Mesa sits at the edge of sprawling desert mountains and lush river corridors, making it a prime destination for anyone craving scenic hikes just minutes from home. Whether you want a tough summit scramble, a gentle stroll past wildflowers, or something the whole family can manage, there is a trail here for you.
Let’s get to it.
EJ Peak (Lone Mountain)
Rising near Mesa, EJ Peak (Lone Mountain) offers a steep yet rewarding outing. The trail stretches about 2.2 miles round-trip with roughly 700 feet of elevation gain. The first half follows a dirt road marked by oversized tire tracks. After that, the path turns rocky.
Loose gravel begins to challenge your footing as you climb. Cacti appear on both sides, with desert shrubs and scattered boulders. There are no trail signs. At the fork, turn left to stay on course.
The dusty parking lot has plenty of free spots, and there are no entrance fees or time restrictions. Early mornings and late afternoons draw more visitors, but you rarely feel crowded. Along the way, you can spot the Salt River, the Goldfield Mountains, and even downtown Phoenix on the horizon. Wildlife sightings include lizards and small birds. If you time it right, sunrise and sunset paint the sky in vivid reds and oranges.
At the summit, a metal bench stamped “EJ Peak” awaits. It offers a full 360-degree view and a well-earned moment to rest. Dogs are welcome on a leash, but bring extra water and watch for sharp rocks.
Desert Trails Bike Park
Nestled on 35 acres east of Mesa, Desert Trails Bike Park features multi-use routes for biking, running, and off-road hiking. The main loop spans just under a mile, with roughly 29 feet of elevation gain that leads to a modest hilltop view framed by saguaros and palo verdes. Most surfaces are compacted dirt. After rainfall the park closes until the ground dries.
The skill tracks vary in difficulty. Beginners can practice basic berms and rollers, while experienced riders hit more advanced pump and jump lines. This mix makes the park popular with families and serious cyclists alike.
Amenities include shaded ramadas, vault toilets, and a 30-space parking lot. Dogs are welcome on a six-foot leash, and some areas allow off-leash play when local riders signal. Weekends tend to draw larger crowds, but weekdays stay relatively calm.
City parks staff work alongside volunteers to keep trails smooth and clear. For the best weather, plan your visit from November through May, when temperatures stay mild.
Merkle Trail
Within Usery Mountain Regional Park, Merkle Trail packs Sonoran Desert charm into a one-mile loop. The surface is smooth hard-packed dirt and gravel, roughly the width of a sidewalk. The elevation gain of just under 60 feet is hardly noticeable… beginners and wheelchair users alike can navigate it without effort.
Accessible parking includes two standard spots and van-accessible spaces close to the trailhead. Restrooms stand mere steps away. Benches appear every tenth of a mile, offering a chance to pause and examine cholla clusters or listen to desert birds. Palo verde and mesquite trees dot the landscape, and wildflowers can brighten the view in late winter and early spring. Keep an eye out for small lizards skittering over rocks and Gambel’s quail along the brush edge.
Leashed dogs are welcome and rarely does the loop feel crowded. A modest entrance fee applies per vehicle. Hikers in summer will want to arrive early to beat the heat. In cooler months, the trail takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete, and it remains a relaxed oasis under clear signage. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, Merkle Trail suits families, seniors, and anyone seeking an easy desert walk.
Coon Bluff Loop
Nestled within Tonto National Forest, Coon Bluff Loop spans just under 3.5 miles of rocky, sandy tracks that wind through classic desert terrain. You’ll gain about 600 feet of elevation… the ascent is gradual enough to feel comfortable for anyone steady on their feet. Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential since shade is scarce along the route.
Trail maintenance is minimal so the surface can get rough in places. Wash crossings and loose stones may obscure the path. A map or GPS is highly recommended to avoid detours. Dogs are welcome on leash but strollers or hikers requiring step assistance will struggle. There is free parking at the trailhead but no restrooms or water stations.
The outlook over rust-colored hills is punctuated by towering saguaros and bursts of wildflowers in spring. Four Peaks and the Salt River come into view between clusters of cacti. Watch for red-tailed hawks, Gambel’s quail, and squirrels. Winter and early spring offer the most forgiving temperatures, and even then this loop tends to feel quieter than trails nearer to Phoenix.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Usery Mountain Regional Park delivers a wide range of trails from easy loops to strenuous ridge climbs. Wind Cave Trail is a quick out-and-back covering 450 feet of elevation before you reach a natural alcove and panoramic outlook. Pass Mountain Trail stretches just under 6 miles, offering narrow ridgelines, rock hopping, and full 360-degree desert views.
For a gentler option, Merkle Trail loops through mesquite groves and stays mostly flat. In spring, wildflowers dot the path. Gold Spike and Desert Vista both rate as moderate; Desert Vista ends on a ridge lined with saguaros and offers outstanding sunset vantage points.
The park’s facilities include shaded picnic tables, water stations at major trailheads, and vault toilets that stay clean. A visitor center provides maps and local advice. Dogs on leash roam the trails alongside hikers. A midweek visit or an early morning start helps you avoid the busiest times. Overall, well-maintained trails and varied terrain make Usery Mountain Regional Park a top choice for desert adventurers.
Wind Cave
In Usery Mountain Regional Park, Wind Cave Trail has become a popular 3-mile out-and-back route. You’ll climb about 800 feet over rocky switchbacks, choosing each step on loose granite. The terrain demands attention, especially near the cave-like alcove at the top.
Parking is free on paved lots next to restrooms and vending machines. A detailed map stands at the trailhead, but the well-marked route and steady flow of hikers make it hard to lose your way. Dogs on leash are welcome, but strollers and wheelchairs aren’t recommended.
At the summit, the alcove forms a natural seat with cool breezes and sweeping views of the East Valley and Tonto National Forest. Saguaros, desert wildflowers, and rock daisies add color. Shade is limited, so avoid midday sun. Most hikers visit between October and April when temperatures hover in the comfortable range. Wind Cave delivers a solid workout paired with rewarding panoramas.
Phon D Sutton Recreation Area
Hidden in the Tonto National Forest, Phon D Sutton Recreation Area spans riverbanks, rocky bluffs, and open desert. The Lower Salt River Nature Trail runs a couple of miles along the riverbank. It’s mostly flat, making it ideal for families, dogs, and anyone who prefers minimal climbs. Informative signs identify plants, wildlife, and sometimes wild horses grazing nearby.
For more of a workout, the Coon Bluff Trail gains elevation and offers a view of Four Peaks. Keep an eye out for hawks, quail, and occasional deer. Trail directions are clear, though carrying a map never hurts.
Additional routes include the Phon D Sutton Loop and the Peak Loop. Both loops feature wildflowers in season and expansive desert vistas. Parking remains easy even on busy days, and the area rarely feels crowded. There are vault toilets and picnic areas near the trailheads. Whether you stick to the river trail or head up onto bluffs, you’ll find diverse scenery and well-spaced paths that showcase the best of the lower Salt River corridor.
Desert Arroyo Park
Desert Arroyo Park spans 58 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape with a network of gentle trails. Options include concrete pathways or smooth crushed-stone loops, none exceeding a mile. The highest hill rises about 32 feet… overall the grades are mild and stroller or wheelchair users can cruise without difficulty. The Explorers Path offers slightly rockier footing but stays manageable.
Interpretive signs line each route, defining local plants and animals. Stop at the reptile exhibit station with cast footprints, view wildlife through mounted telescopes, and test soil in a small digging pit. Native palo verde and ironwood trees provide pockets of shade along some stretches. Picnic ramadas stand in open areas, while a playground near the entrance entertains younger visitors.
Leashed dogs are permitted and visitors rarely overlap too tightly. Park staff keep trails free of debris and benches intact. Free Wi-Fi reaches most of the site, making it easy to check maps or messages. A short walk or family outing will reveal why this park is a favorite for education and quiet recreation, especially for those seeking a desert setting without steep climbs.
Dobson Ranch Park
In Mesa, Dobson Ranch Park offers a flat, paved loop that makes walking effortless. This trail circles a fishing lake in just over a mile, with no significant elevation change to slow you down. Strollers and wheelchairs glide along the smooth surface, and most dogs stay content on a leash.
The lake attracts ducks and visiting waterfowl, and patches of green turf contrast the desert backdrop. Shade trees line parts of the path, creating cool spots to pause. Parking is plentiful near the main entrance, and restrooms sit just steps from the loop. Picnic ramadas provide shaded seating… some can be reserved but unmarked tables are often free on a first-come basis.
A playground buzzes with activity after school, while basketball courts fill up later in the afternoon. Maintenance crews keep the path clear and the turf trimmed. Spring and fall visits are most comfortable because summer afternoons can be hot on this open expanse. Whether you want an easy stroll, family playtime, or birdwatching by the water, Dobson Ranch Park delivers a hassle-free outdoor experience.
Red Mountain District Park
Red Mountain District Park in Mesa combines sports fields, a lake loop, and family-friendly amenities in one place. A wide concrete trail circles the lake in just under a mile, with almost no elevation change to interrupt your stride. Strollers and wheelchairs move easily along the smooth surface, and van-accessible parking spots lie close to the path.
Beyond the loop, soccer fields and disc golf baskets fill large grassy areas. Fishing spots along the lake edge welcome anglers of all ages. Shaded picnic ramadas stand near benches and tables… these can be reserved or claimed on a first-come basis. Restrooms and water fountains are just off the main trail.
Leashed dogs join their owners on and off the path, and multiple playground structures keep kids busy. Side paths of packed dirt lead into open fields, but none present rough terrain. Early mornings and weekday afternoons offer the least crowded experience. Seasonal concerns amount to desert heat in summer, so plan visits in cooler hours. Open daily from sunrise until 10 PM, Red Mountain District Park caters to active families and casual strollers alike.
Mariposa Park
Mariposa Park offers a straightforward setting for light exercise and outdoor leisure. A paved loop of 0.7 miles winds around flat terrain, making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate. ADA parking spaces with wide striped aisles lie close to the entrance.
Along the path, exercise stations invite stretching or strength moves. Themed playground areas feature butterfly, bee, and spider motifs, providing engaging spots for children. Scattered ramadas and benches deliver shade, although some areas remain open to the sun… Visitors can also spread blankets on the grass for picnics.
Dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the park. Maintenance is consistent; grass stays trimmed and rest areas remain tidy. While the layout focuses on simplicity, paths remain smooth, features stay accessible, and landscaping stays neat. Even during busier times, the park maintains a calm atmosphere.
Mariposa Park nails the neighborhood park concept without overwhelming visitors. This blend of accessibility and themed play areas makes it a reliable spot for families and dog owners seeking fresh air close to home.
Park of Canals
Park of Canals blends educational elements with a relaxed stroll. Its 31 acres of landscaped gardens and desert trees surround remnants of ancient Hohokam canals. Visitors follow a half-mile loop under shaded trees along soft dirt paths, rather than smooth pavement. This trail suits most hikers and dog walkers who are fine with leashed pets, just note that the paved sections end before the main loop.
Families gather at ramadas equipped with grills and shaded benches. A wood-chipped playground offers a spot for children to explore. Clean restrooms and free parking add convenience. Birdwatchers frequently spot local species, and lizards sun themselves on rocks. The park remains quiet even on weekends, making it possible to enjoy the landscape without crowds.
Cooler months provide the most comfortable conditions but shade along the trail helps on warmer days. Overall, Park of Canals provides a calm, historically interesting area in Mesa, combining natural scenery with a glimpse into ancient irrigation practices.
