www.maricopa.gov/parks (Posted 5/2/2008)
The saguaros are blooming and the trees aren’t far behind! We invite you to hike Usery Mountain Regional Park and experience what the late fall and winter rains are treating us all to this spring.
Ranger-guided bloomin’ cacti and tree blossom hikes of all sorts during the day and at night are scheduled weekly throughout the rest of 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 difficulty 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, trail descriptions and event schedules are available at the entry station.
Wildflowers, shrubs, cacti and trees currently in bloom(alpha master list): Desert Senna, Rambling Milkweed, Chuparosa, Creosote, Flat-top Buckwheat, Ocotillo, Trixis, White Ratany. Buckhorn Cholla, Prickly-Pear, Saguaro, Strawberry Hedgehog Cacti, Palo Verde Tree.
Wind Cave Trail: Our most popular trail with a steady 800’ ascent. Chuparosa, flat-top buckwheat, creosote, white ratany, strawberry hedgehog, buckhorn cholla cactus, saguaro, palo verde tree.
Pass Mountain Trail: A strenuous, 7.5 - mile trail with gorgeous views.
Chuparosa, creosote, flat-top buckwheat, white ratany, strawberry hedgehog, buckhorn cholla cactus, saguaro, palo verde tree.
Merkle Trail: Barrier-free, access for wheelchairs and strollers.
Chuparosa, flat-top buckwheat, white ratany, trixis, strawberry hedgehog, buckhorn cholla cactus, saguaro, palo verde tree.
Cat Peaks?Blevins Loop Trail: A fairly level 3- mile loop trail with some elevation gain through rocky areas. Chuparosa, trixis, flat-top buckwheat, white ratany, strawberry hedgehog, buckhorn cholla cactus, saguaro, palo verde tree.
Ask for park map, trail description and event schedule at the entry station upon your arrival.
For more information call Usery Mountain Regional Park at 480-984-0032.
