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Merkle Memorial Trail - 9 members in 54 triplogs have rated this an average 2.6 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3  Next
54 triplogs
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Feb 22 2026
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 713
 Photos 12,657
 Triplogs 897

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Moon Rock TrailPhoenix, AZ
Moon Rock Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 22 2026
DarthStiller • Triplogs 897
Hiking8.15 Miles 437 AEG
Hiking8.15 Miles   3 Hrs   22 Mns   2.42 mph
437 ft AEG
 
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Chain Fruit Trail
Lost Sheep Trail
Levee Trail - Usery
Spillway Trail - Usery
Blevins Trail
Merkle Memorial Trail
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Quick Sunday morning hike after sleeping in a bit for a change. Did a loop I’ve done a few times starting from Area 10 to Chainfruit, Lost Sheep, Moon Rock, Levee, Spillway and Merkle before I got back to the parking lot. Merkle has some drainage culverts being installed along so the trail is kinda sorta closed, but not really. Getting warm already for February, and the forecast next week isn’t looking any better.
_____________________
 
229602
Oct 08 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 08 2025
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking1.50 Miles 100 AEG
Hiking1.50 Miles   2 Hrs      0.75 mph
100 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My grandson Maverick joined me for some outdoor fun at Usery for a Fall break day. Like HAZ, he rocks!
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
226518
Jun 15 2025
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 713
 Photos 12,657
 Triplogs 897

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Blevins TrailPhoenix, AZ
Blevins Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 15 2025
DarthStiller • Triplogs 897
Hiking8.05 Miles 711 AEG
Hiking8.05 Miles   3 Hrs   32 Mns   2.30 mph
711 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Vista Trail - Usery
Merkle Memorial Trail
Pass Mountain Loop Trail #282
Cat Peaks Trail - Usery
Meridian Interpretive Trail
Meridian Trail
Partners none no partners
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.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
_____________________
 
224094
Apr 28 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Wind Cave Trail #281Phoenix, AZ
Wind Cave Trail #281
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 28 2025
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking4.30 Miles 905 AEG
Hiking4.30 Miles   1 Hour   40 Mns   2.58 mph
905 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Merkle Memorial Trail
Partners none no partners
I started early and hiked this one in the shade. Nice temps! I went over and hiked Merkle afterwards.
Nice morning! 😁
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
223011
Apr 27 2025
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 713
 Photos 12,657
 Triplogs 897

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 27 2025
DarthStiller • Triplogs 897
Hiking7.91 Miles 453 AEG
Hiking7.91 Miles   3 Hrs   12 Mns   2.48 mph
453 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Linked   linked  
Chain Fruit Trail
Moon Rock Trail
Blevins Trail
Desert Hawk Loop - Usery
Lost Sheep Trail
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Sunday morning lazy hike. hit areas I haven't done in few years. Started on Chainfruit up to the visitor center, hit the 2 trails to the campgrounds along the way. The one just ended at the campground but I have an old track with a loop somewhere there, may have to go back one day to find it again.

Hit Desert Hawk by the Visitor Center then headed south on chainfruit and Lost Sheep, then took the side trails to the subdivisions and then headed over to finish up on Merkle. Got my shot of the day on Merkle of the hummingbird on top of a saguaro.

Weather was nice. Air seemed a bit hazy, couldn't see any of Mt Lemmon, which you usually can in this area. Traffic on the trails wasn't too bad.
_____________________
 
222996
Mar 11 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 11 2025
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking1.10 Miles 80 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles      34 Mns   1.94 mph
80 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
It must be spring break! LoL Lily and Isaac joined me for a little leg stretcher. Lily and I did one loop while Isaac went over the top then did a loop and a half. Afterwards we let Lily drive around the park a little before grabbing lunch. Always enjoy spending a little time with the grandkids!
Thanks Isaac and Lily! Like HAZ, you rock!!
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
221929
Feb 18 2024
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 18 2024
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking1.50 Miles 90 AEG
Hiking1.50 Miles   1 Hour   15 Mns   1.20 mph
90 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
213228
Dec 29 2023
avatar

 Guides 72
 Routes 1,190
 Photos 1,493
 Triplogs 1,544

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Pass Mountain RidgelinePhoenix, AZ
Pass Mountain Ridgeline
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 29 2023
pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,544
Hiking12.97 Miles 2,249 AEG
Hiking12.97 Miles   4 Hrs   39 Mns   2.97 mph
2,249 ft AEG      17 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   10 linked trail guides
Usery Spur - Maricopa Trail
Pass Mountain Summit 3127
Wind Cave Trail #281
Wind Cave from Usery Road
Pass Mountain Loop Trail #282
Talon Trail
Chain Fruit Trail
Blevins Trail
Vista Trail - Usery
Merkle Memorial Trail
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all.
Thumper
  7 archives
212002
Nov 24 2023
avatar

 Guides 21
 Routes 1,200
 Photos 37,241
 Triplogs 1,590

70 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Walk / Tour avatar Nov 24 2023
tibber • Triplogs 1,590
Walk / Tour0.40 Miles 62 AEG
Walk / Tour0.40 Miles
62 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
bigfoot
mjmr89
Had our 2nd annual potluck Thanksgiving at the Ramada by the Merkle Trail. Attendees have all been on HAZ via my trip reports and included 2 HAZers. We were lucky to have nice weather while we enjoyed our time from 2-4:45. The others got to see a tarantula hawk which freaked them out :lol: , city folk. We left a little early as there was a big group that wanted to use our firepit and they kept eyeing us. We had to leave a little early anyway cuz we had to be at Discount Tire up by my house before 6.

It might be noted that my photo when I was here in February now has ten million views :o . I found out why when I was booking our reservation. It is the lead photo for Usery Park on google https://www.google.com/search?q=usery+p ... nt=gws-wiz.
_____________________
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.
 
211144
Oct 13 2023
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 13 2023
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking2.00 Miles 130 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles   2 Hrs      1.00 mph
130 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
My grandson Beckham and I went over to Usery to hike, ride in wagon, play on playground and check out visitor center and Al the tortoise!
1 playground was out of commission but the other tiny one would suffice. Was able to squeeze in a quick lunch afterwards then nap time! 😁
Good times! Beckham rocks!
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
210063
Aug 04 2023
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 04 2023
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking4.90 Miles 398 AEG
Hiking4.90 Miles   1 Hour   55 Mns   2.56 mph
398 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Blevins Trail
Cat Peaks Trail - Usery
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.
 
208440
Mar 26 2023
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 26 2023
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking3.01 Miles 348 AEG
Hiking3.01 Miles   1 Hour   12 Mns   2.51 mph
348 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Vista Trail - Usery
Partners none no partners
The park was BUSY today. This is close to a nature trail. The vista portion is not. Brittlebush was the dominant flower today.
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
205093
Feb 12 2023
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Vista Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Vista Trail - Usery
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 12 2023
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking2.10 Miles 271 AEG
Hiking2.10 Miles      51 Mns   2.47 mph
271 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Merkle Memorial Trail
Partners none no partners
Great weather and great to see the picnic tables around the park getting some use!! 🤗
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
203829
Jan 03 2023
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 03 2023
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking3.00 Miles 342 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles   1 Hour   11 Mns   2.54 mph
342 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Vista Trail - Usery
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
202254
Sep 28 2022
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 28 2022
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking2.90 Miles 332 AEG
Hiking2.90 Miles   1 Hour   7 Mns   2.60 mph
332 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Vista Trail - Usery
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
199687
Sep 22 2022
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 22 2022
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking3.60 Miles 231 AEG
Hiking3.60 Miles   1 Hour   32 Mns   2.35 mph
231 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Blevins Trail
Noso Trail - Usery
Amigos Wash Trail
Partners none no partners
Signs of recent rain and very humid. Cloud cover was nice, though.
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunrise
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
  1 archive
199549
Aug 18 2022
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 18 2022
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking4.50 Miles 198 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles   1 Hour   55 Mns   2.35 mph
198 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Blevins Trail
Cat Peaks Pass - Usery
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
198654
Apr 05 2022
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 149
 Photos 10,155
 Triplogs 3,790

64 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Merkle Memorial TrailPhoenix, AZ
Merkle Memorial Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 05 2022
Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,790
Hiking2.20 Miles 150 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles      51 Mns   2.59 mph
150 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
_____________________
Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
195436
Feb 27 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Routes 95
 Photos 329
 Triplogs 780

51 male
 Joined Jul 05 2008
 Gilbert, AZ
Levee Trail - UseryPhoenix, AZ
Levee Trail - Usery
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 27 2022
adenium • Triplogs 780
Hiking5.57 Miles 436 AEG
Hiking5.57 Miles   1 Hour   46 Mns   3.15 mph
436 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   linked  
Noso Trail - Usery
Pass Mountain Loop Trail #282
Merkle Memorial Trail
Vista Trail - Usery
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
_____________________
 
194387
Aug 27 2021
avatar

 Guides 8
 Routes 70
 Photos 3,208
 Triplogs 273

60 male
 Joined Oct 07 2017
 Chandler, AZ
Meridian TrailPhoenix, AZ
Meridian Trail
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 27 2021
Yoder • Triplogs 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
Linked   linked  
Cat Peaks Trail - Usery
Blevins Trail
Vista Trail - Usery
Merkle Memorial Trail
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
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Desert Cottontail
_____________________
J. Yoder
 
189092
average hiking speed 2.21 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.

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