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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Spillway Trail to Blevins Loop- Usery Mountain Park- Mountain Biking

If you need a good place to ride untechnical (beginner) single track then Usery Mountain Park in Mesa is a great spot to go.    There are so many options to ride this trail system with most of the trails joining up to allow for more miles and ride time.  I choose to start my ride on the Spillway trail which I accessed off of Signal Butte Road. Directions at the end of this post.  Or see my trail map created in Every Trail below.  This eliminated the need to pay an entrance fee into Usery Mountain Park. The first mile of the trail is on the Spillway trail.  It connects to the Blevins Loop trail which I rode in a counter clockwise direction.  You can travel the loop trail in either direction as it is relatively flat, besides the several arroyo crossings which add a little bit to the trail in regards to shifting and few spots to catch a little bit of air.  The route I took made for a 6 mile ride. 

This really is a pretty trail with all the cactus and especially saguaros that line the trail.  Obviously you have to be careful not to end up in one of those cactus, especially the cholla- OUCH!  This would also make a great trail to run or hike in the evening or cool mornings.

Start at the access gate into Usery Mountain Park on Signal Butte and E. Jensen Road.  The Spillway trail will head east toward the Superstitions Mountains for about 200 yards.  You will then come to a "T".  Turn north (left).  Follow to a canal.  When you are on top of the canal take the trail that heads across the dry canal to the northeast.  Follow this for about 1/4 mile and you will come to another intersection with the Ruidoso Trail.  Turn left staying on the Spillway trail which continues to head north.  Another 1/4 mile you will come to the intersection with the Meridian Trail. Turn left and follow for about 200 yards where you will come to a fork in the trail which is the Blevins Loop.  I turned right, riding the trail counterclockwise.  About 2 miles into the Blevins Loop either direction you will come to a trail called the Moon Rock Trail.  I took this trail which added an extra 1.4 miles to the route.  It links back up with the Blevins trail.  Continue on the Blevins Trail until you are back at the Merdian Trail where you will retrace your ride back to your car.  Enjoy!

Below is a link to the route I took on my ride.
Spillway and Blevins Loop

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Mesa, Arizona

Like I said prior, there are so many different options you could add to this trail. Click HERE for a link to the Usery Mountain Park Map which shows all the trails in the area.

Length:  6 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Beginner
Elevation Gain: unknown but minimal
Trail Type: Single Track- Loop with 1 mile trail to access loop.
Directions:  Exit on Signal Butte from US60.  Head North.  Continue heading North through Brown approximately 1 more mile you will see E Jensen Road on your left. Look to your right and you will find a pull out and access gate to the Spillway Trail.


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