Phoenix, Arizona
Looking for the best photography in Phoenix? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Phoenix. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Photography Spots in and near Phoenix
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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 -
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 -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Sunrise Trail to Sunrise Peak
4.83.73 mi / 1037 ft gainSunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you t...Read more -
Fountain Hills, Arizona
Hike the Dixie Mine Trail
2.05.5 mi / 591 ft gainThe MineDixie mine was established in 1877, when mining scouts noticed the large amount of quartz in the area. The Dixie Mine was sold many times throughout the 20th Century and was ruled no longer efficient in 1977 when it was sold to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. The PetroglyphsThe area ...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 -
Goodyear, Arizona
Hike Estrella Mountain's Baseline Trail
4.02.4 mi / 259 ft gainBaseline Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail. This trail features lovely wild flowers and is rated as intermediate. You can use this trail not just for hiking but you can also use the trail for running as well as mountain biking. On the trail you are allowed to bring your furry f...Read more -
Cave Creek, Arizona
Hike the Go John Trail
5.05.6 mi / 804 ft gainAs you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail
2.52.4 miThis scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife. Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail. This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...Read more -
Mesa, Arizona
Photograph the Salt River Wild Horses at Coon Bluff
5.0Wild horses have roamed the banks of the lower Salt River since long before the Tonto National Forest was created in 1902. It is thought that these wild horses have descended from a herd brought to the area by a Spanish missionary in the 1600's. In 2015 the United States Forest Service had pu...Read more -
Cave Creek, Arizona
Elephant Mountain Fortress Hike
5.05.5 mi / 867 ft gainThis hike beings at Spur Cross Ranch in Cave Creek, which is a lush riparian area flowing with Saguaros. Starting at the trailhead, you will start this loop by hiking clockwise on Tortuga trail which will connect with the Elephant Mountain trail at 1.5 miles. As you start to ascend the Elephant M...Read more