Usery Mountain Park , Arizona



There is a hiking trail that ends at a cave, the trail goes up and along the ridge visible in these pictures. When planning a hike like this, spring or fall is best. Know when sunset is, and plan at least 150% of your hike up time, for your return time.
We didn't hike it this day, due to a heat advisory and temps that reached 115. Of course, even with water available at the restroom near the picnic area, water is a must for everyone who is out here. Each should have their own water, better to have too much then too little.

How tall are these things? The girl is about 4 foot 8 inches.

Barrel
Cactus
come
in a
variety
of shapes
and
sizes.
The Cholla


These little things litter the desert around their parents, like Tribbles from a Star Trek Episode. They are the ones you have to look out for.

They stick to you quickly, requiring careful removal, here a hunting knife comes in handy. You must resist the urge to grab them yourself, even when a child is screaming.
Carrying a basic first aid kit is a good idea on any hike in the desert. . A topical toothache remedy, like Anbasol or Oral Jel will ease the pain.

This little cactus ball caused bruising that lasted for a couple of weeks. Second picture was taken more then a week later.

Storms can come up fast, and disappear just as fast, if one does come, be aware that flash flooding can and does happen.

Sunsets can be beautiful.
This park is 3,648 acres. There are a large variety of plants and animals (we saw no animals, except a couple of birds and prarie dogs, probably due to the heat that day) that call the lower Sonoran Desert home. There is a campground (reservations not accepted), a group campground (reservations required). Day-use area includes a group picnic area (reservations required) and picnic sites with grills, tables, ramadas and water.
Usery Park has plenty of outdoor opportunities to enjoy hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; a horse staging area is available with picnic areas and hitching posts. There is also a place for Archers.



Located near Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix, Gilbert and Chandler, is a great place for a day in the desert.

For more information visit
Usery Mountain Park official web site
©2000,2001,2002,2003 Sandi M. - All images, graphics, animated gifs, video and Real Player movies on these pages have been created by me for this web site, with the exception of the mail box and the Arizona flag, flower and bird (these were on a clip art/web art CD. Special thanks to my family for allowing me to post pictures of them where the whole world can see.
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