Channel Trail - Usery, AZ

Located on the Valley's east side, this park takes in 3,648 acres set at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. The park contains a large variety of plants and animals that call the lower Sonoran Desert home. Along the most popular feature of the park, the Wind Cave Trail, water seeps from the roof of the alcove to support hanging gardens of Rock Daisy. The Wind Cave is formed at the boundary between the volcanic tuff and granite on Pass Mountain. Breathtaking views from this 2,840-foot elevation are offered to all visitors.


The Channel Trail runs in the levee channel along the south end of Usery Mountain Park. The trail is a good alternative to the gravel surface of the Levee trail which gets a large amount of bike and horse traffic. The trail runs from just west of the Crismon Rd trailhead to the Spillway trail in the east. The trail is well maintained however due to lots of trail blazing by others it can be difficult to follow at times. The trail rises up and down along its path as it makes its way down the flood control channel. At times you will find yourself saying, "am I on the actual trail or not". The actual trail can be difficult to follow at times, but as long as you stay along the flood control channel and don't disturb the flood control structures you will be fine. The trail system in Usery makes many options for loops and this trail is one of many to add to the list.

2011-12-10 BEEBEE