Usery Mountain Regional Park
www.maricopa.gov/parks  (Posted Friday, 3/12/2010)

This spring we invite you to hike the Usery Mountain Regional Park. Winter rains may result in a later spring herbaceous wildflower response.  We anticipate an excellent cactus bloom in April and May.
Ranger-guided wildflower and plant walks/hikes are scheduled twice a week in March and continuing throughout the spring, please visit the website posted below for dates and start times.

FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS, PARK INFORMATION AND RANGER-GUIDED HIKES VISIT: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery 
WHAT TO EXPECT: Over 30 miles of trails of varying terrain through the upland Sonoran Desert. Wear sturdy shoes and please bring plenty of drinking water. Dogs are allowed on leashes.

Notes:  The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle unless you hold an annual pass. Maps and wildflower lists are available at the entry station.

Wildflowers and shrubs currently in bloom:  This week’s blooms seen by walking along the popular trails in the park are brittlebush, chuparosa, combseed, dainty desert hideseed, desert hyacinth, desert marigold, fairy duster, fiddleneck, filaree, gilia, jojoba, ocotillo, popcorn flower, white tackstem, wild heliotrope, wolfberry.  There is a scattering of lupine and Mexican gold poppies.

Please ask for a wildflower list upon entering the park. 

New flowers and shrubs are blooming each week and we are expecting a terrific bloom of cacti as the spring temperatures heat up.

For more information call Usery Mountain Regional Park at 480-984-0032.