Usery Mountain & Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum loop

You can typically find parking within the Usery Mountain Regional Park, which is part of the loop. There may also be parking options near the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum.

Yes, since a significant portion of the loop passes through Usery Mountain Regional Park, there is an entrance fee for the park. It's advisable to check the park's official website for current fee structures and any specific regulations for cyclists.

This loop is generally considered a moderate road ride. It's 45.4 km (approximately 28.2 miles) with an elevation gain of about 330 meters (1,083 feet). Expect moderately hilly sections, including a 'longish climb up the backside of Usery Pass' and a 4-mile hill with a consistent 5-6% grade. Good fitness is recommended.

The route offers breathtaking desert vistas within the Sonoran Desert, featuring iconic saguaro cacti, rugged terrain, and clear blue skies. You'll experience elevations between 1,700 and 2,800 feet, with views of Usery Mountain, and potentially Red Mountain and the Salt River. The roads are mostly well-paved with good shoulders, though some sections might be unpaved or have sand after heavy rains.

Key highlights include the Usery Mountain Regional Park, known for its extensive desert scenery, and the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, which houses historic aircraft. The route itself provides some of the best scenic views in the East Valley.

On average, this 45.4 km (28.2 miles) road cycling loop takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

While the loop is primarily a road cycling route, the Usery Mountain Regional Park, which it passes through, generally allows dogs on trails and in developed areas, provided they are on a leash. Always check the park's specific regulations regarding pets before your visit.

The best time to cycle in Mesa, Arizona, and specifically this loop, is during the cooler months, typically from late fall through spring (October to April). Summers can be extremely hot, making cycling challenging and potentially unsafe due to high temperatures.

Yes, Usery Mountain Regional Park offers restrooms and drinking water facilities. It's always wise to carry sufficient water, especially on longer rides in the desert environment.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Arizona, Maricopa Trail, Mesa Route 3, Mesa Route 5, Mesa Route 6, Power Rd Trail (Easy), Bush Lite West, Maricopa Madness, Bush Lite, Rattler, Fence Line Trail (Easy), Riverview Trail, Roadrunner Trail, Upper Hawes, Explorers Path, Lost Sheep Trail, Maricopa Madness, Bull Run, Hawes Trail, Granite Trail, Lost Sheep Trail, Ridge Trail, Roadrunner Trail, Talon Trail, Bush Lite Loop, Lance's Trail, Scorpion Trail, Scorpion Trail, Twisted Sister Trail, Wild Horse Trail, Twisted Sister Trail, Discovery Path, Ensenada Park Path 4, Mo Ridge Trail, Ensenada Park Path 1, Mine Trail, Saguaro Trail, Desert Hawk Trail, and Lost Sheep Trail.

Cyclists should be prepared for a 'longish climb up the backside of Usery Pass' and a notable 4-mile hill with a consistent 5-6% grade. There's also a steep downhill section known as 'Kong' and a climb called 'little Kong' with a similar 5-6% grade over about a mile. These sections are often used by locals for training.