Pass Mountain Loop

Desert wildflowers have been a little fickle this year. Apparently, the rain we had was too late in the season, and the snow didn't help matters either! We attempted the Pass Mountain Loop in search of wildflowers, especially on the north side of the mountain, but other than some desert marigolds and a lot of cactus buds, we really didn't see the Mexican gold poppies, lupines, and globe mallows like we have seen in prior years. I recommend trying this trail in a few more weeks, when the ocotillos look like they will be exploding. Even so, the Pass Mountain Loop has many colorful rocks, lichens, and views to make it enjoyable. We lucked out and did the trail the day after a storm, and low-lying fog hung over the mountain when we arrived at the trailhead, making it appear like something from the Scottish Highlands.

I recommend starting the trail at the Usery Pass Horse Staging trailhead area rather than the Wind Cave trailhead because the Wind Cave trailhead gets very congested. From the Horse Staging Area, you can go clockwise or counter-clockwise along the Pass Mountain Loop. My recommendation is to go counter-clockwise so you don't have the sun facing you as you try to descend the steep section of the mountain, and so you don't inadvertently slide down the loose rock on the steep section of the mountain. Yes, you will be hitting the incline going uphill, but if you start at the Horse Staging area, then you should still have a lot of life left in you at this point!

As soon as you get up over the steep section, you will be rewarded with great views looking south at the Easy Valley below, and looking north towards Four Peaks and the Mogollon Rim. There are also some nice large boulders to stop and have lunch here; you are just shy of the half-way point. A nice hiker we passed along the way told us to look out northwest from here on out, towards Fountain Hills, since he claims you should be able to see one of the world's largest fountains, at 560 feet, go off on the hour for about 15 minutes. We missed the fountain going off, but I did see the community of Fountain Hills in the distance. Don't be alarmed by the sound of gunfire as the Usery Mountain shooting range is at the northwest edge of the loop. On the western side of the loop, we did catch some blooming pink hedgehog cactus. As you pass the Wind Cave trailhead and bathrooms, you are just a short (downhill) walk to the Horse Staging lot where you started. ** Also note, if you don't want to pay the $6 Usery Mountain Park entrance fee, then you can also start the trail from the Meridian trailhead and add about 0.5 mile to your trip. Just be careful that you bear to the left at the Meridian trailhead (northwest) so you don't end up on the Bulldog Saddle trail.

Length: 7.1 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Time it took us: 5 hours with a lunch stop
Dogs okay: yes
Fees: $6 Usery Mountain Park entrance (if hike is started from inside the park)