Guest Post by Lily Frank
Lily Frank is an undergraduate student at The University of Minnesota who loves to travel and explore the world. She has spent lots of time traveling to various National Parks and states throughout the United States. She loves to be adventurous and learn about the history and culture of each place she travels to.
Hiking in Mesa, AZ and exploring the beautiful Sonoran Desert trails is a must-do activity. If you want a relaxing walk or a mountain climbing hike, Mesa has something for everyone. There are many hiking trails that show off Arizona’s scenic views including its unique saguaro cactus and mountain ranges. Not only is it important to research what hikes are the best fit for you, but it’s also important to learn about hiking safety and basic tips to ensure you have the best experience.
Here are some of the best trails to do while hiking in Mesa, as well as things to think about while preparing for a desert hike.
Best Hikes in Mesa, AZ
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Usery Mountain is the most popular park to visit for hiking in Mesa, AZ. To enter the park there is a $7.00 day pass for every vehicle or an $85.00 annual pass that gives access to all Maricopa County parks. If hikers come in by foot, bike or horse, the daily fee is only $2.00. Usery offers many trails that allow hikers to look over Mesa’s landscape from a high altitude.
One of my favorite hikes at Usery Mountain is the Wind Cave Trail which is 1.5 miles. Although the length of the hike does not seem hard, the elevation change gives this trail a bit more difficulty. Hikers will take the trail until they are in the cave which is a great viewpoint of the desert and then hike down the same way they came up.
Other difficult hikes at Usery Mountain include the Pass Mountain Trail, which is a 7.7 mile loop, and the Cat Peaks Trail which is 1.2 mile long loop.
It is important to note that during peak season, which is primarily winter and fall, this park is normally very busy by around 8am. I recommend showing up early in order to avoid any parking stress.
Although there are many hikes that are more difficult, there are also trails that don’t involve as much elevation but still show off Arizona’s beautiful scenery. Some options include Merkle Trail which is a 0.9 mile loop that takes around 20 min to complete, and Lost Sheep Trail which is an out-and-back trail which takes 40 min to hike. For those looking for a longer hike that is less intense, Blevins Trail is a 3 mile loop which usually takes around an hour to complete. These hikes will have relatively clear and flat gravel paths surrounded by beautiful cacti. The variety of trails to choose from make Usery Mountain a perfect place for anyone at any level of hiking experience.
Red Rock Park
Red Rock Park, loved for its bright red mountains, is made up of five miles of connected trails that offer more relaxing and sightseeing-focused hikes. Eagles Nest Trail offers the most elevation change with an increase of 300 ft.
Uniquely, many birds and other Arizona wildlife including mud turtles, lizards, and mule deer are attracted to the park due to the presence of the Oak Creek. The 2 mile long creek provides a stable water source. Because Mesa, Arizona is a desert, there are not many large bodies of water for these animals which means when there is one, lots of animals live near it.
There are also options to take guided informational walks with a naturalist who will share the scientific background on the habitat including rock formation and tips on detecting wildlife. These trails are great for a peaceful day and to see plenty of Arizona wildlife.
Lost Dutchman State Park
Trails at the Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction show off the Superstition Mountain which is known to have many superstitions around it. One of these superstitions is named the Lost Dutchman which says that the superstition mountain is a gold hotspot. The park, located in Apache Junction, has a $10.00 daily fee which is worth the variety of hikes available as well as the scenery.
One trail option for those looking for a tough hike is the Siphon Draw Trail. This 4 mile loop is recommended for hikers who are in shape and not recommended to be done in warmer seasons. On the Siphon Draw Trail, there is an extension called the Flatiron Trail which is another 1.5 mile in and out route that only experienced hikers should consider due to steep and unclear paths.
A medium-length hike option at Lost Dutchman State Park is the Treasure Loop Trail which is a 2.4 mile loop that takes a little longer than an hour to complete. This hike will ensure you get a workout but is less intense than the Siphon Draw trail.
Those just trying to enjoy the outdoors without climbing up a mountain will enjoy Jacobs Crosscut Tail which is 0.8 miles with minimal incline. This trail is also a great option because it connects to many trails so hikers can decide to keep their hike short or make it longer and more challenging. While hiking in Mesa, AZ The Lost Dutchman State Park is a must for people of any hiking experience wanting to check out Superstition Mountain.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a part of Maricopa County Parks so all the price policies are the same as Usery Mountain Park. McDowell has many options for long and challenging hikes. Many of these trails have intense and steep elevation change but have views that make it all worth it.
One of the toughest trails offered is the 9.3 miles Thompson Peak Trail which is connected to the Dixies Mine Trail. This hike takes around 5 hours to complete results from the trail length as well as the elevation change.
If you want to have a more moderate hike, doing just the Dixies Mine Trail makes the 9.3 mile hike turn into a 5.6 mile hike that takes closer to 2 hours.
Another option would be to take on the Ring Tail and Lost Dog Overlook loop which is 2.4 miles.
For easy hikes, McDowell has many options that have easy trails but longer length. This includes the scenic trail which is a 4.4 mile hike that takes about 1 hour and 45 min, the McDowell Mountain North Trail which is an hour-long 2.9 mile hike, or the 4.6 mile Wagner, Granite, and Bluff loop which takes under 2 hours.
McDowell has great options for people looking for challenging hikes, but uniquely, it has many options for people who are looking for less strenuous hikes that are longer than a mile.
Elevation in Mesa, AZ
On average, Mesa Arizona has a relatively normal altitude at 1,326 feet. While in the city, the land is overall flat, but while hiking, there are many mountain trails that increase in elevation. Usery Mountain proves to be the highest peak in Mesa, Arizona with its highest point being 2,786 feet. Even with this elevation change, there are no noticeable effects besides the occasional popping of ears while driving through the mountains.
Finding a Hiking Group
While hiking in Mesa, AZ it is important to hike in a group. Not only does this increase safety, it is also a great way to socialize. If you don’t have a hiking group, there are multiple ways that you can find people. Online is a great option, including joining a Mesa, AZ hiking group Facebook page or using sites such as MeetUp and Hit the Trail to find hiking events.
If you can’t find a group, it is extra important that you tell someone that you are on trails as an extra precaution. As many trails include hiking a mountain, chance of encountering wildlife such as snakes or scorpions and also heat exhaustion, it is smart to have someone to assist you in the case something happens.
How to Prepare for Hiking in Arizona
Hiking in Mesa, AZ will bring you some of the best hiking experiences, but it’s important to take into account the Arizona heat. In the spring season, temperatures are normally in the 70-80F degree range which means hikers will be most comfortable going in mornings and finishing early afternoon. The summers have an average temperature of 106 degrees during the day and only drops to the 90’s during early mornings and night. During the summer, it is most safe to avoid hiking trails. This means that peak hiking season is in the winter as it is the safest time to go. With this being said, no matter what time of the year you go hiking, be sure to pack plenty of water to avoid dehydration. It is also smart to bring along snacks, especially on longer hikes, that have electrolytes and sugars to replenish the energy.
While hiking, it is important to dress correctly for the activity. This includes taking into account the Arizona sun which is usually constant and hot. Prepare for this by bringing sunscreen as well as a hat. On hikes with lots of elevation, consider wearing hiking boots which have better traction and ankle support, for a more comfortable hike. As far as clothes go, light layers are what seems to work best. When I go hiking, I usually wear leggings or shorts with a tank top or t-shirt and then a light jacket.
If you are traveling far from home, you may also want to consider getting travel insurance to cover any accidents.
Planning for these conditions will help your hiking experience go smoothly. With less time stressing, you will have more time to enjoy the great trails that Mesa, Arizona has to offer and the beautiful unique scenery.
