username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Cat Peaks Trail - Usery - 9 members in 58 triplogs have rated this an average 2.4 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3  Next
58 triplogs
login for filter options
Jun 15 2025
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 670
 Photos 12,111
 Triplogs 857

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 15 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 857
Hiking8.05 Miles 711 AEG
Hiking8.05 Miles   3 Hrs   32 Mns   2.30 mph
711 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Started from the Meridian TH and hiked westbound into Usery with some shade at first and then the sun on my back rather than in my eyes. Took the Pass Mountain Loop Trail over to Blevins, where I soon saw a D-back sunning itself on the trail not bothered by me. I gave it wide berth and moved on.

Hiked the Vista Trail and took half of the Merkle loop back to Blevins, then took that and Meridian over to Cat Peaks Traill and headed back on the Pass Mountain Loop Trail. I hiked the Meridian Interpretive Trail by there to get an extra half mile in and make it a respectable 8 miles for the day, all before 9:30am. Got off the trails before the heat started to kick in.

More hikers than bikers, but traffic overall was pretty light. The D-back was the highlight of the morning. Meridian lot was surprisingly full when I got there before 6am and empty when I got back.
_____________________
 
Jan 19 2025
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 670
 Photos 12,111
 Triplogs 857

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 19 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 857
Hiking6.69 Miles 580 AEG
Hiking6.69 Miles   3 Hrs   18 Mns   2.03 mph
580 ft AEG
 
Started from Area 10 and hiked Blevins to Cat Peaks, Cat Peaks Pass, off trail to the two shorter peaks, Nighthawk Wash, Channel Trail, and Crismon Wash back to Area 10. Legs were still stiff from the hike the day before, but not too bad. I hiked slower in general but even more so along the peaks. It's officially off trail, but there are trails up there to the peaks. nice to check those out. Typical foot traffic was out, not too bad. a few bikers but not many.
_____________________
 
Jan 19 2025
avatar

 Guides 21
 Routes 1,183
 Photos 36,909
 Triplogs 1,571

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Pass Cats and peak, AZ 
Pass Cats and peak, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 19 2025
tibberTriplogs 1,571
Hiking4.10 Miles 405 AEG
Hiking4.10 Miles   1 Hour   52 Mns   2.51 mph
405 ft AEG      14 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Ambika just got back from India and is in jet lag mode so wanted to do a quick hike and this is what I came up with; a good choice if I do say so myself. We met at Got Sushi? off of Power Road for lunch and then headed to Usery Park.

We started our hike from Wind Cave TH and headed south on Pass Mountain Trail. There were lots of people out today including families, bike riders and dogs. I always like hiking here as it's so full of desert decorations; even as lacking of water as they are now. We admired the scenery and of course, the view to the Superstitions Western Massif. We turned east on the Pass Mountain Trail and continued up and down through various washes before reaching the intersection with Cats Peak Trail.

We took the loop to the right. We went further south than I anticipated as I thought we would pass through the two mountains (one big one and the double); but, I was wrong and we continued to the south side of the two peaks where we reached the next junction (Cats Pass Trail). From there we headed north to the saddle between the double peaks. As we got closer to the saddle I could see the trail to the summit off to the left and decided, since it didn't look too intimidating, to just keep hiking. It's a short jaunt and has a double peak; I chose the one to the west to go over to first and then the other.

We hiked back down and to the east side as we made our way back to the north part of the loop. Ambika decided we would sit on the bench and enjoy our environment and the view to the Supes. While there a squirrel and golden thrasher entertained us. Plus, I admired Ambika's earrings and she said, here, try them. There are beaded earrings she makes and were my colors. She let me have them. Guess I'll buy lunch more often :lol: . Anyway, I love them and they aren't too heavy for my ear lobes.

After enjoying our rest we headed back on the Pass Mountain Trail enjoying the landscape and temperature. It was perfect weather for our hike and Ambika stayed awake. It's a 12 hr time difference between India and here.

My watch's Hiking Mode button doesn't seem to work, altho it sounds like it does. It's just not registering with my phone. Temp was 62.5, sunny, slight breeze and 17% humidity.
_____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
 
Dec 17 2023
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 670
 Photos 12,111
 Triplogs 857

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Meridian Mystery TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 17 2023
DarthStillerTriplogs 857
Hiking9.70 Miles 993 AEG
Hiking9.70 Miles   4 Hrs   25 Mns   2.20 mph
993 ft AEG
 
Sunday morning hike just to get some miles in instead of my usual morning jog. Started from the Meridian/Bulldog Pass TH just before dawn and didn't need a headlamp. Headed east on Meridian Mystery until the sun hit the horizon and then turned around and headed into Usery Park and did a loop and then back to the car. New numbered trail markers are at the Meridian Mystery and other trails outside of Usery. Also 2 new interpretive signs showcasing the geology of the area. Saw one hiker outside of Usery, and a few more inside. Surprisingly not many bikers. Overall traffic was rather low, which is surprising considering how nice the weather was.
_____________________
 
Aug 04 2023
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,928
 Triplogs 3,655

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 04 2023
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,655
Hiking4.90 Miles 398 AEG
Hiking4.90 Miles   1 Hour   55 Mns   2.56 mph
398 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Early start to be done by 7am. Gate opens at 5. Counter clockwise loopish kept me out of the sun for the first 3 miles. So dry out there!
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Jan 17 2023
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,928
 Triplogs 3,655

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Cat Peaks Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 17 2023
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,655
Hiking4.00 Miles 411 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   1 Hour   37 Mns   2.47 mph
411 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
I took Blevins over to Cat Peaks. Did the loop then back around to the Cat Peaks Pass and over and around to the Pass Mountain connection and back.
Blevins had quite a few puddles from yesterday and chewed up by horses in a few places. The rest were wet but you could avoid getting muddy. Great temps and clouds today!
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Nov 29 2022
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,928
 Triplogs 3,655

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 29 2022
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,655
Hiking3.20 Miles 250 AEG
Hiking3.20 Miles   1 Hour   15 Mns   2.56 mph
250 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Saguaro
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Nov 06 2022
avatar

 Routes 93
 Photos 7,758
 Triplogs 1,694

64 male
 Joined Mar 11 2003
 AZ
Cat Peaks Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 06 2022
wallyfrackTriplogs 1,694
Hiking6.20 Miles 511 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles   2 Hrs   17 Mns   2.72 mph
511 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Partners none no partners
I started out on the Pass Mountain trail but new wandered over to Cats Peak trail so I decided on a detour. I hiked the trails and did some exploring. A nice change and not as busy. The terrain was easy and good if you're testing out an injury.
_____________________
  2 archives
Mar 03 2022
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,928
 Triplogs 3,655

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Cat Peaks LoopPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 03 2022
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,655
Hiking2.60 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking2.60 Miles   1 Hour   1 Min   2.56 mph
200 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Nov 03 2021
avatar

 Guides 7
 Routes 187
 Photos 2,318
 Triplogs 909

74 male
 Joined Dec 10 2016
 Gold Canyon
Usery Park Smorgasbord, AZ 
Usery Park Smorgasbord, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 03 2021
DaytripperTriplogs 909
Hiking10.28 Miles 557 AEG
Hiking10.28 Miles   4 Hrs   5 Mns   2.71 mph
557 ft AEG      17 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Parked by the AJ airport, for model planes that is, headed northwest using several trails. Mostly all hard packed dirt with minimal rocks and a gradual incline heading toward the Usery Park nature center. This route could be ideal for jogging otherwise it’s a nice stroll through pleasant desert scenery, lots of nice Saguaros. A few polite bikers to avoid, not too busy with other hikers. Just to get a bit of elevation hopped up to the top of Cats Peak. No wildlife noted except small lizards.Another nice day to be out and about.
_____________________
Navy31 Army13
 
Aug 27 2021
avatar

 Guides 8
 Routes 70
 Photos 3,208
 Triplogs 273

59 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Meridian TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 27 2021
YoderTriplogs 273
Hiking7.10 Miles 600 AEG
Hiking7.10 Miles   2 Hrs   47 Mns   3.13 mph
600 ft AEG      31 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Decided to combine sections of the following trails for a 7.1 mile loop (of sorts)
1. Meridian Trail
2. Cats Peak Trail
3. Blevins Trail
4. Vista Trail
5. Merkle Memorial Trail

Temperatures are kicking back up, So decided to do an evening/night hike.
Clastic desert scenery, boy the desert is happy with the rain it has been getting lately, things are turning green out there.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sacred Datura
_____________________
J. Yoder
 
May 26 2021
avatar

 Guides 4
 Routes 93
 Photos 302
 Triplogs 698

51 male
 Joined Jul 05 2008
 Gilbert, AZ
Meridian TrailPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 26 2021
adeniumTriplogs 698
Hiking3.60 Miles 258 AEG
Hiking3.60 Miles   1 Hour   11 Mns   3.04 mph
258 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Partners none no partners
_____________________
 
Feb 18 2021
avatar

 Guides 110
 Routes 2,248
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,602

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
3004-Pass loop, AZ 
3004-Pass loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 18 2021
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,602
Hiking12.55 Miles 1,658 AEG
Hiking12.55 Miles   5 Hrs   36 Mns   2.43 mph
1,658 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Met Tom near Meridian & Levee and got started around 0800. North on County Line trail, then a short distance on Meridian trail, before taking the pavement north to the end of Meridian. Headed up Bulldog Saddle trail on the eastern half of Peak 3004 Loop. Nice views from here and the trail is pleasant as it winds its way down from the saddle and then west around the north side of the mountain.

Once at Pass Mtn Loop at the next saddle, we headed north around Pass Mtn. Once on the northwest side of Pass Mtn, we found some boulders to sit on for a snack break. After that we headed south to Usery, where there were plenty of other hikers out enjoying the nice day. From the parking area, we headed east on Blevins, then Cat Peaks Pass. South on Spillway, then Ruidoso to finish out the loop.

Great weather today, nice breeze and very clear air. Not much in the way of wildlife. Good to see Tom again, and nice to get some miles in after my last few hikes have been somewhat short.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation None
No evidence of any sort of flowers. Is this season going to be a total bust down in the desert???
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
  1 archive
Feb 18 2021
avatar

 Guides 7
 Routes 187
 Photos 2,318
 Triplogs 909

74 male
 Joined Dec 10 2016
 Gold Canyon
3004- Pass Loop, AZ 
3004- Pass Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 18 2021
DaytripperTriplogs 909
Hiking12.50 Miles 1,658 AEG
Hiking12.50 Miles
1,658 ft AEG12 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Parked in the cell phone lot for the AJ airport, met up with @LindaAnn there who was lured to come along with the promise of different scenery and corny jokes. We entered Usery Park , “sadly” the iron ranger was absent today hopefully not from COVID. Heard a little voice behind me saying something like on your mark ,get set, go ,which distracted me from engaging route scout. The desert vegetation whizzed by and without seeing another soul we reached Bulldog Saddle where there was a gathering with picture taking happening. Paused briefly so I could pontificate about the various landmarks visible, Bulldog this and that mostly, told Linda we needed to get going before this group left plus she was scaring me by looking at the path up to 3108 ridgeline like it was an ice cream sundae, didn’t want to chance adding that one.Some of the saddle group did follow us but only confirmed by looking back once on the Pass Mountain trail, quietest group of 6 ladies I never heard! . We took the lower route to Pass Mountain Loop saddle area and proceeded on the loop trail. Usual nice views on this very clear day, looking over of course Bulldog Canyon toward the Blue Point Bridge. Unfortunately the wildflowers didn’t show up today, I think we saw one Chuparosa with a couple of blooms. Have learned if I throw in a couple of hilarious comments I can keep Linda off balance enough to stay ahead :D Was granted a break at the junction of Maricopa Trail where we went up toward the descent route for the ridgeline trail, took a little while to find some decent boulders to sit on near 2525, we concluded Fountain Hills fountain wasn’t functioning today. Returning to the trail after the break the number of hikers increased as we approached Wind Cave trail head and from then on. Cut through Pass Mountain trail head to get on Blevins now seeing bikers and horses. After the “long steep ascent” up Cats Peak Pass we skipped the summit ,will catch it next time. Easy walking on Spillway and Ruidoso made it possible to admire the Saguaros ,but Linda kept pointing out the doomed ones :( also pointed out the snow visible on the Catalina’s. Observed some nice loops and rolls from the model airplanes as we were exiting. The weather was perfect today, as usual enjoyed Linda’s company , she promised to subject her kids to some humor later.
_____________________
Navy31 Army13
 
Oct 24 2020
avatar

 Guides 3
 Routes 633
 Photos 8,249
 Triplogs 605

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Usery Park-South Exploration, AZ 
Usery Park-South Exploration, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 24 2020
ddgrunningTriplogs 605
Hiking9.93 Miles 848 AEG
Hiking9.93 Miles   2 Hrs   6 Mns   4.97 mph
848 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Most of my hiking in Usery Park has been on or around Pass Mountain and the loop. Decided today to explore some of the trails on the south side of the park, as a trail run.

Started on Meridian trail, from Meridian Road. Meridian is kind of blah—just kind of a way to get from one point to another. Along the way, did a figure 8 loop of Cat’s Peak and Pass, which has a little elevation and allows for some views of the surrounding area. Saw a group of 5 deer on the east side of the peak.

After completing the figure 8, hopped on the Blevins trail, which is also rather blah and more of a connector trail. Followed Blevins over to the Merkle trail, which circumnavigateds a couple of small hills. The Vista trail splits the Merkle trail, over the ridgeline of the two hills. This was the highlight of the explore for me. Just some moderate aeg, but some nice views and trail along the way. I did it twice.

Then hopped on the road and ran around by the Wind Cave TH and finally back on the trail along the southern side of the Pass Mountain Loop.

Final assessment: Other than Vista and the Cars Peak Pass, South Usery seems best suited to beginner mountain bikers.
_____________________
 
Sep 12 2020
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 670
 Photos 12,111
 Triplogs 857

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Vista Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 12 2020
DarthStillerTriplogs 857
Hiking11.15 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking11.15 Miles   4 Hrs   18 Mns   2.61 mph
800 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
1st trip
I didn't feel like driving far, so I hiked close to home at Usery Park. There was a section of an unmapped trail I saw off of the Ruidoso Trail last March, so I planned out a circuit to hit that and a few other trails. Started from Area 10 and took Blevins over to the Merkle and Vista Trails, which I haven't hiked in about 15 years. A couple was having professional photographs of them with the pregnant mom in a white dress. The first born was not happy to be out in the desert at 6am. Along the Vista Trail, I could hear the kid screaming while the dad tried to keep him calm.

Headed east then south along the Meridian and County Line Trails, hit the unmapped trail, then back westward along the Channel Trail. I think I found one more unmapped trail while hiking along the Channel Trail. Not sure if I've hiked the Channel Trail in its entirety before, always seemed to get sidetracked.

Hazy most of the morning from the wildfires. Seemed a little brighter, but the haze was still there. Made for not many good pics other than the sun right at the horizon.
_____________________
 
Apr 23 2020
avatar

 Guides 7
 Routes 187
 Photos 2,318
 Triplogs 909

74 male
 Joined Dec 10 2016
 Gold Canyon
Pass Mountain Loop Trail #282Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 23 2020
DaytripperTriplogs 909
Hiking10.55 Miles 1,600 AEG
Hiking10.55 Miles   4 Hrs   30 Mns   2.53 mph
1,600 ft AEG      20 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
Partners none no partners
Early am start led to late morning finish so temps never felt uncomfortably warm, started counterclockwise from the Meridian road trailhead to get the climbs out of the way while still cool. Only saw 3 hikers heading down toward the parking area on the way up and 3 more met on the portion of the loop all the way to the viewpoint of Fountain Hills, also passed by 2 runners and 2 bikes on this stretch. There was a ruckus at the Wind Cave TH, parking area was lit up like Christmas with several law enforcement plus fire and rescue vehicles, 5-0 was discouraging use of Wind Cave Trail , was not planning on adding it today anyway. By time I was into my loop extension past Cat’s Peak I could see a helicopter and then another hovering near the ridgeline above Wind Cave Trail. Not sure what happened but the level of response would suggest something bad, hope all are ok. No wildlife except rabbits and lizards were seen ,none of Gummo’s pets were seen slithering along the Meridian washes , so will post a couple of distant helicopter photos instead. Vegetation and wild flowers are drying out as cactus flowers are taking their turn.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Poppies, ocotillo, hedgehog, prickly pear.
_____________________
Navy31 Army13
 
Jan 25 2020
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,928
 Triplogs 3,655

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Cat Peaks Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 25 2020
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,655
Hiking2.50 Miles 164 AEG
Hiking2.50 Miles      55 Mns   2.73 mph
164 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
Jan 06 2020
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 448
 Photos 4,407
 Triplogs 939

68 male
 Joined Mar 09 2012
 Gilbert, AZ
Blevins Cats Peak Loop, AZ 
Blevins Cats Peak Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 06 2020
rayhustonTriplogs 939
Hiking3.17 Miles 226 AEG
Hiking3.17 Miles   1 Hour   36 Mns   2.05 mph
226 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Easy stroll at Usery with my wife Rhonda on a gorgeous day. Started on the Blevins trail in the staging area lot, then took the Cats Peak loop, back on Blevins.

Lots of other folks on this loop, but only one biker. Good route if you like saguaros.
_____________________
 
Jan 03 2020
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 448
 Photos 4,407
 Triplogs 939

68 male
 Joined Mar 09 2012
 Gilbert, AZ
Cat Peaks Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 03 2020
rayhustonTriplogs 939
Hiking3.29 Miles 373 AEG
Hiking3.29 Miles   1 Hour   51 Mns   2.30 mph
373 ft AEG      25 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I drove to Usery regional park to hike the Wind Cave Trail but so did every other casual hiker in the east valley. So I continued down the road to the staging area to access to the Pass Mountain Loop trail. Plan B was a hike up to the pass on the other side of the mountain. As I approached the Cats Peak loop trail from the pass mountain loop trail, I decided to take that instead, with an eye towards finding something my wife might like. I took the Cats Peak Pass trail for a little uphill, then a use trail to the top of the hill south of the pass before continuing on and returning to the trailhead.

Gorgeous weather today.
_____________________
  2 archives
average hiking speed 2.45 mph
1, 2, 3  Next

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.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker