County Line Trail, AZ

The County Line Trail is part of the Usery Mountain Park Multi Purpose Trail System. Meridian Road dead ends so there is not much traffic and the road is paved, which allows fast and easy access. There are two entrances on the west side of Meridian, one south of Mckellips and one North of Mckellips. Watch for the Horse walk thru in the fence and you will see signs stating closed after dark. If you continue north on Meridian it dead ends at the Tonto National Forest Boundary. There is a small parking area here with access thru the fence to the Usery Park Trail System and the Tonto National Forest Bull Dog Canyon Area of the Goldfield Mountains. My adventure began at the Horse walk thru just north of Mckellips. This is the Meridian Trailhead (see Meridian Trail description). Meridian Road being the County Line, Pinal to the east-Maricopa to the west.


Proceed west on the Meridian Trail for about 200 yards and you will encounter a well marked trail heading south, this is County Line Trail. This is a nice and easy trail and loses about 200 feet in elevation over the length of it. Relatively flat it offers a nice stroll, or ride thru the Sonoran desert in an area that has not been abused or hit with fire. The variety of plants and animals are outstanding. Views to the east are the Superstitions. North are Pass Mountain and the Goldfields. Views to the South are the San Tan. The trail passes thru a couple of rocky washes in which some mountain bikers may have to walk but overall the trail is easy and used by hikers, bikers, and horses. Take note of the huge Ironwood tree about halfway down the trail. The County Line Trail ends at Ruidoso Trail, about a mile in length.At this point you may hear what may sound like large insects. As you look skyward you may observe small airplanes. You are very close to the Arizona Model Aviators Park. A miniature airport for Radio Controlled Aircraft. Open 7 days a week and sporting restrooms you may wish to stop by and observe. There is no charge for observers and you will be impressed with the facilities. Official entrance is located at Meridian and Levee Drive North of Brown. This truly is a Multi-Purpose Park as this is also within the Usery Mountain Park. I then continued east on the Ruidoso Trail to Meridian where I crossed a Horse walk thru out onto the very wide shoulder and rode back north to my vehicle making it a loop. This is a great trail for enjoying Spring Flowers for all ages.

2007-02-23 AZLOT69