Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
-560.00 ft (-170.69 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.40 mi (7.08 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Wild Horse Trail is a tricky one to find, but once you get there, it's worth the effort. Bridging the gap between Usery Pass Road and North Bush Highway, you can traverse this desert trail via horse, foot, or mountain bike. Technically the Wild Horse Trail is only 4.4 miles long out and back; however, if you connect with Maricopa Trail, the route stretches to nearly 7 miles long. If you're making the full circuit from highway to highway, using a horse or a mountain bike is recommended because the trek becomes a 14-mile round-trip route back to your car.

Keep an eye out of wild horses! You can spot their tracks all along the trail, and are seen seasonally out in this area. Since this is a desert trail with no access to restrooms or water, please trek cautiously! Although the area is reasonably flat, it is easy to lose your sense of direction when you're hot and thirsty, and this is an area you don't want to be unprepared for!

There is an old National Rifle Association pit nearby, so watch for gunshell cases and a lot of broken glass in some areas. Most of the trail is clear, but you'll see these areas along the way. If you're feeling extra awesome, collect a small amount of trash on your way out because every bit helps! Happy Trails!

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National or state forest pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy hike. Scenic views. Wildlife. Wildflowers.

Cons

Forest pass required. Seasonal due to heat.

Trailhead Elevation

1,874.00 ft (571.20 m)

Highest point

6,148.29 ft (1,874.00 m)

Features

Family friendly
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona

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