The Ruidoso Trail is a light trail. It runs for 1.35 miles from the south Trailhead located on Meridian Road south of McKellips Road to its north end where it intersects with the Spillway trail. The following description is from south to north. The trail itself connects with the Spillway trail and The County line trail. The trail is an excellent way into the center of the trail system in Usery Mountain Park. The route helps avoid the more crowded trailhead located in the main park area and the other popular ones. The trail itself on the southern end is flat and sandy with little to no shade. As you go north from the southern trailhead will first pass the County line trail at its southern end you can pause and enjoy some of the valley and may even catch an air show from the Superstition Airpark model airplane runway. As you move north you will descend into and out of washes l giving you a short shaded break. In this area, you will see more birds, rabbits, lizards, and chipmunks. As you continue north the next trail intersection is the Spillway trail which brings you to the end of Ruidoso. From here you can continue north or go south and explore more of the trails in the Usery Mountain Park Trail system. The trails in Usery are popular with local runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders to access the trail system in Usery Mountain Park.
Note: This trail gets lots of Mountain Bike and Equestrian activity so the trail can be rutted and also lots of road apples watch where you step
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
To Meridian Trailhead Meridian Trailhead is located at the north terminus of Meridian Road between Mesa and Apache Junction.
US60 to Signal Butte. Take Signal Butte north to University. East (right) onto University to Meridian. North (left) onto Meridian to the terminus. There is a small TH.
or
Exit 202 Loop at Brown Road and travel east on Brown Road for about 3.5 miles. From Brown Road (Lost Dutchman Rd), travel North on Meridian for two miles to the trailhead parking area at the end of the road.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 34.1mi - 44 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 119mi - 2hr 11mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 176mi - 2hr 56mins