Today we have a bit more time than usual so we decide on a longer hike in Usery Park starting from a parking lot that we rarely use. And probably for good reason given that today seems to be a young bicyclist party that occupies almost the whole parking lot. But luckily we find parking and then start on our way, this time we will trail the Pass Mountain Trail we never hiked before on this section.
To our surprise almost immediately we are exiting Usery Park and entering the Tonto National Forest, it seems the trail skirts the park on the northern boundary but is actually located on National Forest land.
There are some great views to enjoy and to our surprise there is no one else on this section of the trail. Which is unexpected given the crowds at the trailhead but not something that we would ever complain about.
After less than one mile hike we reach the intersection with the next trail we want to take in order to complete the loop. Specifically we reenter Usery Park and take the Cat Peaks Trail that goes on a loop around the Cat Peaks. Here on the bench is an envelope addressed to someone, we wonder if it is something romantic or something else but respect the privacy of the anonymous sender.
As the sun starts to set the colors on the surrounding mountains change almost every minute with the views being otherwordly.
We picked the outside branch of the Cat Peaks loop with some nice views of the two peaks. We assume that here is the place where one of the rare mountain lions near Phoenix were sighted, we heard one such story a while back.
As we reach the main trail returning towards the parking lot the views becoming even more beautiful. Everything is a deep red typical of sunset in the desert especially when it is a bit cloudy and dusty.
Returning at the parking lot we were hoping that they party has ended already. Which it didn’t but it ends as we arrive and everyone is running to their cars. So we make our exit fast so we can avoid the crowds and barely make it. On the way we decide to also stop at the new viewing point we saw on a previous trip this year, we can wait for all the other cars to pass and maybe see some interesting birds.
As usual there are lots of Mourning Doves here but also lots of Nighthawks. We enjoy seeing them fly close to us and the water for some time and then return home after a nice loop through Usery and National Forest land.
