Usery Mountain Regional Park: Cacti & Mountain Views in Mesa
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If you have ever vacationed in the Phoenix metro, then you probably know that beautiful nature surrounds the city in every direction. There are so many wonderful hikes in the Sonoran desert; I frequently plan roadtrips from Flagstaff for a change of scenery. I actually love the desert and cacti and I especially love hiking here after a long winter.
One of my favorite low-key hiking destinations is Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa. Whether you are looking to get in a light morning walk, an intense hill workout, or an all out cardio workout, you’ll find plenty of fantastic & diverse options here. This place is nice because it does not get over crowded with tourists like Camelback and South Mountain, but it’s still pretty close to everything in the metro. Of course, there is little shade, so I recommend a fall/winter visit if possible.
Desert beauty at its’ finest
The beautiful desert landscapes are spectacular enough to warrant the small entry fee. No matter which trail you choose, you will get the unique opportunity to view the many varieties of cacti that make up the gorgeous Sonoran desert, including the grand Saguaro. To those unfamiliar with the Sonoran, the Saguaro happens to be the largest cactus in the world.
You will notice that there are no shortage of Saguaro cacti at this park or any others in the metro. This park is really loaded with cacti and I can’t stop taking photos of them because they are so exotic and stunning.
The mountain scenery here is also pretty fantastic. And you don’t necessarily have to hike a long trail to enjoy the scenery. There are a number of shorter trails including the Merkle (I will cover this later on). I especially love the Phoenix air marker (the last photo).
Pictured below is me showing what it looks like to stand next to a Saguaro. Some of these incredible plants are 40-60 feet tall! You really can’t being to image how tall they are until you stand next to one yourself. As someone who grew up in the city (Chicago), I’ll never get bored of seeing these amazing plants.
Prickly Pear cactus and many other attractive species of cacti can be seen on the trails. Take a look at the amazing variety you will see by simply hiking one trail. I love seeing cacti of every variety and this is one of my favorite parks to see a great range all in the same place.
On a sour note, this is the first park where I actually got stung by a cactus. It hurt extremely bad and took forever to get all the needles out. And I was still sore for hours afterwards. Do keep your distance when taking pics! Here’s an upclose look at the needles to give you a picture.
The Merkle Trail: Short & Scenic
One particularly scenic trail offering great views of the mountains as well as diverse cacti species is the Merkle trail. This just shy of a mile 0.9 mile loop is perfect for those limited on time and/or seeking a short summer hike before the intense afternoon 100+ degree heat rolls in.
It should not take more than 30 minutes to an hour to complete this easy, flat yet very scenic, hike. As always, it is best to save any hiking for the cooler fall and winter months. It’s just too hot in the summer to do much outdoors. If you do decide to hike in the treacherous summer heat, this is one of the better picks due to the ease and distance.
Aside from the amazing scenery, this area is pretty quiet. We never see more than a handful of hikers out and about. Most tourists head to Camelback and South Mountain. It’s quite a solitary experience for the nature enthusiast. You may see a handful of hikers during the early morning hours, but never enough that it feels busy. However, if you visit early enough you may just luck out and see some wildlife!
Summer hiking safety
Hiking in the summer months is not a good idea. It’s best to save all hiking in this area (and other low desert areas) for the cooler months. If you do venture out, keep it short, stay hydrated, and hike before the sun reaches full intensity.
Take advantage of the quiet summer season and get out there early (6am) for a beautiful hike through Arizona’s one and only Sonoran desert. Enjoy the views and be sure to get your picture standing next to the amazing Saguaro cactus: the ultimate free souvenir!
This park is conveniently located in Mesa, an easy drive from anywhere in the Phoenix metro area. As of 2025, parking is $7 per vehicle. Please check the website for updated pricing & special events.
Tips before hiking
*Drink lots of water on any desert hike, even those that are short in distance. In Arizona’s extremely dry climate, you will need to drink much more water that you are accustomed to especially when engaging in any type of physical activity. Bring extra water bottles in a backpack or wear a camelbak to ensure you are staying properly hydrated. Electrolyte mixes are recommended for longer hikes.
*Pick up a trail map at the Visitor’s center. Inside you will find a ranking guide for each trail including the difficulty level and total distance of the hike.
*Pack snacks and extra water for longer hikes.
*Wear proper footwear – gym shoes, not sandals. Even if it’s hot outside and sandals feel more comfortable, it’s much safer to wear gym shoes.
*Plan a sunrise or sunset hike for the coolest temperatures and to increase your chances of seeing wildlife. As always, view wildlife from a safe distance and take caution with any snakes seen on the trail. Thankfully, I’ve seen no snakes hiking anywhere in the desert. I have seen bobcats, gila monsters, and javelina.
