Nice visitor center with info, $6.00 to get into the park. We did the easier trails and in march saw lots of wildflowers blooming, hummingbirds and small wildlife. We were there on a Sunday though and the trailhead to the harder cave trail was packed with cars parked all over the place by 11 amI would recommend going early if you are going in march with the tourists here for spring training.
My husband (70) and I (60) hiked up the Wind Cave Trail with our 3 dogs. We were a little concerned as it was rated a difficult hike. One of our dogs may have been able to handle that but not our 13 and 10 year old Cocker Spaniels. As it turned out the trail up to the "cave" look-out is a moderate hike. Yes there were rocks to navigate and on the way down we had to deal with the looser soil, but this was a moderate hike. Had we know who well used this trail is on the weekend, we would have gone on a weekday. It was so crowded that all folks had to pull over regularly to let others pass. The view from the cave area is pretty, but from the very top is must be even better. We did not hike the last 20 minutes to the top as that is the section that requires your hands as well to make it up the steep incline. With our dogs in tow, that would have been too difficult.
I like to take sunset photos and I enquired at the visitor center about that possibility. Freda was on duty that day and she gave me a 30 minute pass to explore some spots that I might like to return to and shoot some sunset photos. Beautiful spot. Appreciated the friendliness of the staff and the honor system to pay for entry to take photos if no one is at the gate. Recommend it.
Our friends and us have been visiting Usery Park for over a decade now. The facilities, picnic shelters, washrooms etc are first class. The hike to the Wind Cave is a memorable experience on a well maintained trail. More recently a nature centre has been built and is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers. There are free daily programmes to acquaint people with this desert environment. When you think of a desert, sand comes to mind, but this part of the Sonoran Desert abounds with fauna and flora.
although the campground is beautiful, each night we have been here the winds come up and are aweful. the camper rocks and rolls. the winds slam against it. impossible to sleep through. and strangest thing is the weather channels dont hve any advisories. i asked at nature center and they said we r in a mountain pass and it happens alot. we were in a 31 foot moror home. cant imagine how bad the winds would be in a tent or a smaller camper
The activities offered at Usery Mountain Park are excellent. My wife attended the Sonoran Desert 101 presentation and we both enjoyed our visit with Sandy Hornbaker and her Backyard Birding talk. The daily $6.00 park entry fee is very reasonable and the interpretive centre publishes a monthly calendar of events.
Loved loved this. Took the cactus tripe with ranger "B" he was great a lot of information. Then started our hike up to windy cave. We made it halfway up and turned around. Loved the views
Liked the clear trail with little or no loose rocks. Gradual climb, good for non experienced hikers.
Went to Usery Mountain for an afternoon hike and had a great day. Tried doing the wind cave trail but pretty busy and started to rain but definitely will go back. Easy path, saw everyone from 2-?70 years walking and dogs too. It is a hike up..800 foot elevation.. but lots of rocks to sit on along the way..and bring water. Great pictures!!
Each time we have visitors to our home in arizona, we bring them to Usery Mountain Park. There are hiking trails for all levels of hikers and the views are like none I've seen at any other park. Even if you don't hike, pack a lunch and pull up to one of the many picnic tables and enjoy the sun and blue sky and scenery. The cost was $6 per car and the helpful staff will provide you with a map of the park. Don't miss out, it's so beautiful. I can't wait to go back.