
Where is Usery Pass?
Usa, north-america
9.49 km
647 m
easy
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Usery Pass! Nestled in Maricopa County, Arizona, this gem sits pretty at 2,122 feet above sea level, east of Phoenix, right in the heart of Tonto National Forest.
Ever wonder where that name comes from? It's all thanks to a cattleman named King Usery (yep, King was his first name!), who roamed these lands back in the late 1800s.
The road itself, Usery Pass Road (or Forest Route 12 if you're feeling official), is a smooth, paved ride. Expect some fun curves and dips, but nothing too wild. Just keep an eye out during heavy rains because, you know, desert flash floods can be a thing.
Clocking in at just under 6 miles, this stretch of road runs from Mesa up to North Bush Highway. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area and killer views of the Sonoran Desert.
When's the best time to roll through? Aim for fall through spring when the weather's cooler. Summer can get pretty toasty, and you'll be sharing the road with boats heading to the lake!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.49 km
- Max Elevation
- 647 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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