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MERKLE TRAIL WAG & WALK HIKES
Usery Mountain Regional Park
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| A hopeful pup and her handler arrive at the trailhead |
More than 29 miles of hiking trails bumping up against
Mesa's Goldfield Mountains grace this lower Sonoran Desert park. The miles are divided up among 19
routes ranging from easy to difficult, so there's something for
everyone---including those who require or prefer barrier-free trekking. For
hikers pushing strollers or turning wheels, the Merkle Trail is just the
ticket. Off limits to bikes and
horses, the flat, graded path makes a loop through lush vegetation with
outstanding mountain views. On the first Saturday of each month from November
through April, the public is invited to hike this trail along with adoptable
dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s east shelter. “Wag & Walk” hiker
dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot with reduced adoption fees and a chance to win free county park passes. Even if you’re not looking for a new fur baby, hiking among a pack of
happy tails makes for a memorable morning in the desert.
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| Volunteers hike with adoptable dogs |
LENGTH: 1-mile loop
ELEVATION: 1950'
RATING: easy, barrier-free
FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle
FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,
GETTING THERE:
3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207
From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road
exit. Go north on Ellsworth to the
park entrance.
UPCOMING WAG & WALK HIKES: All hikes begin at 9 a.m. at the Merkle trailhead (area 6 parking). December 7, January 4, February 4, March 1, April 5. No registration required.
INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032
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