Usery Mountain Regional Park

Located southeast of Fountain Hills on the edge of the Usery, Goldfield, and Superstition Mountains is Usery Mountain Regional Park. See Fountain Hills in the far distance in the upper right portion of the photo at the top of the page. Usery, like McDowell Mountain Regional Park, is a popular attraction for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, and picnicking.

In the spring and fall, Usery Mountain Pass becomes a major thoroughfare for sheep herding. Flocks of sheep are led from the high country to the Salt River Valley by Mexican and Basque shepherds and their dogs.

Usery Mountain, the main focal point within the park was named after a cattleman who lived in the area around 1870 to 1880. The area became a park in 1967.

From Fountain Hills take Shea Boulevard east to State Route 87 (Beeline Highway). Turn left and follow 87 to Bush Highway. At Bush Highway turn right. The highway leads to Saguaro Lake and then follows the banks of the Salt River. A few miles past the Salt River Bridge is the intersection with Usery Pass Road. Usery Pass Road climbs a long steep slope of the Salt River Valley and crests at Usery Pass. A short distance past the mountain pass on the left side of the road is the entrance to the park.

The park is a fee area so be prepared to pay at the gate. Currently the rates are $3.00 per vehicle. Overnight stays are available in the 73 sight camp area and are on a first-come first-serve basis. Rates are $15.00 per night. Maximum stay for an individual site is 14 days.

Trails within the park:
Belevin Trail #133 - 2.9 mi.
Merkl Memorial Trail #140 - .9 mi.
Pass Mountain Trail - 7.1 mi.
Wind Cave Trail - 1.6 mi. (pictured below)
Campground Trail - .5 mi.
Coleman Trail - .75 mi. one way
McKeighan Trail - .5 mi.

For further information about Usery Mountain Regional Park call the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation or Usery Mountain Recreation Area offices or visit the links below.

Download a map of the park: (File Size: 572k)
For PC: Usery Mountain Park MAP
For MAC: Usery Mountain Park MAP

NOTICE: The map is saved at lower resolution of 72dpi. Therefore, it is only intended as an introduction to the park. Be sure to ask a park ranger for a complimentary map when entering at the gate.

Maricopa County Parks
and Recreation Department

411 N. Central Avenue, Suite 470
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tel. (602) 506-2930

Online:
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/default.asp

Usery Mountain Recreation Area
3939 N. Usery Pass Road
Mesa, AZ 85207
Tel. (480) 984-0032

Online:
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/


A hiker begins the assent to Wind Cave.


Usery Mountain and picnic ramadas in the park.


The silhouette of a hiker is a dramatic contrast to the valley floor.

 

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Christine Schroedel - 480-236-8649
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