Usery Mountain Regional Park
Located on the Valley’s east side, this 3,648-acre park became part of Maricopa County’s regional park system in 1961. The park is set at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, adjacent to the scenic Superstition Mountains on the Tonto National Forest. The park contains a large variety of plants and animals that call the upland Sonoran Desert home, with birds including Gambel’s Quail, White-winged Dove, Harris’s Hawk, Gilded Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, and Canyon Towhee. Migrants pass through vegetated desert washes, especially when mesquites and paloverdes are blooming in April-May. Rarities occasionally show up, including a Rose-breasted Grosbeak found once at feeders by the Nature Center and campground. Usery Mountain Regional Park offers over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Park trails range in length from 0.2 miles to over 7 miles, and range in difficulty from easy to difficult. If you are looking for an easy, relatively short hike, the Merkle Trail is barrier-free. If you are looking for a longer, more difficult hike, try the 7.1-mile Pass Mountain Trail. Along the most popular feature of the park, the Wind Cave Trail, water seeps from the roof of the alcove to support hanging gardens of Rock Daisy. The Wind Cave is formed at the boundary between the volcanic tuff and granite on Pass Mountain. Breathtaking views from this 2,840-foot elevation are offered to all visitors. All trails are multi-use. The Nature Center offers interpretive exhibits and monthly ranger-guided programs.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: From downtown Phoenix, you can take either the Loop 202 East freeway or Hwy. 60 east to Ellsworth Rd. Once on Ellsworth Rd., head north and follow the signs for Usery Mountain Regional Park. The park entrance is on the right (east) side of the road, with the Nature Center and campground a short distance beyond the entrance.
Latitude: 33.480421
Longitude: -111.618275
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: May 1 to October 31: 5 am-9 pm daily. November 1 to April 30: 6 am-8 pm daily. Check the website for Nature Center hours.
Admission or Fees: $7 per vehicle. Maricopa County Parks annual passes also accepted.
Best time to visit: October-April, or early morning May-September.
Habitats: Desert
Know Before You Go
The 0.9-mile Merkle Trail is barrier-free and the Nature Center handicapped-accessible. All other trails are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Gilded Flicker, Harris’s Hawk
Charismatic: Black-chinned Hummingbird, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Verdin, White-winged Dove
Contact Information
Parks and Recreation Department
Maricopa County
41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd
Morristown, AZ 85342
Phone: 602-506-2930
Website: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/usery-mountain-regional-park/
Email: maricopacountyparks@maricopa.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L938672
