Mountain Pass Trail at Usery Park

This past weekend we went with my Uncle Ron and his family on a 7 mile hike at Usery Park. It was so much fun! We started the day at 8am loaded with plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.



Off we went in single file down a rocky trail. We went all the way around the base of the mountain that is in the background.

Adam carried Maura in this baby backpack 90% of the way...I tried to help for a bit, but he's just a lot tougher than I!


Here we go, off into the rising sun!

We took our time stopping for water and stick gathering. It's very important to have sticks when you hike.



Maura found a little one first,

Then upgraded.


I had to post this picture of Dallin's hat. It's so goofy, but he looooves it! He wears it any chance he gets; to school, to a friend's house, hiking...

Pausing for snacks and waiting to see the fountain at Fountain Hills turn on.

My Aunt Jan and Uncle Ron. I should have said 'quarter'.

Maura and Adam hiding from me as I came up the trail.

What a hunky man!


Pausing in the shade to have some lunch and look at the map. While sitting there we saw quite a few bikers going up and down the trail...I couldn't believe the terrain they were riding on!!


Mmm peanut butter and honey.

Cousins Jill and Kylan


I brought along a secret weapon in case Maura got bored in the backpack. It was great!! (Thanks Christy for the Tinkerbell Valentine treats! They were perfect for this hike!)

She had blue lips and a blue sweater for the rest of the trip, but it was sooooo worth it!


Dallin and Kylan (Ne hao Kai Lan!)


Ah, yes, we made it to the top.


I took a turn with the Mookster. If I were going to do this again, I would get a backpack that fit me better. It was really uncomfortable. I could handle the weight, but my shoulders and back were so sore from getting rubbed wrong.


Mookster finally took a short nap so Adam and I walked as far and as fast as we could for about an hour. We got way ahead of everyone else, but we didn't want to stop with her sleeping.



About 100 yards from the vehicles Adam stepped over what he thought was a rock. "Turtle, dad!" Maura said, and sure enough there was a desert tortoise in the middle of the trail.

Maura watched it and touched it for a long time.


When the rest of the gang caught up with us we all got to look at the tortoise. Surprisingly, he didn't seem scared of us. He didn't ever pull his head into his shell even when we touched him or picked him up. It was really fun to see.


When we got back to the parking area Dallin and the other kids were complaining how tired they were, then off they went to climb in the trees and run around the picnic tables!


It was such a fun day and a super great hike! Thanks for inviting us along! We'll have to do it again soon!