Pass Mountain Trail- Usery Mountain Park, Mesa

Pass mountain trail head is located in Usery Mountain Park in Mesa. This is a loop trail and is 7.4 miles long. This is a great loop trail, with beautiful views from the North Side of the rugged country below 4 Peaks. I gained access to this trail via Meridian Rd, which allows access to Tonto National Forest without paying the entrance fee at Usery Park. The majority of the trail lies in National Forest boundaries. Upon arriving at the trail head I spoke with a few hikers about the trail. The consensus is the best part of the trail is the view off the north side of the mountain. At this trailhead if you choose to follow the trail to the North, you will encounter a steep climb early on into your hike. I chose to hike the trail counter-clockwise so I could head up the hill and get my lungs pumping a bit. As you leave the parking area follow the well worn trail for a few 100 yards you will come to a cross section in the trail. DO NOT GO left or right but find the cairn directly in front of you and cross through the wash to the other side. This will take you to the actual Pass Mountain Trail. Upon reaching the next intersection I hiked to the right, heading towards the large cliff in front of you. Going this way you will have to hike up a 500 foot elevation gain right off the bat to the saddle, but this is the hardest part of the trail and is quickly over. It also guarantees an elevated heart rate. Once upon the saddle the trail winds around the side of the mountain to the west. This is a well traveled and maintained trail. It is busy on the weekends with hikers, joggers, bikers and horse back riders. Enjoy the sweeping view of the country to your north. You will round the mountain and begin heading south and catch a view of Fountain Hills, and the sprawling metro city below. Keep on the main trail and avoid following several spur trails that branch off periodically. The trail takes you to Usery park and to the Wind Cave Trail head. Keep heading east through the park. Once on this south side the Saguaros are more prominent along with all the other familiar cactus in the area. Keep an eye out of cholla on the trail. This is a great loop hike and I completed it in 2 hours 45 minutes. I did not stop for many breaks during the hike. It is not difficult, but is long so plan accordingly.

Length: 7.4 miles- loop trail
Elevation Gain: ?
Kids: 7.4 miles is a bit long for kids to enjoy the hike
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Fee: Free off Meridian Rd, 6$ in Usery Mountain Park
Guides: 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Phoenix
Directions: US 60 East to Ironwood Rd. North on Ironwood Rd. Left on McKellip Rd. Right on Meridian Rd. Follow to the end of the road and park in trailhead.