Posted By Visit Mesa Team
June 06, 2024
Best Hikes in Mesa
Dive into the desert by exploring one of Mesa's many hiking trails.
Discover desert wildlife and soak in the Arizona sun by taking a trip through one of the many hiking trails that surround Mesa. Don't know which one to choose? We gathered some of the best hikes in Mesa for you to check out.
Most Popular
Wind Cave Trail
The Wind Cave Trail is popular for locals and visitors alike. Located in Usery Mountain National Park, this 2.9 mile hike offers stunning views and a peaceful cave at the end. The main hike is rated easy and dog-friendly, but for experienced hikers, go past the cave and climb to the top of the mountain for a beautiful overlook of the valley.
Best View
Siphon Draw Trail
For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, visit the Siphon Draw Trail in the Superstition Mountains This 5.5 mile hike has a steep climb and is not easy to follow. After an estimated 4 hours to the top, hikers are rewarded with gorgeous views of the Sonoran desert.
Best for Instagram
Wave Cave Trail
The Wave Cave Trail is a 2.8 mile hike that ends with a giant rock resembling an ocean wave. This trail is unmarked and more difficult, but the pictures for Instagram at the end are worth the steep climb and rugged paths.
Most Unique
Hieroglyphics Trail
The Hieroglyphics Trail in the Superstition Mountains has very unique offerings. The canyon at the end of the trail contains petroglyphs, which are images that have been carved into rock. These petroglyphs are believed to have been created by the Hohokam Indians who resided in the area around 1,500 years ago. This trail is 2.9 miles round trip and is rated "easy."
Honorable Mentions
Native Plant Trail
The Native Plant trail at Lost Dutchman State Park features beautiful, native plants! A variety of cholla, prickly pear, ocotillo and more will line your path, with names and pronunciations on labels to guide you along. One of the coolest things to see along this trail is the “Watch Me Grow” saguaro – a cactus that the park started measuring 25 years ago!
Merkle Trail
The Merkle Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park is an easy 1 mile loop hike that circles the Merkle Hills. You'll get amazing views of the surrounding mountains, including Pass Mountain (AKA "Scarface"), and the Phoenix Mountain sign that sits adjacent to the park!
Take a picture of your outdoor adventures and tag #VisitMesa and @VisitMesa on Instagram! For a complete guide of outdoor adventure in Mesa, check out our Adventure Explorer Guide.