Usery Mountain Regional Park | Mesa

Usery Mountain Regional Park is one of Arizona’s most scenic and versatile natural recreation areas, located at the eastern edge of Mesa, adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. Spanning approximately 3,648 acres, the park is situated along the western slopes of the Goldfield Mountains and features stunning views, desert flora and fauna, and a wide range of outdoor activities that cater to all types of visitors, from casual sightseers to serious hikers and campers.

🏞️ Landscape & Environment

The park is a textbook example of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, dotted with classic desert plants such as:

Towering saguaro cacti

Cholla and prickly pear cactus

Ocotillo with their spiny red flowers

Creosote bushes, mesquite, and palo verde trees

These plants thrive in the park's arid climate and are set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains, sandy washes, rocky ridges, and desert plains.

The elevation ranges between 1,700 and 2,800 feet, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Greater Phoenix Valley, especially from higher trails like Pass Mountain and Wind Cave.

🥾 Trails & Hiking

Usery Mountain Regional Park features over 29 miles of well-maintained multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trail network offers a wide range of difficulty levels:

Most Popular Trails:

Wind Cave Trail

Length: ~3.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: ~800 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Climbs to a shaded alcove (“Wind Cave”) in the mountainside with spectacular views of the valley. In spring, blooming rock daisies are visible near the cave. The cave is a natural indentation in volcanic tuff, not a true cave.

Pass Mountain Trail

Length: ~7.5 miles loop

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Highlights: Circles the base of Pass Mountain with scenic views in all directions, including Four Peaks and Superstition Mountains.

Merkle Trail

Length: 0.9 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: A barrier-free, paved loop trail suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Perfect for families and those looking for a light walk with interpretive signs.

Blevins Trail, Moon Rock, Desert Hawk, and Cat Peaks

These shorter, less intense trails offer access to desert washes, wildflowers in season, and views of desert wildlife. Ideal for sunrise and sunset walks.

🏕️ Camping & Day Use

Usery Mountain Regional Park offers a well-equipped campground and multiple day-use areas:

Campground Features:

73 developed campsites with:

Electricity (30/50 amp)

Water hookups

Picnic tables and barbecue grills

Dump station access

Bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers

Nightly Fee: $32 for developed sites; semi-developed sites available at $22/night

Sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.

Group Camping & Picnicking:

Four large ramadas available for groups up to 60 people

68 individual picnic tables throughout the park, many with shaded ramadas and grills

Ramada reservations are recommended for events, especially in spring and fall

🦅 Wildlife & Nature Observation

The park’s desert landscape supports a wide variety of native animals:

Birds: Gila woodpeckers, Gambel’s quail, Harris’s hawks, roadrunners, cactus wrens, owls

Reptiles: Lizards (like chuckwallas), desert tortoises, gopher snakes, rattlesnakes

Mammals: Coyotes, javelinas, bobcats, jackrabbits

Insects: Butterfly species, tarantulas, and various desert beetles

Nature lovers often spot these animals on early morning or dusk hikes, especially near the Wind Cave or along washes.

🏹 Archery Range

Usery Mountain is also home to a public archery range, considered one of the best in the region:

Nearly 100 targets spread across several courses

Shaded shooting area with seating and benches

Courses simulate real hunting conditions in the desert

Open to beginners and experts; bring your own equipment

🌅 Park Hours, Entrance Fees & Facilities

Operating Hours:

Summer (May–October): 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Winter (November–April): 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Fees:

Daily entry: $7 per vehicle

Walk-in or bike-in: $2 per person

Annual Passes:

Vehicle: $85

Non-motorized (hiking/biking/equestrian): $30

Visitor Center:

Nature Center open most days year-round

Live reptile displays, educational exhibits, gift shop, ranger station

Hosts ranger-led events like:

Full-moon hikes

Desert yoga

Stargazing

Wildlife talks

🧭 Tips for Visiting

Hydrate and carry extra water, especially from April to October.

Wear sun protection: hats, sunscreen, long sleeves.

Hiking early in the morning or late in the day is best during hot months.

Leash dogs at all times; pick up after them.

Don’t feed wildlife or pick plants-respect natural habitat rules.

Check the Maricopa County Parks website for event calendars and trail condition alerts.

🎯 Who Will Enjoy Usery Mountain Regional Park?

Families: Easy trails and playgrounds, shaded picnic areas

Seniors & Accessibility Seekers: Merkle Trail and flat scenic loops

Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders

Photographers & Nature Lovers: Desert flora, birds, and sunrise/sunset shots

Campers & RV travelers: Clean, well-maintained, and peaceful sites

Archers: One of the best practice ranges in the region

Usery Mountain Regional Park is a pristine escape just minutes from the city, offering a unique blend of rugged desert wilderness with accessible recreation and family-friendly facilities. Whether you’re coming for a half-day hike, a weekend of camping, or simply to watch the desert sunset from a shady picnic table, the park offers something deeply enriching for all kinds of visitors.