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The Best Backpacking in Phoenix

Looking for the best backpacking 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 backpacking spots in and near Phoenix

  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100

    11.02 mi / 1135 ft gain
    Charles M. Christiansen Trail 100 is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Bursera National Pyramid Loop

    11.24 mi / 2116 ft gain
    Bursera National Pyramid Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Laveen, Arizona.
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Bursera South Loop

    6.2 mi / 1093 ft gain
    Bursera South Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
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  • Fountain Hills, Arizona

    Dixie Mine, Coachwhip, Windmill, Bell Pass and Prospector Loop

    10.14 mi / 1207 ft gain
    Dixie Mine, Coachwhip, Windmill, Bell Pass and Prospector Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Fountain Hills, Arizona.
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  • Buckeye, Arizona

    Mesquite Canyon Trail

    8.37 mi / 1824 ft gain
    Mesquite Canyon Trail is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Waddell, Arizona.
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Maricopa Trail: Bronco Trailhead to Cave Creek Rangers Station

    9.73 mi / 1371 ft gain
    Maricopa Trail: Bronco Trailhead to Cave Creek Rangers Station is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carefree, Arizona.
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  • Queen Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Dynamite and Goldmine Loop

    4.7 mi / 773 ft gain
    This trail is a moderately-rated hike. It is used for a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, running, and walking. To access the trail, it is important to note that there is a $7 cash parking fee, so be prepared! The beginning of the trail is the most challenging part as it ...
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  • Black Canyon City, Arizona

    Black Canyon Trail: Rock Springs to W Care Free Highway

    30.47 mi / 2723 ft gain
    Black Canyon Trail: Rock Springs to W Care Free Highway is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Black Canyon City, Arizona.
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  • Queen Creek, Arizona

    Goldmine Mountain Peak Trail

    3.47 mi / 686 ft gain
    Goldmine Mountain Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Chandler Heights, Arizona.
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Battleship Mountain

    11.43 mi / 1722 ft gain
    Battleship Mountain is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Roosevelt, Arizona.
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  • Maricopa County, Arizona

    Second Water To Boulder Canyon Camp

    9.12 mi / 951 ft gain
    Second Water To Boulder Canyon Camp is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Tortilla Flat, Arizona.
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    White Rock Springs Camp Loop via First Water Trailhead

    4.7
    24.18 mi / 3635 ft gain
    The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. This adventure offers a three day/ two night backpacking trip cover...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    La Barge Boulder Canyon Loop Trail

    27.61 mi / 4062 ft gain
    La Barge Boulder Canyon Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Gold Canyon, Arizona.
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  • Rio Verde, Arizona

    Boulder Creek Trail

    10.02 mi / 2218 ft gain
    Boulder Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Tonto Basin, Arizona.
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  • Gold Canyon, Arizona

    Superstition Peak 5057 via Carney Springs

    5.0
    7.71 mi / 2831 ft gain
    This is the true beast hike of the Superstitions. If you think Flatiron is a toughy, give this a whirl! You will be poked, prodded, slapped, smacked, jolted, tripped and stabbed the entire way, but rewarded with arguably the finest sights the valley of the sun has to offer: the entire Superstitio...
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  • Yavapai County, Arizona

    Verde River Trail

    14.06 mi / 1260 ft gain
    Verde River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a hot springs located near Pine, Arizona.
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