Mesa, Arizona - J and I laced up our shoes early yesterday and set out for a full loop hike around the Pass Mountain Trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park. This trail has been on our radar since we arrived at the park campground two weeks ago.
The trail turned out to be the perfect mix of classic desert scenery, wide-open views, and vibrant cactus greens showing off their colors after the recent rains. The loop route around the mountain gives you shifting perspectives of the Superstitions, McDowell Mountain, and the sprawling city of Mesa.
🌵 Fun fact: Pass Mountain is surrounded by some of the healthiest saguaro habitat in the valley. Many of the young saguaros, the ones with no arms, are already over 40 years old!
Hike Details ⬇️
🥾7.5-mile loop + 3.85 miles to the campground
📈 1,319 Elevation Gain
🕘 4.43 hours
📓The trail is well-marked, rolling, and rocky in sections, with one steep climb on the north side that rewards you with big desert vistas from the top.
