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
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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
Monument Canyon and Broadway Cave
3.63.69 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...Read more -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Hieroglyphic Trail
5.02.9 mi / 614 ft gainThis 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 ...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 -
Pine, Arizona
Hike the Pine Creek Loop in Tonto Natural Bridge SP
4.71.8 mi / 300 ft gainThere 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...Read more -
Payson, Arizona
Horton Springs Loop
4.48.42 mi / 1896 ft gainThis 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 ...Read more -
Payson, Arizona
Dispersed Camping on Mogollon Rim (FR 9350)
4.7Dispersed 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...Read more -
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...Read more -
Coconino County, Arizona
Hike Woods Canyon Lake Loop Trail
5.03.7 mi / 154 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
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...Read more -
Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona
Kayak Woods Canyon Lake
5.0Is 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...Read more -
Payson, Arizona
Hike the Colonel Devin Trail
4 mi / 1116 ft gainThe 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 ...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 -
Phoenix, Arizona
Climb the Praying Monk
4.30.5 miPark 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...Read more