Desert trails and Pass Mountain inside Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa
Outdoors

Usery Mountain Regional Park: Merkle Barrier-Free Nature Loop & Desert Center

Visit on your scheduleOpen daily 6:00 AM–8:00 PM (Nov 1 – Apr 30); Nature Center open daily 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Usery Mountain Regional Park3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207 · 26.4 mi approx. from PhoenixDirections

All ages; Merkle Trail is a dedicated 0.9-mile barrier-free packed trail perfect for strollers and toddlers; Nature Center features live desert reptiles and children's discovery programs

From $7$7 per vehicle day-use entrance fee; Maricopa County Parks annual pass accepted; Nature Center exhibits included

About this adventure

Usery Mountain Regional Park encompasses more than 3,600 acres in the northeast Valley at the foot of the Goldfield Mountains. The park is celebrated among local families for the Merkle Trail, an easy 0.9-mile barrier-free hard-packed desert loop trail that is completely flat and navigates smoothly with all varieties of strollers and wagons. Along the trail, children can spot teddy-bear cholla forests, desert quail coveys, and towering saguaro cacti. Families with older children can hike the scenic Wind Cave Trail up Pass Mountain to a natural rock alcove overlooking the valley. Stop by the Usery Nature Center to meet live resident desert reptiles, tortoises, and raptors in interactive ranger presentations.

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