Pass Mountain Trail is a great loop trail in the Northeast Valley. Located in the Usery Mountain Park, there are trailheads both inside the Maricopa County Park as well as outside the park boundary. The majority of the trail runs through Tonto National Forest.

There are really three access points for this trail. One is from the horse staging/ picinic area at the east end of the park. This is the actual trailhead with the trailhead sign indicating the trail name and distance. The second is from the Wind Cave Trailhead. The third is not inside the park (I start at this one) but rather on National Forest land at the Northern terminus of Meridian Road. If you are looking for a longer hike, you can access Pass Mountain Trail from the Coleman and Blevins trails also.

This trail description will start from the Wind Cave trailhead inside the park. It would be the better start for 1st time visitors to this trail, out of towner's, relatives, etc. There are restrooms available as well as Ramadas and tables. There used to be Pepsi machines, but they have not returned since the bathrooms were redone. This is also the most populated trailhead as the Wind Cave is the reason most people come to Usery.

About 100 feet past the Wind Cave Trailhead, you'll come across signage indicating Pass Mountain Trail. Turn Right. This description reports the loop counter-clockwise. I have done the hike in both directions, and prefer this option.

For the next 2 miles or so you will be weaving through washes along the Northern slope of Pass Mountain. You’ll pass Cat Peak on your right (South) which offers a side trip if interested. You'll see private homes on your right at about the 2-mile mark. Just up the trail, you’ll head North.

If you make a navigational error, you will do so here. The Meridian Trailhead is about a quarter mile to the East along the fence line. In between is a steep walled canyon. There are quite a few spur trails in the area. If you maintain a bearing of North, you will do fine. Don’t head east, or you are off on another adventure. As a rule of thumb, if you descend into the canyon, you went the wrong way.

Stay on the Pass Mountain Trail heading north. Eventually you will begin to turn toward the West (left). You’ll be able to see the Pass that you are heading toward. Make sure to stop and look behind you, as the views of the cliff face of the Superstitions are fantastic. You have been walking for about 3.4 miles when you pass between two large boulders. You can see the trail as it snakes up the side of the mountain to the pass.

At the 3.5-mile mark, you’ll begin heading to the right as you traverse the side of the mountain. A great picture spot is where the trail turns left around a shoulder. You can’t miss it, wide trail, beautiful spot.

Between this spot and the pass, the terrain alternates between loose rocky ground and firm slick rock. This area can be very slippery in wet conditions. As you head back toward the East under the cliff, the trail ascends at a steeper angle. The drop off to the left is more pronounced…just be careful.

At 3.9 miles you reach the Pass. Great spot for a break. Excellent views. Nice flat wide open area. You’ll be looking at the backside of the Pass Mountains. The Salt River and the large cliffs along it are visible, as is Four Peaks and the Rim. On a clear day, this view is spectacular. I once watched a storm roll in from a protected area here, just beautiful. There is a side trail that heads up to the right (East). It leads to a cave and even better views. Scrambling up the ridge is also possible. You could spend some time exploring this area. Your elevation is 2,588 feet.

Continuing on, you’ll be heading toward the West. The trail gradually descends. You will be crossing a few washes/draws as you hike along the Northern slope of the mountains. At 4.3 miles, you’ll pass 2 conglomerate boulders. This portion of the trail is easy to follow, enjoy the views. As you approach the Western edge of the mountains, you may begin to hear gunfire. Your ears are not deceiving you. The firing range below the PHOENIX sign on Usery Mountain is not far away. Nothing improves the solitude of a desert hike like the sound of semi-automatic gunfire.

At 5.8 miles you will pass through the fence back into the Recreation Area. This is the “long” section. From this point to the trailhead, you go through countless washes as you hike below the Southern slopes of Pass Mountain. There are a few big ups, but nothing that I would call strenuous. This area is classic desert hiking.

At 7.4 miles, you return to your starting point. If you’re still thirsty for more hiking, head up the Wind Cave Trail.

This is a great hike close to home. The trail is rarely crowded. I have seen more wildlife on this trail than any other in the valley. On a recent outing, I encountered 2 deer, 1 huge desert turtle, an army of red ants, 3 coyote and a tarantula. I have seen more rattle snakes on this hike than any other, so take care. I most enjoy this hike if I can time it to be finishing up around dusk. As for times, well, they can vary. We took my wife’s aunt and uncle from Illinois on this hike and at a slow to moderate pace we went just over 5 hours. I’ve done it myself in less than 3 hours

A short option to the whole 7.4 miles would be to start at the Meridian Trailhead and do an out and back to the Pass. I like that as an after work hike.
- Nov 03 2001 ck_1