I had heard good things about this trail and it has a cool name, so I decided to check it out one morning. I didn't want to pay for parking so I started at a different trailhead and hiked a few kilometers to get to the beginning of this trail. I saw a good amount of people along the way, but not too many. They were all courteous and respectful of the trail and its rules. There are lots of switchbacks and some decent elevation, I'd classify it as a moderate hike. The top with the "cave" was nice, more like an indentation, and I saw 2 chipmunks. I guess I didn't make it all the way to the top according to my map, but close enough. I went back down the trail and continued on my loop back to the parking lot I came from. There isn't much cover from the sun so be sure to dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, a hat, drink water, etc. I'm glad I got to do this trail. read more

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This was a good workout and moderately challenging trail. We got started a bit too late so it was "hot" on the trail. I'm glad I was wearing a hat, sunscreen, and had plenty of water. The weather was nice today, it's just a lot of sun exposure on the trail. I saw people of all ages on the trail and dogs are allowed. Personally it was a bit busy on the trail for my liking and I don't love paying $7 to access a trail but we were hiking with a friend who is new to the area and thought this is a nice intro to AZ hiking. There are plenty of other trails in the Usery Mountain Regional Park to check out as well, but we were ready to head out after this trail. Wind cave trail is 3.2 miles out and back, it's about 1,000ft elevation gain and on average takes about 2 hrs to complete. One interesting thing we found at the "cave" area at the top was large honey comb coming out of the rock. There are quite a few bees there and man I would have loved to eat that honey comb haha. That added an element of interest. Overall, nice hike and a good mix of effort. I would have liked to do it earlier in the day, but I'm sure it was even busier then so it worked out. read more

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Really good hike You can see the valley the whole time. When you get to the top you can't help but think of what a great accomplishment you just made. read more

I didn't realize until I was trying to find pictures from a previous hike of Wind Cave Trail that this was my third time hiking this trail. (May 2016|December 2016|August 2024) A moderate Out & back trail with a 3.2 mi distance and 1,043 ft elevation gain. It was breezy during our entire hike - hence the name Wind Cave. Not too hot before the sun crested the mountain. We did see a couple as we were ending our hike who were beet red. We offered them some of our water/unused Gatorade. Please keep in mind that when you're halfway through your water you are halfway through your hike and should turn around. Just to give you an idea I had 11 pounds of water and came home with 2 pounds of water left. Yes - I did measure it. * Water and restrooms at the trailhead are some of the cleanest/nicest I've seen at any Arizona park. * There is a $7 entry fee. Annual State Park Pass is not accepted. read more

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What a great walking trail. Has good parking and bathroom facilities at the food of the trail read more

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This is a great local hike. We started at 7:00 am. The sun was just rising, so the trail wasn't busy at all. The guard shack is attended at that time, so be prepared to pay $7.00. read more

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This was my second time hiking this trail. This is a pretty simple trail with amazing views. Lots of cross backs, scrambling. You can be up and back in less than 2 hours. Definitely come during the week to avoid large crowds. Some of the turns can be narrow, but otherwise not a difficult climb.Bring plenty of water. read more

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Decided to try this trail for the first time and thought a sunset hike would be a great idea...turns out, so did getting lost. My friend, who had been here multiple times, somehow still managed to lead us off-trail repeatedly. At one point, we were just climbing over boulders like confused mountain goats before realizing there wasn't even a path in front of us. Classic. We didn't make it to the top because hiking down in the dark sounded like a terrible survival show we weren't prepared for. But hey, the views were incredible, and the adventure was almost worth the confusion. Next time, we'll start earlier so we actually make it to the top and back before we have to rely on our questionable night vision. read more

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love this trail! great workout with incredible views. it's an up and back trail that is VERY WELL marked. We usually go beyond the cave ( at our own risk) to get to the very top of the mountain! BREATHTAKING read more

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I love this hike have done for years. It's definitely crowded at times stick to middle early week if able. We are lucky to have these hikes by/in town. read more

Cave is on the side of the mountain. Cave might be a misnomer as it is more of a dugout. Moderate difficulty going up as it inclined until you get to the cave. A lot of switchback and alternating terrain from gravel to rocky to boulders. The trail is shaded from the sun in the east until miday read more

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Great trail super easy to follow and fairly easy hike. Narrow pathway so can get clustered but one of my favorite trials. Watch out for rattlesnakes when it gets warmer. read more

I did this after running the Pass Mountain Trail, and I started around 12:20PM on a Saturday. Note that since this is in a regional park, there's a $7 motor vehicle fee to enter. There were a lot of people on the trail, and most weren't wearing masks. The hike is completely unshaded and slopes gently up, not too bad. It's quite rocky so sturdy shoes are good. I got up in about 45 minutes and 35 minutes down. The cave at the top was cool compared to the hotter temperature going up, views were alright. read more

Wind Cave Trail - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Great hike. Did it two weekends in a row in January. First time I did it with my friend, her son and my dog. Second time was with my mother and sister in law, and dog again. Was a bit tougher on my mother in law but she still made it to the top! The trail was crowded both times but I liked that more because it ensured you stayed on the trail. There are a lot of rocky points that can be tough to read. I'd also only recommend taking an in shape dog because some areas were a bit tricky, especially coming down. read more

Wind Cave Trail - View from the top of the cave - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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When you get there you pay a fee of only $7 which I felt was an amazing deal! They hand you a map of the park and it shows you all the things you can go to and do. It was a little confusing but after a little bit it made sense! And it was all pretty easy to find! The wind cave trail was beautiful and an enjoyable hike! I feel it's a very good hike for beginners or people who don't want anything to strenuous! I felt the path started off pretty clear but as I kept going the trail/path seemed to just disappear in a way so I was only able to get so far. The hike was beautiful though and I got to enjoy seeing different desert plants! Hopefully I will be able to figure out the trail next time and make it to the windcaves. read more

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Awesome trail, even better view. Not too challenging for some beginners. Bring plenty of water!!!

Only 4 stars due to the popularity -- it gets crowded and that can take away from the experience. I love the Usery Mountain park and have logged many miles hiking and running the trails out there, both with my family and solo. This is THE trail people come to visit when they come from out of town, have visitors, or just want a short hike to enjoy the day. The trail is roughly 3 miles out and back, terminating at the "cave," which is more of a cutout in the side of the mountain. In the summer, you get shade and often even a little breeze. After hiking a mile and a half uphill in 90-100 degree, full-sun heat, that is a blessing! Take a snack to eat at the top, especially if you're taking children. As I said before, this is probably the most popular trail and at the park, so it gets CROWDED during peak times: weekends and holidays are especially full. Parking can be a challenge, so be prepared for a walk to the trailhead. There's a bathroom and a drinking fountain at the trailhead, so that's nice. There are no side trails -- the Pass Mountain trail intersects at the trailhead, but that's it -- and this is one of the few trails in the park that only allows pedestrians (no horses or bikes). Take plenty of water, wear appropriate shoes, don't litter, and remember that the uphill hiker has the right of way. Be courteous and friendly... Everyone is out there to have fun! If you want some variety, try the Blevins Trail, too ... A much less crowded 3-mile loop trail with virtually unlimited possibilities via side trails. read more

The trail tot he top of wind cave is definitely worth the hike. Not too bad, but bring water in the summer. It's hot. read more

Wind Cave Trail - Phoenix view - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Saw people of all ages on this trail & they made it to the top. Surprised at the long, winding trail that gets quite steep as you approach the wind cave. I would say it's moderate to difficult depending on your fitness level. Totally worth it & breathtaking scenery. Took about 35-40mins up and 45mins down. Bathrooms at trailhead are clean and equipped with soap and hand dryers. read more

Wind Cave Trail - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Great Trail To Get Out Of Town And Explore The Desert! This is a nice intermediate difficulty trail that most moderately fit people should be able to handle just fine as long as you bring lots of water. And be a good human and bring your dogs water if you are bringing them... Clearly they have fur coats and no shoes so hot rocks and 110 heat makes them thirstier than you. The cave when you get there is a nice reprieve from the intense desert heat and is not only shaded but nice and cool inside. The cave shop can be cause for some funny pictures as the shape of the opening is rather Phalic in appearance and will surely be noticed by every military veteran in your group... Lol.... Get off the couch and go hiking people!!! read more

Definitely worth the little trip. We saw Chipmunks and lots of Arizona nature. I consider this to be an easy trail.

The "cave" isn't much to write home about but the trail itself is gorgeous. Rocky but not a lot of loose rock which I appreciate. Well marked and maintained. read more

Wind Cave Trail - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Great hike. Some amazing views. Get there early as it gets very crowded. I was surprised to see so many four legged (dogs) friends on the trail. There were some steep parts to the hike, and part of the trail was narrow at times. All well worth it, especially the view at the top. read more

Wind Cave Trail - View from the bottom of the trail looking up. - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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If you're looking for a great hike for the whole gang (including the four-legged members), the 1.6-mile Wind Cave Trail is a keeper. (Keep in mind that this place is REALLY popular -- the "crowded" factor is why I gave it four stars instead of five. If you crave solitude, your best bet is to go early on a week day.) The lower half is easy enough for just about anyone -- from toddlers to my 70s+ parents. And although the upper half can be a bit more of a challenge as it gets steeper, I've witnessed many munchkins make it to the top. The trail takes you through some incredible Sonoran desert (wildflowers are a must in March). Destination: The "cave" is really just a hollow spot in the base of a cliff formed by the wind. Although it's only about 12 feet high, it's shady and provides a great place to have lunch with the local chipmunks (but please don't feed them) and take in the fabulous views -- including (if it's clear enough) downtown Phoenix, nearly 30 miles away. If you're up to it, to the right of the cave is a much more difficult trail that leads nearly 1/2 mile to the summit. Note o' caution -- the trail is narrow and steep, and includes a rock wall about 8 feet high. But the views are spectacular and worth the extra effort. Timing: The round-trip hike to the cave takes about an hour and a half (for average adult hikers; allow more time for little ones). Add another 45 minutes for the trip to the summit and back. Directions: From central Phoenix, I-10 east to US 60 east. Exit Ellsworth Road north to the Usery Mountain Regional Park entrance. Trails are open sunrise to sunset. Admission is $6 per carload. read more

Wind Cave Trail - Wind Cave Trail - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I love this trail - it offers a good balance of ease and challenge without dangerous drop-offs, except for near the top of the trail where a sign warns you that travel beyond that point is not recommended -- it is best to heed what that sign says! The trail ascends to a respectable height - enough for a really grand view of much of the east Valley all the way to Phoenix, as well as the San Tan area to the south and the Fountain Hills area and the mountains beyond it to the north. In fact, the tall jet of water from the fountain of Fountain Hills can be seen from the higher part of the trail. Sonoran Desert vegetation abounds along the trail, and this is one of the best areas for viewing springtime blooming of desert wildflowers. read more

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This is such a beautiful and fun trail. Always a bit busy, even quite early in the morning, but the view at the top is definitely worth the climb. read more

Wind Cave Trail - Early morning photo going up to the top. - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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This is a beautiful trail in a wonderful regional park. Easy parking, running water bathrooms, and good signage. Reading the reviews from those who bring families and dogs, I would agree that it's nice for everyone. Now I'll write from the point-of-view of the solo hiker. It's not the best trail for your workout if you go during peak times. The problem is that it is mostly single-track, so you are going to need to pull over, or have others pull over for passing. Especially if you're running down....that was a total pain, trying to avoid dogs and families. Don't get me wrong - everyone was great, and accommodating (mostly) but it definitely makes for a much more challenging workout process. If you're in workout mode, you'll make it up in about 40ish minutes, and down in 20ish. read more

Not an overly long hike. 6 dollars to park. We got to the park around 7:30am on a Saturday morning and there was a pretty big crowd on the trail already. There is a good amount of elevation gain over the course if this "shortish" hike. The trail has some pretty rocky sections. Worth the short drive from Gilbert. read more

Wind Cave Trail - What a great view! - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I was in Mesa for a school interview. My bf and I wanted to unwind and see some Mesa scenery. A girl I met at the interview picked out this trail and we followed her lead. It was pretty straight forward to find for us out of towners. We approached the visitor center and paid $3 for the entrance fee and proceeded further to the trail. We were there at 2:20-3 pm, seems like there's enough parking. Scenery is beautiful! I've never seen more cacti in my life, and the size of those things? Impressive!!! After we got to the "cave", more like an indentation with a huge honest net, my companions wanted to keep going to the top of the mountain, but after a while the trail became non-existent and almost a little dangerous with sliding rocks and untrimmed vegetation. She said the view was breath-taking tho! I didn't dare to go, not hard core enough. OVERALL, fun experience, it is a little crowded. Bring LOTS of water!!!! Hiking shoes recommended if you want to hike past the cave. read more

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A pretty easy beginners hike! Took about an hour total I believe with resting at the top. Solid views but deff does not compare to other hikes like toms thumb. read more

This spot was perfect for a short hike. The trail wasn't too treacherous, but it was still challenging. My family and I took about an hour or two all together to reach the top and travel back down. It was a beautiful view from the top of the trail, especially with the sun set! read more

Wind Cave trail is an excellent trail. It is well maintained, a compliment considering how many hikers use it. The "climb up' is a gradual incline for the first half, nothing difficult. The second half leading you up to the Cave is a little more challenging as you ascend different layers of rocks, but well worth the views from above. The trail is not 'maintained' above the Wind Cave...but if agile enough, you can make it to the true top of the southern most peak of Usery Mountain in approximately 20 more minutes. THIS is where the best value comes from...panoramic views of the area are simply beautiful. We are all happier once we get to the trails, this one even picks you up another notch. Enjoy! read more

Hiked this trail for the first time on Saturday with a friend and her 10 year old daughter. It was fun and pretty easy. Lots of runners on this particular, but maybe that's the norm. I found the hike to be pleasant and the scenery was nice. The view from the "cave" was gorgeous. If I did this hike again, I'd definitely bring the dogs! read more

Wind Cave Trail - View from the cave - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Nice easy moderate trail. I am a beginner hiker. First 30mins was quite easy then it got harder as reaching to the top with slightly narrow and rocky path. The cave was not as deep as I thought but nice rock formation. I found it was easy to get lost as it was not so much difficult hiking off the trails so I was confused sometimes if that was the trail path. The view is quite nice with many desert creatures. I recommend this. read more

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We have hiked this trail for years. Located in Usery Park it is a 3.5 total hike with significant climb. Wind Cave is a hollow space worn into the limestone by years of wind erosion. Once at the top of the mountain, you can rest in the hollow and refresh in the shade before your decent. I like this hike as it is a good workout hike. It will let me know how out of shape I've gotten. read more

This is a very popular trail, but not so crowded that you have to park a mile away...looking at you, Camelback. This is a 3.2 mile round trip with lots of switchback which can take an hour and a half up to two hours hike. There's a restroom before the trailhead, so don't forget to go. Make sure you bring lots of water because the last quarter of the trail is almost vertical. I always bring some apples to replenish us and my little cutie pie...nothing like a good crisp green apple to bite on when you reach the summit! It's the journey, not the destination. Nevertheless, one of our favorite hikes! read more

My husband, 6-year old, and I made it up to the top of Wind Cave, no problem. Jen H.'s review was right on...it took us an hour and 35 minutes to go up, 40 minutes to get down. We went sloooooow on the way up and took several water breaks. It worked our muscles, but I wouldn't call it strenuous, at least not at the pace we went at. With great views all along the way, we all enjoyed it very much. $6 per carload fee applies to enter Usery Park. read more

Not dog friendly unfortunately :( just a forewarning to hikers who bring their dogs. The trail is littered with small clumps of sticky cactus and both my small dogs got stung by these painful cactus clumps. It got so bad we had to turn back around. I know it's nature and it's not going to be a clean pathway but now one of my dogs is sick. I advise to not bring dogs here. read more

Pretty easy trail but you have to pay a vehicle fee to get in. The view isn't as great as some of the other peaks closer to Phoenix, but it's nice to avoid the crowds once in a while. read more

Wind Cave Trail - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

There is $6 vehicle entry fee. Once you're inside you can hike or do archery shooting. The hike is pretty moderate. Starts out slow then becomes pretty rocky. Once at the top, it's an okay view - thought it was cool to see the Phoenix skyline. Bring water and a snack to re-energize. It's busy on the weekends so during the week might be better - lots of pups on this trail as well! read more

Wind Cave Trail - Hiking Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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