Top 10 Spring Adventures in Mesa, Arizona

Spring in Mesa, Arizona is when the Sonoran Desert shows off—mild mornings, golden evenings, and (if winter rain cooperates) carpets of color across the Superstition Mountains. Whether you’re planning a spring break in the East Valley or a weekend escape near Phoenix, these ten adventures put you right in the heart of City Limitless®.

1. Mountain Bike the Hawes Trail System

Hawes is Mesa’s signature mountain biking network—flowy blue singletrack with red-rock views and endless ways to link a loop. Start from the Hawes Trailhead off Usery Pass and climb into a maze of desert trails framed by saguaros and Bulldog Cliffs. Spring brings cooler air and, on good years, wildflowers along the shoulders. Ride early for easy parking, carry plenty of water, and remember trail etiquette on these beloved multi-use paths. If you’re new to the area, search “Hawes Trail System Mesa” for maps and suggested routes.

Wind Cave Trail Girl Hiking gopro Photo Usery Mountain Regional Park

2. Hike Wind Cave in Usery Mountain Regional Park

A Mesa classic: the Wind Cave Trail climbs the face of Pass Mountain to a shady alcove with sweeping views across the East Valley. Expect a steady grade, rocky steps near the top, and plenty of photo stops as the Valley of the Sun spreads out below. Spring mornings are ideal; cool temps, soft light, and the possibility of brittlebush blooms lining the lower switchbacks. This is one of the best hikes near Mesa for first-time desert hikers who want a big payoff without a full-day commitment.

3. Hunt Wildflowers in Lost Dutchman State Park (Superstition Mountains)

When people ask where to see wildflowers near Phoenix, we send them to Lost Dutchman State Park. In strong bloom years, the foothills glow with Mexican gold poppies and brittlebush under the jagged Superstitions—a bucket-list spring thing to do in Mesa’s backyard. Stick to established trails like Treasure Loop or Siphon Draw to protect fragile plants, and time your visit for golden hour when the mountain ignites and crowds thin.

4. Tour the Apache Trail (AZ-88) to Canyon Lake

Few drives deliver Arizona drama quite like the Apache Trail. From Mesa, follow AZ-88 into steep-walled canyons, saguaro forests, and shimmering views over Canyon Lake. Pullouts and overlooks make it easy to soak in the scenery, and a guided Apache Trail tour lets you focus on the views instead of the wheel. Road conditions along AZ-88 can change, check current access before you go and take it slow. Pair your outing with a lakeside lunch or sunset stop for that perfect Sonoran glow.

5. Horseback Ride at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

Nothing says “Old West meets river oasis” like a guided horseback ride along the Salt River at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. Spring is prime: comfortable temperatures, clear views of Bulldog Cliffs, and the chance to spot wildlife along the shore. Rides are tailored for families and first-timers, with wranglers leading the way through classic Sonoran Desert scenery. Book ahead, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a small water bottle you can secure in the saddlebag.

6. Climb Greever's Needle (Guided Climb)

Tucked away near the Superstition Mountains, Greever’s Needle is a slender desert spire that rewards confident climbers with 360-degree views of rugged wilderness. This is an advanced objective, think route-finding, solid protection skills, and respect for desert weather. If you’re eyeing a first tower, consider hiring a permitted local guide, start early to beat the heat, and carry more water than you think you’ll need. The summit panorama, with Four Peaks and the East Valley spread out beyond, is unforgettable.

7. Catch the Cougar Shadow in March and September (Superstition Mountains)

Each March and September, a cougar-shaped shadow appears across the Superstition ridgeline near sunset, a local legend that photographers and geology fans love. Choose a safe, legal viewpoint with an unobstructed angle on the range, arrive early to scout your composition, and bring a zoom lens. Even if the conditions don’t align perfectly, a spring evening in the Superstitions, with pastel skies and cool desert air, feels like a win.

8. Mountain Bike Desert Trails Park

For progression laps and family-friendly riding in Mesa, Desert Trails Park is the move. Short loops, pumpy flow lines, and clear signage make it easy to build skills or spin a low-commitment session before dinner on Main Street. It’s also a great warm-up day before tackling longer rides in the Hawes Trail System. Helmets on, brakes checked, and eyes up, these compact circuits are designed for fun.

a man with a trekking pole and his service dog walk along an accessible trail at Usery Mountain Park

Usery Mountain Regional Park

9. Walk the Scenic Merkle Trail (Wheelchair Accessible) – Usery

Mesa champions inclusive travel, and the Merkle Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park is a beautiful example. This mostly level, hard-packed loop rolls through saguaro-studded desert with wide-open views of Pass Mountain—excellent for wheelchairs, strollers and anyone easing into desert hiking. Look and listen for cactus wrens, quail, and spring blossoms along the trail’s edges. If you’re planning an accessibility-friendly itinerary in the East Valley, put Merkle near the top.

10. UTV Tour Below Four Peaks with Stellar Adventures

Crank up the desert drama with a guided UTV tour beneath the iconic Four Peaks. Guides lead you through sandy washes and rolling desert tracks to big overlooks; safe, scenic, and wildly photogenic. Spring’s cooler temps and clear air make for great visibility across the Mazatzal Mountains and the Phoenix metro beyond. Bring closed-toe shoes, a face covering for dust, and a secure mount for your phone so you can capture those Sonoran Desert vistas without juggling the steering wheel.

Plan Like a Local

Timing: Late February through early April is prime for spring wildflowers and comfortable hiking and mountain biking weather in Mesa, AZ.

Start early: Trailhead parking at Usery Mountain Regional Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Hawes fills quickly on weekends.

Pack smart: At least 2–3 liters of water per person for hikes, sun protection (hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy shoes, snacks, and offline maps.

Be desert kind: Stay on trail, give wildlife space, and pack out what you pack in.

After-adventure eats: Refuel along Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail® or in the Asian District—easy wins for families, foodies, and anyone craving a celebratory plate after a full day outside.

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Mesa in spring, start here: hike Wind Cave, chase wildflowers at Lost Dutchman State Park, spin the Hawes Trail System, roll the accessible Merkle Trail, ride horses at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, tour the Apache Trail, watch the Cougar Shadow, session Desert Trails Park, summit Greever’s Needle (with experience), and go off-road below Four Peaks. Mesa makes it easy—everything you want to see in the Sonoran Desert, all within a short drive of Phoenix in the East Valley.