Finding Hawes Trail on Mesa's Usery Mountain is sort of like going to a speakeasy; someone has to tell you just where to park and exactly where the entrance is because there aren't any signs.
Once you find the way (with the help of our directions after the jump), you'll be in the Hawes Loop trail system, and from there, you'll have five options: Hawes Trail, Ridge Trail, Saguaro Trail, Saddle Trail and Granite Trail.
Hawes Trail is the longest at 3.5 miles, but I only hiked about halfway, took a branch to the right to climb a ridge and then hiked back.
All together it was about three miles. If you do this way, you'll cross Saguaro Trail and Ridge Trail.
The first third of the hike is silhouetted against lush, bright copper-colored landscape and has a few steep dips. It eventually winds uncomfortably close to some houses for a short while, but cuts back toward the ridges.
For the most part the trail is flat and easy, but there are two ridges you can climb. The first one is unavoidable, and the second is where you'll have to bear right off the main trail.
This trail is perfect for a low-key weekend, but fair warning, all of these trails are heavily frequented by mountain bikers.
To get to Hawes Trail take Power Road north past Thomas Road. After the first hill, you should see a parking lot on the left side, and the trailhead is across the street.
Check out our other recent hiking news/reviews:
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Dreamy Draw Trails
North Mountain Summit Trail
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