Tonto Basin, Arizona
Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near Tonto Basin
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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 -
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 -
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 -
Gold Canyon, Arizona
Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail
5.07.45 mi / 3045 ft gainTo get to the trailhead from US60, turn north onto Kings Ranch Road where you will begin the winding path through the neighborhoods. From Kings Ranch Road, turn east on Baseline Ave, north on Mohican Road, west on Valley View Drive, north on Whitetail Road, and east on Cloudview Ave until it com...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 -
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 -
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 -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Gateway Loop
4.54.32 mi / 764 ft gainThe Gateway Trailhead is one access point into the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and is my favorite “Gateway” into the treasure trove of great trails and vistas in the McDowell Mountains. The Gateway Trailhead provides great accessibility for a quick hike or trail run at the end of t...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
Water Wheel & Ellison Creek Cascades
4.91.76 mi / 272 ft gainA short and easy out and back hike for adventurers of all ages with scenic waterfalls along the entire trip! Starting at the Water Wheel day use area you will simply follow the well traveled path that meanders alongside the creek. You will reach the first significant waterfall within minutes whi...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 -
Payson, Arizona
Hike See Canyon Trail
5.07.6 mi / 2043 ft gainSee Canyon Trail #184 is a 7.6 mile trail in the Tonto National Forest that features a creek and spring. This trail is most popular during the fall when the leaves begin to change color and fall along the creek. The trail runs from the parking lot up to FS 300 above the rim. The trail starts of...Read more -
Superior, Arizona
Hike Picketpost Mountain
4.74.4 mi / 2200 ft gainFrom the parking lot you will start out on the Arizona Trail until you reach the turn off to begin your accent up the mountain. This part of the trail isn't well maintained, and is a scramble, so be ready to use those hands. The trail is marked with cairns though and there is enough traffic tha...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 -
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