Usery Mountain
Flowy desert trails with Superstition Mountain views.
About This Trail
Usery Mountain Regional Park covers 3,600 acres on the eastern edge of Mesa with over 29 miles of trails and some of the most scenic desert views in the Valley. The riding here is defined by flow — the trail surfaces are well-maintained packed dirt and the grades are generally gentle, making this a fantastic system for building skills and fitness. The 7.1-mile Pass Mountain Trail is the signature ride, circling the park’s namesake mountain with a mix of smooth sections and one genuinely technical saddle crossing that’ll have most riders off the bike briefly. For a mellower experience, the Cat Peaks Loop and Blevins Trail offer easy-to-intermediate singletrack through gorgeous saguaro forests with jaw-dropping views of the Superstition Mountains to the east. The park also has a nature center with trail maps and educational exhibits. It’s the farthest drive from Anthem on this list, but if you’re looking for a day trip with great riding, stunning scenery, and a trail system that welcomes all skill levels, Usery delivers. Bonus: you can park on Meridian Road at the Ruidoso or Meridian trailheads for free access to the trail system without paying the vehicle entry fee.
Highlights
- 29+ miles of trail with outstanding Superstition Mountain views — some of the best desert scenery in the Valley.
- Pass Mountain Trail is a 7.1-mile loop circling the mountain with varied terrain and dramatic vistas.
- Cat Peaks Loop is a perfect beginner-friendly ride through dense saguaro forests.
- Nature center on-site provides trail maps, desert ecology exhibits, and a great starting point for new riders.
Riding Tips
Ride Pass Mountain counter-clockwise for the best flow — you’ll climb gradually on the east side and get a faster, more fun descent on the west.
Park for free on Meridian Road at the Ruidoso trailhead and access the full trail system without paying the $10 vehicle fee.
Skip the Amigos Wash, Crimson Wash, and Nighthawk Wash trails — they have deep sand that’s no fun on a bike.
Cat Peaks Pass is a short connector trail with surprisingly fun technical features — ride it in both directions for a good time.
Heading to Usery Mountain?
Stop by Sunset Cyclery first for a pre-ride tune-up, fresh tires, or trail recommendations from people who actually ride here.