Usery Mountain Regional Park

One of the gems of the Maricopa County regional parks, Usery Mountain is a much-loved resource for the Phoenix area. Just outside the edge of suburban Mesa, Usery Mountain feels like it is a remote desert sanctuary. The variety of recreational options in this park is remarkable. The park boasts an excellent (and popular) family campground and two group campgrounds. There is a wide variety of trails, many of which are actually in the adjoining Tonto National Forest, but accessed from Usery Mountain. Other resources include several great individual and group picnic areas, an extensive archery range and a unique outdoor gym with durable exercise stations under a massive shade structure.

With over 30 miles of trails that originate in the park, Usery Mountain is a wonderful spot to explore the Sonoran desert. Some of the notable trails:

• Wind Cave Trail: 1.5 miles, 812-foot elevation gain.
• Pass Mountain Trail: 7.5 miles, 731-foot elevation gain.
• Cat Peaks: 1.1 miles, 139-foot elevation gain.
• Merkle Trail (accessible): 0.9 miles, 68-foot elevation gain.
• Blevins Train: 3.0 miles, 98-foot elevation gain.
• Crimson Wash: 0.9 miles, 96-foot elevation gain.

Note: Two or more of these trails can be combined to make a longer loop hike, and nearly all trails are open to mountain bikes and horses.

The archery range is one of only a few five-star rated ranges in the Western United States and includes 4 miles of walking paths. There are shaded picnic areas and restrooms. There is also a very nice nature center with frequent events, including both campfire programs and ranger-led walks nearly every day.