Usery Mountain Regional Park
Explore the Sonoran Desert's beauty with diverse trails, unique caves, and potential wild horse sightings. Perfect for hiking, biking, and camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Sonoran Desert's beauty with diverse trails, unique caves, and potential wild horse sightings. Perfect for hiking, biking, and camping.
"A beautiful park with great trails, offering a true taste of the Arizona desert landscape."
Sturdy Shoes are a Must! :athletic_shoe:
Trails are rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots or shoes are essential for safety and comfort.
Hydration is Key :droplet:
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun is intense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wind Cave Trail
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Moderate 2.9-mile hike to a unique cave with panoramic views of the Phoenix valley.
+1
Doe Mountain Trail
Usery Mountain Regional Park
A short, rewarding 1.5-mile hike to a mesa top offering stunning 360-degree desert vistas.
Mescal Trail
Usery Mountain Regional Park
A picturesque 4.6-mile trail featuring expansive slickrock formations and classic Sonoran Desert scenery.
Wild Horse Sightings
Salt River from Usery Pass Rd Trail
Hike near the Salt River for a chance to see wild horses, especially magical at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Footwear
Park Entry & Best Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sturdy Shoes are a Must! :athletic_shoe:
Trails are rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots or shoes are essential for safety and comfort.
Hydration is Key :droplet:
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun is intense.
Check for Park Events :calendar:
Usery Park hosts guided night hikes and stargazing events – a unique experience!
Dog-Friendly Trails :dog:
The Wind Cave trail is a moderate, dog-friendly option for you and your furry friend.
Tips
from all over the internet
Sturdy Shoes are a Must! :athletic_shoe:
Trails are rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots or shoes are essential for safety and comfort.
Hydration is Key :droplet:
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun is intense.
Check for Park Events :calendar:
Usery Park hosts guided night hikes and stargazing events – a unique experience!
Dog-Friendly Trails :dog:
The Wind Cave trail is a moderate, dog-friendly option for you and your furry friend.
Mountain Biking Paradise :mountain_biking:
Beginner-friendly trails like Blevins and Moon Rock offer fun rides through saguaros.
Kid-Friendly Play Area :child:
Discover a cute, themed playground perfect for younger visitors with shaded areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Usery Mountain Regional Park for its stunning Arizona landscapes, abundant cacti, and well-maintained trails suitable for various activities. The park offers a great camping experience and is conveniently located near other attractions, though some find the 'cave' itself less impressive than the surrounding views. Proper footwear and hydration are consistently recommended for trail enjoyment.
"Great hiking area to soak in the gorgeous Arizona landscape and wildlife - especially the cacti! Some of the largest we’d ever seen, and the park allows nature to take its course so you will come across cacti in various stages of life, even when they’ve fallen over and have started returning to nature.
The trails we took were flat and relatively easy, but the ground is often rocky, sandy and a bit uneven to wear appropriate shoes of course!"
Julian Liby
"This is a really nice campground just minutes away from Mesa, AZ, and close to the lower Salt River Recreation Area. There are some wonderful trails, everything from easy. To moderately difficult, short to long (9+ miles). There is water and 50/30 amp service, but no sewer. Restrooms and showers are well kept and clean. Nice and quiet!"
Paul Hubbard
"We love camping at Maricopa County parks. They do a fantastic job in every way. Campsites are well spaced, clean, in working order and amenities are as described. Even the black water dumping station here at Usery is the nicest one we have been to! There are more popular parks and we enjoy them all but Usery is really a beautiful park. It is also a best of both worlds place to stay while exploring this area of Arizona. You are in the wilderness and close to the Salt River. Lakes, Superstition Mountain, Tonto National Forest but also shopping, restaurants, tourist destinations, a top notch shooting range and lovely golf courses. I am charmed by this park and rate it as one of the best in Arizona right up there with the very popular Lost Dutchman State Park! Great job Usery!"
Allison Wood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Usery Mountain Regional Park is located in Mesa, Arizona. It's accessible by car, and the park entrance is clearly marked. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the park.
Public transportation options to the park are limited. It is generally recommended to have your own vehicle or use a ride-sharing service to reach the park.
For popular trails like Wind Cave, using apps like AllTrails or a GPS device can help you track your hike and ensure you stay on the right path, especially past the main cave area.
Yes, Usery Mountain Regional Park is close to the lower Salt River Recreation Area, Superstition Mountain, and Tonto National Forest, offering a variety of outdoor activities.
Yes, the park gates open before sunrise, allowing for early morning hikes to catch the sunrise or avoid the heat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $7 per vehicle. Maricopa County Park Passes are also accepted.
Maricopa County Parks offer passes that can be used at Usery Mountain Regional Park and other county parks, which can be cost-effective for frequent visitors.
The park is generally open year-round, with gates opening before sunrise and closing after sunset. Specific event hours may vary.
For general park entry, advance booking is not typically required. However, for special events like guided night hikes, it's advisable to check the park's schedule and register if necessary.
Yes, the park offers a campground with water and 50/30 amp service, but no sewer hookups. Restrooms and showers are available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Wind Cave Trail is a major draw, known for its moderate challenge and rewarding views. Doe Mountain and Mescal Trail are also highly recommended for their scenic beauty.
While some trails are beginner-friendly (like parts of the Salt River trail), others, like Wind Cave, have steeper sections and uneven terrain that can be challenging for some.
You might encounter desert wildlife such as cacti in various stages of life, and if you're lucky, wild horses near the Salt River.
Absolutely! Trails like Blevins, Moon Rock, and Meridian are popular for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers, offering a fun ride through the desert landscape.
Yes, there's a well-themed, shaded playground that kids will love, complete with picnic tables for a family outing.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from Wind Cave and Doe Mountain are spectacular. The desert landscape itself, with its unique cacti and rock formations, offers endless photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Drone photography is permitted in Usery Mountain Regional Park, offering unique aerial perspectives of the desert scenery.
Yes, the park's relatively low light pollution makes it a great spot for stargazing and astrophotography, especially during guided night hikes.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh due to the desert sun.
While wildlife sightings are possible, it's important to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Focus on capturing the natural desert environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the more adventurous, the Wind Cave Trail is a moderate option, though parents should be aware of the uneven terrain and potential challenges for very young children.Consider shorter, easier trails for younger kids, or focus on the playground and picnic areas. The park's accessibility and the variety of activities make it a great spot for families to enjoy the outdoors together. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and always supervise children closely, especially near trails and natural features.
⛰️ Hikers and Trail Enthusiasts
+1 If you're seeking a shorter, scenic hike, Doe Mountain provides an accessible summit with panoramic desert vistas.Experienced hikers can explore longer routes, while beginners can find suitable paths. Remember that desert hiking requires preparation: wear sturdy shoes, carry ample water, and be aware of the sun's intensity. Utilizing navigation apps can be helpful on less-trafficked sections of trails.
🚴♀️ Mountain Bikers
These trails offer a good mix of scenic beauty and enjoyable riding.While these trails are generally accessible for those new to mountain biking, riders should still be prepared for desert conditions, including sandy and rocky sections. Always wear a helmet and protective gear, and carry water. The park's layout provides a great opportunity to enjoy the desert landscape on two wheels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Usery Mountain
+1 If you're looking for shorter, scenic walks, Doe Mountain provides a quick ascent to a mesa top with 360-degree panoramas.Beyond hiking, the park is a haven for mountain bikers. Trails like Blevins, Moon Rock, and Meridian are praised for being fast, fun, and suitable for beginners, weaving through saguaro cacti and offering scenic straightaways.
Remember that many trails are rocky, sandy, and uneven, so wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.For a truly unique experience, consider joining one of the park's guided night hikes or stargazing events, especially during the summer. These events offer a chance to learn about the desert ecosystem after dark and witness the incredible night sky.
Always check the park's schedule for these special programs.Camping and Amenities at Usery Park
The campground's location is a significant advantage, placing you in a wilderness setting while remaining conveniently close to Mesa, AZ. This proximity allows for easy access to the lower Salt River Recreation Area, Superstition Mountain, and Tonto National Forest for further outdoor adventures. Simultaneously, you're just a short drive from shopping, dining, tourist destinations, and even a top-notch shooting range and golf courses.
Travelers have specifically noted that the black water dumping station at Usery is among the nicest they've encountered, reflecting the park's overall commitment to quality amenities. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the campground further adds to its appeal, making it a highly recommended spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the Arizona landscape while enjoying convenient access to urban amenities.
Wildlife and Desert Flora
One of the most exciting wildlife encounters reported is the sighting of wild horses near the Salt River, particularly magical during sunset hikes along the Usery Pass Rd Trail.
It's important to remember that while observing wildlife is a highlight, maintaining a safe distance is crucial for both your safety and the animals' well-being. Stick to the marked trails to avoid disturbing the delicate desert environment and its inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit