Scottsdale, Arizona
Looking for the best photography in Scottsdale? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Scottsdale. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Photography Spots in and near Scottsdale
-
Phoenix, Arizona
Mojave Connector Trail #202
2.18 mi / 820 ft gainThe best starting point to access this hike is parking at the Mojave Picnic Area and heading up the Mojave Trail #200. At .4 miles, you will hit the junction and stating point for the Mojave Connector Trail. Head left at the saddle and begin a rapid ascent up switchbacks to a small flattened summ...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 -
Phoenix, Arizona
Quartz Ridge Trail
4.52.29 mi / 509 ft gainQuartz Ridge in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve (also known as Trail 8A) is a great escape getaway trail that can be done as a single track or combined with many intersecting trails. It is a very popular trail for hikers, trail runners, pet walkers, sky gawkers and more! The trailhead sits in a sm...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
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 -
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 -
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 -
Phoenix, Arizona
Hole in the Rock
3.60.27 mi / 200 ft gainPapago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails. The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it off...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Hike the West Park Loop Trail in Papago Park
4.44 miThis trail begins from the parking lot on the west side of Galvin Parkway. To the east of the parking lot is a single track, dirt trail that heads north towards the big buttes. It continues counterclockwise around the big butte and heads south around the smaller butte. It continues west around th...Read more -
Glendale, Arizona
Deem Hills Loop
3.55 miLocated in north Phoenix, the Deem Hills recreation area features a dog park, playground, soccer field, and trailhead leading into the neighboring hills. To begin your hike, get around the dog park by starting at the Circumference trailhead on the north side of the parking lot. To complete th...Read more -
Tempe, Arizona
Catch a Sunset from Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue Bridge
4.5Last year I went to Phoenix for a few days for work. I googled lots of places to shoot pictures around Phoenix, but the majority of them were in neighboring areas, and I only had an hour or two after work and couldn't drive an hour to a better photography spot. One place that kept coming up was...Read more -
Glendale, Arizona
Run at Thunderbird Park
5.02 mi / 475 ft gainThis is a great spot to go for a quick run or a short hike if you're in North Phoenix. Thunderbird park is easily accessible with free entry and a number of picnic areas.There are 3 main hills with a variety of trail options to hike up/around each. From the top you'll find a nice view of valley...Read more -
Maricopa County, Arizona
Hike the Goldfield Ovens Loop
7.5 mi / 575 ft gainA Tonto Day Pass is required for this hike as you will park your vehicle at the Blue Point Picnic Area. The trail starts North of the restrooms which are located at the backside of the parking lot. The trail takes you through a mesquite filled area alongside large rock faces. Be sure too look for...Read more -
Mesa, Arizona
Horseback Ride in the Sonoran Desert
5.0This picturesque location is truly unique; featuring Saguaro Lake, the spectacular Bulldog Cliffs and the Salt River winds through the Ranch property, and you’re able to experience it all on horseback. What I loved most is that the horses were well cared for, the handlers obviously adored the ani...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike the Wind Cave Trail
4.32.9 mi / 790 ft gainThis is a great trail for a run or for stretching your legs exploring the caves in Usery Mountain Regional Park. Keep in mind that the trail leads you up to the cave and is the end point. To get better views of the area, you'll have to climb up past the caves, where the trail is not marked.Read more