by trail with no entry fee. Consider going in the evening for the best views.If you plan to hike to the top, the shortest route is the Holbert trail. Take a l...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Catch a Sunset at Three Sisters
5.0Three 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...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
North Mountain Trail
4.71.42 mi / 571 ft gainBeginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area. Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top. Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pinnacle Peak Trail
4.43.87 mi / 896 ft gainPinnacle Peak is a 3.8 mile out-and-back hike along a beautifully groomed trail with a moderate gain of ~1,000ft. This distinctive 600ft granite summit can be seen from most of the surrounding valley and offers spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, iconic Four Peaks, Granite Mountain and t...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