Usery Mountain Regional Park sits at the eastern edge of Mesa, where the suburban grid gives way abruptly to the Sonoran Desert. The park covers 3,600 acres of desert and low mountain terrain, threaded by 29 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails ranging from a flat nature walk to serious technical singletrack.
The Wind Cave Trail is the most rewarding hike: 1.5 miles each way, with 450 feet of elevation gain, ending at a shallow cave in the basalt cliff that frames a panoramic view of the East Valley. Start early to avoid the heat; the desert below is saguaro cactus and creosote, gorgeous in morning light. Bring water for at least one litre per person, more in summer when the thermometer regularly tops 40°C.
The park also has a well-run archery range, an equestrian area, and a campground. At dawn and dusk you have a reasonable chance of seeing coyotes, javelinas, and various raptors — the park is on the edge of a wildlife corridor.