A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near San Carlos, Arizona

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

North Mountain Loop

Classic Hike Route

North Mountain Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
1.71 mi
+683 ft
Superstition Ridgeline

Classic Hike Route

Superstition Ridgeline

Geologically Significant
strenuous
11.16 mi
+5,273 ft
Tom's Thumb

Classic Hike Route

Tom's Thumb

Birding
strenuous
4 mi
+1,302 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Water Ranch Middle Route

Hike Route

Water Ranch Middle Route

Birding
moderate
1.3 mi
+0 ft
Lizard/Cactus Over-the-Rock Loop

Hike Route

Lizard/Cactus Over-the-Rock Loop

Views
strenuous
1.9 mi
+177 ft
5K Fitness Trail

Hike Route

5K Fitness Trail

Views
easy
3.13 mi
+118 ft
Double Butte Loop

Hike Route

Double Butte Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
2.21 mi
+108 ft
Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley

Hike Route

Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley

Views
moderate
3.73 mi
+930 ft
Fat Man's Pass via National Trail

Hike Route

Fat Man's Pass via National Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.7 mi
+121 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Maricopa Trail: Usery Mountain Visitor's Center to Bulldog

Hike Route

Maricopa Trail: Usery Mountain Visitor's Center to Bulldog

Views
moderate
12.99 mi
+1,147 ft
Trail 100

Hike Route

Trail 100

Views
strenuous
21.84 mi
+2,483 ft
Windgate to Bell Pass Loop

Hike Route

Windgate to Bell Pass Loop

Birding
strenuous
10.22 mi
+2,071 ft
Tom's Thumb from Gateway

Hike Route

Tom's Thumb from Gateway

Birding
strenuous
11.49 mi
+2,418 ft
West Side Superstition Wilderness Loop

Hike Route

West Side Superstition Wilderness Loop

Wildflowers
extreme
60.81 mi
+10,750 ft
Jacob's Crosscut Trail #58

Hike Route

Jacob's Crosscut Trail #58

Views
strenuous
12.63 mi
+562 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

South Mountain Park - East Tour

Hike Route

South Mountain Park - East Tour

Views
strenuous
9.92 mi
+1,539 ft
Fatman's Pass and Mormon Loop

Hike Route

Fatman's Pass and Mormon Loop

Birding
moderate
5.86 mi
+1,323 ft
Bursera Loop

Hike Route

Bursera Loop

Birding
moderate
5.71 mi
+1,121 ft
Maricopa Trail - Pass Mountain Connector

Hike Route

Maricopa Trail - Pass Mountain Connector

Views
moderate
9.22 mi
+736 ft
Usery Mountain Regional Park Medium Loop

Hike Route

Usery Mountain Regional Park Medium Loop

Views
moderate
6.08 mi
+256 ft
Usery Park Large Loop - South Side

Hike Route

Usery Park Large Loop - South Side

Wildlife
moderate
7.44 mi
+238 ft