By the time 8:00 AM rolled around there was thirteen of us gathered in the North Parking Lot. We divided into three vehicles and headed out on I-10 northbound. After working our way through Phoenix we arrived at the Wind Cave Trailhead in Usery Park.
After the requisite group shot we broke into three groups; Skip, Connie and company heading out on the Wind Cave trail, Mike and Sharon hitting the Pass Mountain trail counter-clockwise, and the rest faithfully following me clockwise on the Pass Mountain trail.
Pass Mountain Trail Pictures
We arrived at the lookout on the northwest corner of Pass Mountain just in time to see the 10:00 fountain at Fountain Hills Shopping Center.
Continuing we eventually met Mike and Sharon on their circuit. After a brief rest and picture stop, we carried on our way, arriving at the saddle and lunch stop around 11:00.
Thirty minutes later found us working our way down from the saddle and on the homeward stretch. This section seems to be the longest of all, you're sure the parking lot is just over the next rise, NOT!. There was even some unrest brewing at the back of the line on whether I had missed the turn and was starting out on the second circuit!
We eventually arrived back at the vehicles about 5 minutes before the other two groups. Mike and Sharon had arrived earlier and had headed up the Wind Cave trail to meet Skip’s bunch.
The mandatory Dairy Queen stop on the way back to Palm Creek arriving well before Happy Hour!
Wind Cave Trail
Wind Cave Trail is a shorter hike at about 3.1 miles, and it starts winding upward just after going through a pretty wash area. The trail becomes steeper near the top. There are large boulders along the way; many of which are part of the trail. Great views amongst the rock and cactus. There is a flag at the top of the trail and even a little farther, a cave.
Pass Mountain Trail is the Red. Wind Cave Trail is the black trail in the middle.
Directions to Usery Mountain Regional Park
From I-10 and Florence Blvd. continue northwest on I-10. Exit right onto the Loop 202. Continue on 202 as it turns north. Go past the Hwy 60 exits, then take Exit 28, Broadway eastbound (right). Immediately move to the left lane and turn left on Ellsworth Rd. Ellsworth will become Usery Pass Rd. In about 6 miles turn right into Usery Mt. Rec. Area. $8? fee required. Stay left on Usery Park road, entering Wind Cave Drive. Go north, then past the restroom area and park in the south parking lot. Coordinates: 33º28’25.91”N W111º36’26.04”W. Home approx. 3:30 - 4:00pm
Thank you for your pictures and write up. Larry and I went on the Wind Cave Trail on Sunday, since I missed the hike on Friday.
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