Usery Mountain Regional Park: 8 Things to Know
Usery Mountain Regional Park is one of Maricopa county’s 13 similar preserves around Phoenix, with around 3,648 acres of Sonoran Desert flats and small rocky hills between the main peaks of the Usery Mountains to the west and the Goldfield Mountains to the east, which are larger and have higher summits.
A nature center, with a 73-site campground, a group camp, an archery range, fitness equipment, a picnic area, and 27 miles of well-maintained trails, most of which traverse flat terrain, is the park’s primary amenities.
Horseback riding and cycling are permitted on nearly all of the routes.
The Wind Cave Trail, which soon leaves the park and climbs to a sheltered alcove high on the slopes of Pass Mountain, the westernmost peak of the Goldfield Mountains, is the most well-known route.
An unofficial confirmation can get you to the southern summit of Pass Mountain.
1. Introduction to Usery Mountain Regional Park
The Usery mountain regional park is on the northeast side of Mesa along Usery Pass Road, which connects to the Bush Highway in the north and climbs to a low saddle between the Usery and Goldfield mountains.
The geology, wildlife, and vegetation of the Sonoran Desert are well-introduced in this relatively quiet and picturesque area, which is bordered to the south by a residential area.
The short park street passes every one of the different offices and closures in a circle around a confined slope, which is likewise orbited by one of the paths (Merkle, 0.9 miles) and crossed by another (Vista, 0.5 miles).
The Blevins Trail, a three-mile loop through nearly level terrain; the 1.1-mile Cat Peaks Trail, which winds around three sides of a pair of buttes; and the Ruidoso and County Line trails, which explore less-visited regions to the southeast, are additional popular routes.
A variety of loop hikes are possible because all routes intersect. The 7.5-mile (loop) Pass Mountain Trail, which winds its way around the foothills and explores the nearest peak in the adjacent Tonto National Forest, and the 1.5-mile Wind Cave Trail, which climbs towards the summit, are the two most strenuous routes.
2. Historiography
In 1967, Usery mountain regional park became a park. King Usery, sometimes spelled Ussery, was the mountain’s name. “King” was his given name, not a title.
In the late 1870s and early 1880s, he operated cattle in the region. The border of a mountainous region is Usery Mountain, Regional Park.
3. Archery Range
Arizona’s only “Five Star” rated archery range is at the Usery mountain regional park archery range. There are restroom facilities, showers, and a shooting area that is shaded. On six distinct courses, the range has nearly 100 targets.
Each year, more than 30 tournaments for national, state and local archery clubs are held here.
4. Trails
Usery mountain regional park has more than 29 miles of scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The complexity of the park paths ranges from moderate to severe, and their lengths range from 0.2 miles to more than 7 miles.
Unless otherwise noted, all trails are multi-use. It is encouraged for all trail users to follow proper trail etiquette. Always keep in mind to bring plenty of water with you and to tell someone where you’re going.
This Park’s bike trails are very popular because they have enough elevation to offer stunning views of the plains that surround them.
- Trail of Merkle: This 1-mile out-and-back interpretive trail, has no barriers and is suitable for wheelchair and stroller users.
- The Trail to Wind Cave: The park’s most popular hike is this moderate out-and-back trail of three miles. If you prefer a leisurely excursion, you don’t need to hike to the top because the views are instantaneous. The Wind Cave ascends a series of switchbacks and gains 812 feet in elevation. You will reach a large alcove that looks like a cave at the top. It’s great up here for chipmunks, so be careful where you put your food.
- Blevins Trail: Hikers, birders, and horseback riders all enjoy exploring this easy, three-mile out-and-back trail. The Trailhead staging area, which connects multiple trails, serves as the starting point.
This 3.2-mile loop is suggested by the park: Start at the kiosk and head east on the Blevins Trail before turning north (left) on the Cat Peaks Trail. The Meridian goes west (right), and the Blevins goes northwest (right) back to the Trailhead Staging Area. Pass Mountain Trail: The park’s longest trail is a moderate out-and-back hike of 7.5 miles. Pass mountain is well-marked, but there isn’t much shade there. If you want to see the beautiful Sonoran Desert and sunset views, bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
5. Park Activities
Below mentioned are some of the best and most exciting activities you can experience at Usery mountain regional park.
5.1. Biking
Great distances or the surrounding mountains can be seen and appreciated from various spots on the plain, flat land, south of the recreation area, west, or north.
5.2. Hiking
The Merkle Trail is a barrier-free hike that is easy and relatively short. Try the 7.1-mile Pass Mountain Trail for a longer, more difficult hike.
The Wind Cave Trail, which leads hikers up a mountainside and into the Tonto National Forest that is nearby, is another favorite among visitors.
5.3. Horseback Riding
Equestrians are permitted to enter the nursery mountain regional park on their horse, but they are required to remain on the marked trails, as is the case with all Maricopa County Parks.
Unless otherwise noted, all trails are multi-use. It is encouraged for all trail users to follow proper trail etiquette.
5.4. Horse Staging Area
Usery mountain regional park offers a staging area for your horses. Please see our maps section for the trails that are available for wild horses.
5.5. Outdoor Fitness
When your alarm goes off at 5 a.m., you quickly get dressed for your workout and head out the door.
Should you go to Usery mountain regional park for a quick run on the Merkle Trail or the indoor gym for some stretching, pressing, and curling? Why not just go to one place and do both?
Near the Merkle Trail, new outdoor fitness equipment was installed by the Usery mountain regional park in 2015.
Visitors to the park can now exercise under a shaded structure while taking in the park’s picturesque backdrop, or they can take their preferred trail for a run or hike.
Another way the department can help people stay healthy and connect with nature is by installing the new outdoor fitness center.
Usery mountain regional park has chosen a good selection of equipment that visitors of all ages and fitness levels can utilize and enjoy.
The space is approximately 2,400 square feet and includes fitness equipment with shades to ensure the comfort of visitors and protect the equipment from direct sunlight.
5.6. Picnicking
There are also 68 barbecue-equipped picnic tables in Usery mountain regional park. The majority of tables are under ramadas and cost $30 for four hours of use.
It is free to use unreserved sites in a first-come, first-served manner. Consider renting ramada areas for picnics with large groups, weddings, and office parties.
Each of the four group locations can hold up to 60 people and has a playground close by, picnic tables and a patio, barbecue grills, drinking water, electrical outlets, campfire pits, floodlights, and picnic tables.
The cost to reserve a picnic table is $30 per four-hour period. Ramadas and picnic tables that are not marked as reserved are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
- For reservations -Call 480-984-0032.
5.7. Stargazing
Throughout Usery mountain regional park system, visitors have the opportunity to explore and observe the night sky. The telescope is even provided by them.
You will see the moon, the planets, and deep-space objects like star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, as well as learn about them.
Snacks and chairs are provided by you. The program will be a hit with the whole family. Pets are not allowed.
5.8. Camping
There is a campground at Usery mountain regional park with 73 individual campsites.
Each “developed site” has a large parking area that can hold up to a 45-foot RV and includes a dump station, a picnic table, a barbecue grill, and a fire ring.
For $22 per night, you can select semi-developed sites with picnic tables and grills or developed sites with grills and electric and water hookups. There are two areas for group camping. Each has a patio and a ramada with six tables.
There are no RV hookups; there is a 14-day stay cap on each dry camping site. The nightly campground rate is $22, and there is a $45 reservation fee.
The restroom facilities at Usery mountain regional park are spotless and feature hot water showers as well as flush toilets.
Online reservations are available for each campground site. Camping reservations should be made in advance, especially in the winter and spring.
- Contact – 602-506-2930
6. Website
maricopacountyparks.org/MaricopaWeb
7. Fees
Fees are $7 per vehicle; bicycle, horse, and foot riders pay $2. At any county park, you can purchase an $85 annual pass that grants you access to visit all Maricopa County Parks for one year including Usery mountain regional park.
8. Location
3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, Arizona, 85207, USA.
Final Words
The Grand Canyon is Arizona’s most recognized and now official moniker, and it commemorates the state’s most prominent feature.
The state of Arizona is often known as the “Copper State,” because of its abundance of this mineral.
Visiting Usery mountain regional park is highly recommended if you are planning your trip to this heaven. You’ll thank me a tonne for this suggestion.
Read more from us here.
