Hike To The Top at Usery Mountain Regional Park

Hiking enthusiasts know the options are endless when it comes to exploring the Sonoran Desert terrain that surrounds Mesa, but those in the know flock year-round to Usery Mountain Regional Park to take their turn at heading to the top of Mesa’s iconic Wind Cave Trail.

The trail is a central focal point inside the 3,500 acre county park offering sweeping views of the city and the Downtown Phoenix skyline. Usery is one of the more popular Arizona parks and it shares an expansive border with the Tonto National Forest (the most-visited “urban” forest in the U.S. with approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Hikers heading to the top will appreciate the switchbacks that help reduce the labor-intensive climb. Giant boulders throughout the 1.5 mile climb serve as resting stops and platforms for taking it all in.

Once at the wind cave, visitors will find hanging rock daisies and a shady respite before making the return trip to the bottom.

QUICK TIP: Before heading to the trailhead, stop in at The Nature Center, offering maps to 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding inside the park. Educated volunteers are on hand to answer questions and offer advice before exploring the park. Monthly programming at the park features everything from stargazing sessions, fitness hikes and scorpion hunts, to toddler cruises and other family-oriented experiences. Inside, guests can purchase snacks and cold beverages, souvenirs and outdoor necessities like sunscreen, hats and water bottles.