Mesa, AZ, is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The city is known as “The Gateway to the Sonoran Desert”, as the desert sits more or less on the doorstep. But there’s far more than sandy trails to be found in the desert. The entire area is awash with gorgeous rocky landscapes, craggy mountains, bubbling rivers, and cool lakes.
This gorgeous landscape is fantastic to admire from afar, but outdoor enthusiasts will find a host of activities and recreation spots to enjoy up close and personal as well. Indeed, the city serves as a superb base camp for a whole host of outdoor pursuits, and there are tons of incredible outdoor recreation spots nearby.
In this guide, we’ll look at 6 of the best.
1. Usery Mountain Regional Park
The Usery Mountain Regional Park sits on Mesa’s northeast border, making it one of the most accessible places to visit for outdoor fun. And there’s no shortage of things to see and do. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and it’s strange to think just how close the city actually is.
Visitors can enjoy a host of different activities, ranging from archery and hiking to horseback riding and camping. It’s a stunning spot to catch sunrise or sunset, and with plenty of picnic areas, it makes for a great day out in the fresh air. There’s also a campsite for those looking to spend more time in the area.
2. Superstition Mountains & Lost Dutchman State Park
The Superstition Mountains lie just east of Mesa and are within easy reach. As the name suggests, the craggy peaks and steeped in myth and legend, but for outdoor enthusiasts, their true appeal is in the stunning scenery just a stone’s throw from Mesa.
The mountains are great for hiking in, with a variety of trails for hikers of all levels. The Flatiron Trail is a real challenge, but even completing half of the mighty hike offers incredible rewards and stunning views. More moderate trails include the Native Plant Trail and Prospector’s View Trail.
The Lost Dutchman State Park sits at the foot of the mountains, just outside the city limits, and is a great starting point for exploring the mountains. Many trails start from here, with other activities including cave tours and mountain biking trails.
The park gets its name from the legendary Lost Dutchman Goldmine, believed to be hidden within the mountain range.
3. Tonto National Forest
North of the Superstition Mountains, adventurers will find the incredible Tonto National Forest. Covering an impressive 2.9 million acres, it’s the largest national forest in Arizona, boasting diverse scenery that takes in ponderosa pine forests, flatlands strewn with cacti, lake beaches, and impressive mountains.
Tonto National Forest is a popular place for camping, stargazing, hiking, picnicking, horse riding, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
4. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) is the largest botanical garden in Arizona, not to mention the oldest. It covers an impressive 372 acres in total, 135 of which comprise carefully managed gardens, packed with more than 20,000 species of desert plants from around the world. Around 5 miles of trails cut through the park, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace or take a guided tour. The BTC also offers workshops, exhibitions, and events.
5. Saguaro Lake & The Salt River
Named after the Saguaro Cacti that line its shores, Saguaro Lake is a top spot for water sports. Boat tours can be enjoyed, while swimming in the lake is a great way to cool down. Waterskiing is another popular pastime, or for something a little more relaxed, kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to enjoy the water. Fishing on the lake is permitted, too, and numerous picnic areas and beaches make it easy to enjoy a relaxing day out by the cool waters of the lake.
Saguaro Lake is fed by the mighty Salt River, which is another great place for watersports. Tubing is particularly popular, with several points along the river offering the experience. The North Bush Highway loosely follows the course of the river, and numerous recreation areas are dotted along the riverbank/roadside.
6. Gilbert Riparian Preserve
For something a little different, the Riparian Preserve in neighboring Gilbert is close to home and free to visit. The 110-acre wetland boasts 7 ponds, with numerous trails to explore them all. It’s a top spot for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and walking, plus with restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds, it makes for a great day out for all the family.
Image credit: LHBLLC, Angela Feltes / Shutterstock.com
