Hiking in Mesa AZ

[PuraVidaMae]

I am so glad it is getting cooler for hiking here in the valley ! I used to live over by SOuth Mountain which made it so easy to go hike after work.

Here is my problem. I work from 7-3:30. I now live at Gilbert Rd and the 60. The sun is starting to set earlier and earlier but I want to be able to do evening hikes. I just moved to Mesa, AZ ... where is the closest palce I can get a really good hike in? Id be happy if I could hike for at least a good hour or so before the sun sets. I have a headlamp so a little dark at the end of the hike is ok.

Ive heard lost duchman might be a good bet? Just looking for any suggestions.

[JoelHazelton]

http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?L ... =11&M=2&G=
The center crosshairs are at Gilbert and the 60. In the frame on the left side of that page, you can click "0 Hikes", then "find hikes" to find all the trails in the area. It's a nifty tool!

Looks like your closest options would be the Usery Mountain trails or South Mountain still. Usery Mountains will cost you money, as would Lost Dutchman St park if you went there. So, south mountain still might be your best bet...

[DarthStiller]

Hawes pass area is all very close. Take Power Rd. exit off 202, go north on Power until it goes downhill and turns into the Bush Hwy. Right off to your left is a substation and parking lot. trails are across the road on the east side.

[nonot]

Hey, I'm guessing you are visiting from Costa Rica...hiking within Mesa itself will be difficult as technically most places will be outside the city limits. Places close to Mesa are:

Usery Mountains and hiking/biking trails:
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=209
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1253 (not beginner friendly)
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=522
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1305
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=220

Bulldog Canyon area:
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1265

Goldfields (not beginner friendly):
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1476

Previously mentioned Hawes system:
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1271

Please note that many of these trails are often biked as well as hiked.

Also, the hikes I listed isn't a complete list, I tried to pick out the more popular ones.

[oceanwithin]

it's not exactly an authentic hike but you can always do "A Mountain" (Hayden Butte) located near ASU. It's probably 10 miles or so from where you work and it's a decent workout if you go to the top 5-6 times.