A beautiful view of the desert with camping opportunities.
Overview
The G.O.T. team took on the Wind Cave Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park. This hike is one of the more challenging ones we've completed. Gaining 800 feet in elevation, it can be more difficult for younger children or those seeking out a less intense trail experience.
Once at the Wind Cave, it is clear to see the ending point is definitely worth it for those willing to take on the challenge. There are wonderful views for great photos and cliff chipmunks up at the cave as well. There is water that can be seen seeping from the cave, allowing a small portion of plant life to hang from it. Bees also reside here which is posted before you start the hike. There is a bathroom opportunity before the Wind Trail begins.
There are many opportunities to take in viewing and learning about this park's environment, from self exploring its trails, to joining an interpretive ranger program. There is a fee to enter the park. The fee is $7 for vehicles, and individuals walking in are $2. This includes hiking, biking, and/or equestrian. You can find the park's official website here.
Additional Park features
Camping
You can camp at this regional park for a fee. The fee will depend on your chosen location and amount of time you want to spend there.
The Buckhorn Family Campground has places for tents or RVs. The campground includes a picnic table, barbecue grill and fire ring, water and electrical hookups. You can book a camping reservation here.
Archery
This is a very high quality archery range. The Usery Regional Park page says it is "the only 'Five Star' rated archery range in Arizona". It includes areas of shade and restrooms. Annually, the Archery Range holds over 30 tournaments. For more information, you can visit the Archery Range's official webpage here.
Nature Center
This is one of four listed as a green-friendly nature center by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Departments. Usery Mountain Regional Park nature interpretive center offers classrooms, programs, patios, and an amphitheater, creating varied educational opportunities. With this center designed to be sustainable and energy efficient, there is a focus on maintaining the natural landscape.
Additional Fun Park Adventures
For Geocaching tips while experiencing Usery Regional Mountain Park (with kids), check out the No Guilt Mom website here. If you are unsure or need a refresher on what geocaching is, you can read G.O.T.'s article here.
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