Experience the Sonoran Desert

 Right now is the best time in the Valley to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. I love all the wonderful hiking trails we have in the area. I find that a lot of people feel that many of our trails are too challenging. Desert trails are rocky and hard to maneuver.  I set out to find some easier trails in the area, that would be perfect for anyone. I still wanted them to be in the desert, so my family could experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, but without all the rocky trails and steep inclines.

In this article I would like to share some of my favorite trails to experience the Sonoran Desert. I selected  trails almost anyone can walk and enjoy. Several of these trails are barrier free, which makes them wheelchair accessible, and therefore also perfect for young families with children in strollers.

Merkle Trail - Usery Mountain Regional Park

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The Merkle trail is rated easiest in the 29 mile multi-use trail system at Usery Mountain Regional Park. As a Regional Park, Usery Mountain requires a fee per vehicle. At the time of writing this article, the fee per vehicle is $7 dollars for day use.

The Merkle trail is a 1 mile loop nature walk. The trail is wide and well-maintained, with no rocks and little incline. It is even rated wheelchair accessible, and therefore also great for families with young children and strollers.
Benches and shaded Ramada areas provide opportunities to sit and rest and enjoy the views of the surrounding area. You will see Flat Iron Mountain to the east and the Usery Range to the north, as well as views of the city of Mesa.

The area is full of large Saguaro Cactus, Chain-fruit Chollas and other cactus variety. Educational signs are found alongside the trail and offer information on the Sonoran Desert environment.

For more information about the trail go to the Usery Mountain Regional Park website.
The entrance to the park is at 3939 Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207

Toothaker Trail - Estrella Mountain Regional Park

 The Toothaker trail is a moderately easy hike that winds through the valley of Estrella Mountain Park. It is a gentle up and down through washes and is a bit rocky.  The trail offers up beautiful views of the Estrella Mountain range and connects with many of the other trails in the park. The trail is multi-use and heavily used by mountain bikers and horseback riders.

See our video for a short loop hike including the Toothaker, Dysart and Butterfield Trail.

For more information on the trail, go to Estrella Mountain Regional Park website
The entrance to the Park is at 14805 W Vineyard Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Las Lomitas Trail - Phoenix South Mountain Park

South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation and consists of three mountain ranges - the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. The park boasts more than 51 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Additionally, the roadways throughout the park are a favorite for bicyclists.  
The Las Lomitas Trail is a moderately easy hike that mostly stays in the valley between the mountain ranges and has few elevation gains. It winds though washes and is rocky in some areas. It offers a beautiful Sonoran Desert experience, with views of the city of Phoenix to the north.

For information on the trail go the Phoenix South Mountain Park Website
the entrance to South Mountain Park is at 10919 S Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ

Judith Tunnell Trail - Phoenix South Mountain

This trail is completely paved and therefor rated accessible for wheelchairs.

For information on the trail go the Phoenix South Mountain Park Website
the entrance to South Mountain Park is at 10919 S Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ

There are many, many trails in the Phoenix area to experience the Sonoran Desert. I choose these four because they are relatively easy hikes, which makes them great for family outings.