Hike, Bike & Camp at Usery Park

A recent addition to my list of hiking adventures in The Valley, Usery Mountain Regional Park in East Mesa offers breathtaking views of the Superstitions. One of the ten Maricopa County Parks, Usery is an outdoor enthusiasts playground with 20 different hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic ramadas, archery range and nature center.

Almost as far east as Apached Junction, Usery Park takes in 3,648 acres set at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. Elevation ranges from 1,700 to 2,750 feet and contains a large variety of plants and animals. They have some fantastic ways to enjoy the outdoors including fitness hikes, yoga, bird watching and stargazing; the possibilities for you and your family are endless.

Remember, this is the Old West.  Not every place here is named after a philanthropist, businessman or cowboy hero.  In this case, Usery Mountain Regional Park was named after a local cattleman and became a park in 1967. King Usery ran stock in the area in the late 1870′s and early 1880′s. Times were tough for King and led him to an outlaw way of life.  King and Bill Blevins (a popular horse and mountain bike trail, Blevins Trail is found at Usery Park today) were found guilty of the Globe-Florence stage robbery and sent to Territorial Prison in Yuma, AZ.  King spent his years in and out of prison, but left his mark on this beautiful open land.

Phoenix Mountain can be seen from Usery Park.

Usery Mountain Park is on the border of a mountain region with the Superstitions on the east, the Goldfields on the north and northeast, the Usery Mountains immediately northwest, and the McDowell Mountains across the Salt River to the northwest. Unique for its many popular features including Pass Mountain, also known as “Scarface” to the local folks, is the geological focal point of the park. The Wind Cave attracts many hikers both young and old.  A little more than a wind-carved hollow at the base of a high cliff, it’s only 10 or 12 feet high and extends only a few feet into the cliff. Still, it provides welcome shade (especially in the summer) and makes a terrific spot to lunch while soaking in the expansive views to the north and west.

Other trails in the park are open to mountain bikers and horseback riders. Dogs are allowed as long as they’re on a leash.

As you enter the park, be sure to stop in to their brand new nature center to learn more about the park, pick up a map and schedule of activities.  Consider purchasing a year-long pass for $75 that will provide admission to any Maricopa Park.

Usery Mountain Regional Park

3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa (map)

When: The park is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Trails are open sunrise to sunset.

Admission: $6 per vehicle park entry fee.

Details: 480-984-0032.