Usery Mountain Regional Park

Desert Landscape

Found on the east side of Mesa, Arizona lies Usery Mountain Regional Park, a 3,648-acre area of Sonoran Desert that became part of Maricopa County's park system back in 1961.

Situated at the western edge of the Goldfield Mountains and right next to Tonto National Forest, this park offers some seriously gorgeous desert scenery. The views of the surrounding plains and mountains are nothing short of spectacular - especially when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues of orange and pink.

Flora and Fauna

If you're looking to experience the Sonoran Desert in all its glory, you've come to the right place. The park is home to an impressive variety of desert plants, from the iconic saguaros standing tall like desert sentinels to round barrel cacti, spiky cholla, and flat prickly pear. The palo verde trees with their green bark and delicate ocotillos add to the rich tapestry of desert life.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - quail scurrying across the trails, coyotes in the distance, rabbits hopping between shrubs, and a diverse array of birds, especially during winter months. Just a friendly heads-up: rattlesnakes call this place home too, particularly when it's warm out, so stay alert on the trails.

Popular Trails

One of the most popular trails at Usery Mountain is the Wind Cave Trail. This 3-mile round trip hike takes you up to a natural alcove high on Pass Mountain where water seeps from the rock ceiling, creating hanging gardens of rock daisy in the middle of the desert.

The cave forms right at the boundary between volcanic tuff and granite, and from its 2,840-foot elevation, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Though moderately challenging with some rocky sections, it's doable for families with kids who don't mind a bit of a climb.

With over 29 miles of trails crisscrossing the park, there's something for everyone, whether you're hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The Merkle Trail offers a barrier-free path ideal for an easy stroll, while the 7.1-mile Pass Mountain Trail delivers a proper workout as it loops around the mountain. Don't overlook other noteworthy paths like Blevins Trail, Vista Trail, and Bulldog Saddle - each with its own unique character.

Facilities and Amenities

Take a break from the sun at the park's nature center, where you can dive deeper into the fascinating world of desert ecology. The educational exhibits help you appreciate the surprising complexity of what might initially seem like a harsh, barren landscape.

When it's time for a snack or meal, you'll find plenty of picnic areas within the park, many featuring shaded ramadas to escape the Arizona sun. Some spots come equipped with charcoal grills and water stations. If you're visiting with little ones, they'll love the desert-themed playgrounds - well-suited for burning off energy after an easy hike.

You won't have to rough it completely - clean restrooms with flush toilets and sinks are strategically placed at trailheads and other convenient locations. And both you and your four-legged friends can stay hydrated thanks to water fountains (including dog-friendly ones) at key spots around the park.

Camping

Want to extend your desert adventure overnight? The park's 73-site campground welcomes both tent campers and RVs, with water and electrical hookups that make roughing it not so rough after all.

You'll appreciate the spacious, well-separated sites that offer privacy thanks to the natural desert vegetation between neighbors. The clean showers and restroom facilities make longer stays comfortable. One quirky local tip: consider placing lights under your vehicle at night - pack rats in the area have been known to develop a taste for car wiring.

Archery Range

In an unexpected twist for a desert park, Usery Mountain houses an excellent archery range that draws enthusiasts from all around. The thoughtfully designed facility includes both a static target range with varying distances and a one-way trail featuring 3D targets. No matter if you're just learning to nock an arrow or you're a seasoned archer, you can find appropriate challenges here.

Access Information

A day at Usery Mountain will set you back $7 per vehicle, or just $2 if you arrive on foot, bike, or horseback. If you fall in love with the place (and many do), consider the $85 annual pass - it pays for itself after just a dozen visits. The park generally welcomes visitors from dawn until dusk, with specific hours that change seasonally posted at the entrance.