Best Backpacking Destinations in Mesa, Arizona, United States
1. Superstition Wilderness
Explore the beautiful and expansive wilderness with a variety of trails for all levels, offering breathtaking views of Arizona's unique desert landscapes.
- Diverse Trails: Multiple trail options, from easy to challenging, catering to various skill levels.
- Desert Wildlife: Opportunity to spot unique desert wildlife such as javelinas, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
- Seclusion: Experience the serenity of a less crowded wilderness area.
2. Usery Mountain Regional Park
Enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding through the scenic desert trails with stunning mountain views.
- Multi-Use Trails: Variety of trails for various activities like hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
- Scenic Mountain Views: Beautiful vistas of the nearby Superstition Mountains.
- Family-Friendly: An ideal destination for families, with easy trails and kid-friendly amenities.
3. Lost Dutchman State Park
Explore the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine while hiking, camping, and enjoying the diverse wildlife in this beautiful park.
- Gold Mine Legends: Historical significance related to the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine.
- Camping Sites: Spacious camping sites for an immersive backpacking experience.
- Hiking Trails: Variety of trails catering to different skill levels and interests.
4. Saguaro Lake Ranch
Enjoy a rustic backpacking experience with horseback riding, fishing, and scenic boat tours at this historic ranch.
- Horseback Riding: Guided horseback rides through picturesque desert landscapes.
- Scenic Boat Tours: Beautiful boat tours on Saguaro Lake, offering views of the surrounding desert.
- Historical Ranch: Steeped in history, this ranch offers a unique glimpse into the Old West.
5. Tonto National Forest
Experience the largest national forest in Arizona, with countless hiking trails, camping sites, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Size: Overwhelming size offers endless exploration opportunities.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see diverse desert wildlife, including elk, bears, and mountain lions.
- Camping Sites: Countless camping sites for an immersive backpacking experience.
6. Canyon Lake Marina
Enjoy a scenic boat tour, fishing, or water sports while exploring the beautiful Canyon Lake.
- Scenic Boat Tours: Beautiful boat tours offering views of the surrounding desert and canyons.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing opportunities for various species, including bass and trout.
- Water Sports: Opportunities for water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.
7. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Hike through this vast preserve, home to diverse plant and wildlife species, and experience the unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
- Sonoran Desert Ecosystem: Opportunity to learn about and explore this unique desert ecosystem.
- Diverse Trails: Variety of trails catering to different skill levels and interests.
- Plant and Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see diverse plant and wildlife species, including saguaro cacti and javelinas.
8. Apache Trail
Experience breathtaking mountain views, historic sites, and scenic lake views while hiking or driving the Apache Trail.
- Scenic Drive: Beautiful drive offering stunning mountain and lake views.
- Historic Sites: Opportunity to visit historic sites like Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Dam.
- Hiking Trails: Variety of hiking trails with different levels of difficulty.
9. Globe-Miami Area
Explore the unique landscapes and historic towns in this area, including the Superstition Mountains and the Miami Ghost Town.
- Superstition Mountains: Opportunity to hike and explore the beautiful Superstition Mountains.
- Miami Ghost Town: Visit the historic Miami Ghost Town, offering a glimpse into the Old West.
- Diverse Landscapes: Variety of landscapes, from desert to mountains, for an unforgettable backpacking experience.
10. Casper's Backyard
Enjoy a scenic hike or mountain bike ride through the Casper's Butte area with stunning views of the Phoenix metro area.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Beautiful and challenging hiking trails offering panoramic views.
- Mountain Bike Trails: Exciting mountain bike trails for enthusiasts.
- Stunning Views: Opportunity to see stunning views of the Phoenix metro area from above.
11. Canyon Creek Recreation Area
Enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking in this peaceful recreation area, surrounded by the beautiful desert landscapes.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: A quiet and serene location for a relaxing backpacking trip.
- Camping Sites: Spacious camping sites for an immersive backpacking experience.
- Fishing Opportunities: Excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby Canyon Creek.
12. Peralta Canyon Wilderness
Hike through this beautiful and remote wilderness area, exploring the ancient ruins of the Peralta Ranch.
- Remote Wilderness: A remote and secluded wilderness area for a true backpacking adventure.
- Ancient Ruins: Opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of the Peralta Ranch.
- Diverse Trails: Variety of trails catering to different skill levels and interests.
13. Queen Creek Canyon Wilderness
Hike through this rugged wilderness area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscapes.
- Rugged Terrain: Challenging hiking trails for the experienced backpacker.
- Stunning Views: Opportunity to see stunning views of the surrounding desert landscapes.
- Diverse Wildlife: Opportunity to spot diverse desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes and javelinas.
14. Gila River Indian Community
Experience the rich culture of the Gila River Indian Community while exploring the beautiful desert landscapes and hiking trails.
- Rich Culture: Opportunity to learn about and experience the unique culture of the Gila River Indian Community.
- Hiking Trails: Variety of hiking trails catering to different skill levels and interests.
- Desert Landscapes: Opportunity to explore the beautiful desert landscapes of this community.
15. Phon D Sutton Lake
Enjoy camping, fishing, and boating at this picturesque lake nestled in the desert landscapes.
- Scenic Lake Views: Beautiful views of the lake surrounded by desert landscapes.
- Camping Sites: Spacious camping sites for an immersive backpacking experience.
- Fishing Opportunities: Excellent fishing opportunities in the lake for various species.