The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. ~ Author Unknown
I spent roughly 20 years in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area but never was very familiar with the east valley so it was exciting to me that Terry chose Usery Mountain Regional Park for our 2-week stay. Located in east Mesa, Usery Mountain Regional Park is a 3700 acre desert delight located at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, abutting Tonto National Forest. What awaited us was 29 miles of trails devoted to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding and some spectacular views from our RV site.
Pass Mountain, the geologic focal point of the park, is the view from our rear window. A landscape studded with stately saguaros, that house owls and many other bird species within their skeletons, as well as ocotillo, barrel cacti, and teddy bear chollas, dotted the desert floor.
Wind Cave Trail is the most popular trail within the park, a 3.2 mile trek up the face of Pass Mountain, with an elevation gain of 800 feet. This was a good first hike for us, a nice little leg workout with some great views of the valley from the top.
Given the precipitation that Arizona has had the past couple of months, the desert is bursting with life, full of color, so green. We are already planning more hikes, both in Usery Mountain Park and the Superstition Mountains.
Paint Your Landscape 
Beautiful pictures, and the weather seems to be perfect for hiking; not too hot?
We stayed at the Cave Creek park and loved it. Next time I’d like to try the Usary park. Did you have to spend any time in the overflow before you got a site? I know they are busy parks.
Hi Janie,
Terry made a reservation online before we got here and so we moved right in. There are several rigs here but still a few openings. It is just beautiful and so relaxing. We hiked the Pass Mountain Trail today, a 7-miler and the views were spectacular. Say hi to John for us.
What a joy to wake up to that beautiful side yard…the desert with all it’s beauty and the tough decision…where to hike next. Love it, as usual!
LuAnn and Terry. Thanks for posting the info and pictures. I miss the desert, it’s unique beauty. This is such a perfect time to enjoy that country, so many trails to explore.
Arythe, We feel a strong connection to the desert and it feels so alive, particularly this time of the year. We have yet to explore the Pacific NW so perhaps we will see you two again in your new home. Take care and say hello to Chris for me. Lu
more lush than i imagined. beautiful