Each spring, wildflowers pave Mesa's nearby hiking trails and the desert overflows with hues of red, purple, orange, yellow and blue – all accompanied by the vibrant green shades of Arizona's indigenous desert flora. Wildflower season varies each year and is dependent on fall and winter rainfall amounts. Luckily for winter and spring visitors, December rains this year were substantial in the Sonoran Desert and the season is expected to be a vibrant and colorful one with temperatures already in the mid-70s for most of the Greater Phoenix area. Blooms are usually at their peak in mid-March but can start as early as February. Visitors are reminded that picking wildflowers is illegal and can have harmful effects on the desert eco-system. Seasonal activities such as wildflower walks, guest lectures, and photography outings are scheduled at Mesa area parks.

It's also hiking season in Mesa. Outdoor enthusiasts know the options are endless when it comes to exploring the Sonoran Desert terrain that surrounds Mesa, but those in the know flock year-round to Usery Mountain Regional Park to take their turn at heading to the top of Mesa's iconic Wind Cave Trail. The trail is a central focal point inside the 3,600-plus-acre county park offering sweeping views of the city and the skyline. Usery is one of the more popular Arizona parks and it shares an expansive border with the Tonto National Forest (the most-visited “urban” forest in the U.S. with approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Hikers heading to the top will appreciate the switchbacks that help reduce the labor-

intensive climb. Giant boulders throughout the 1.5 mile hike serve as resting stops and platforms for taking it all in. Once at the wind cave, visitors will find hanging rock daisies and a shady respite before making the return trip to the bottom. For more top trails, consider these epic journeys into the wild:

• Hieroglyphic Trail, Superstition Wilderness: Special sights along this trail include petroglyphs and an active waterfall.
• Siphon Draw, Lost Dutchman State Park: Four-mile round trip hike with an incredible lava-formed canyon at the top. Experienced hikers can push on to complete the Flatiron trail.
• Moonlight Trail, San Tan Regional Park: Perfect short scenic easy hike for all to enjoy with easy access.

Download the Visit Mesa Adventure Guide online at www.VisitMesa.com.

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CONTACT:

Visit Mesa

Michelle Streeter, Sr. Vice President, Communications & Partner Relations

480-682-3638

Michelle@VisitMesa.com