Heading outdoors for a good hike is a wonderful way to clear your mind and reconnect with nature and yourself. Arizona is known for its beautiful desert landscapes and rugged terrain. Take advantage of the natural beauty all around us and head to one of these hiking trails around Gilbert:
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is home to some of Arizona’s most diverse animal and plant species. The preserve was inaugurated to help preserve some of the desert climate’s most vulnerable species and protect the local ecology. There are plenty of wide paths for walking, hiking, and biking. Enjoy the sounds of the running creeks and see if you can identify the many migratory bird species that call it home. Other critters you can spot here include herons, ducks, eagles, rabbits, turtles, ground squirrels, and even coyotes and bobcats.
Veterans Oasis Park
If you are looking for a beautiful escape right by the heart of Chandler, head to Veterans Oasis Park. The park is well maintained and features a number of paved and dirt road hiking and biking trails for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. A number of shaded areas, picnic tables, and even a few BBQ pits are scattered around the park if you are looking to make an entire day out of your trip here. You can also find an eclectic variety of birds, plants, and animal species, with favorites being the long-eared jackrabbit, burrowing owls, and waterfowl. The park even hosts seminars and classes to educate the public on the local ecology and conservation efforts in the greater region.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
One of the largest in the region, the Usery Mountain Regional Park is the premier outdoor destination around Gilbert. With over 29 miles of trails for hikers and bikers, you can easily spend the entire day or even weekend here. Camping is allowed here in the designated camping areas that include bathrooms and showers for added convenience. Most of the hikes are suitable for beginners, with the most popular being the Wind Cave Trail that will end with a stunning view of the Mesa landscape and beyond. There is an even a shooting and archery range if you are looking to test your accuracy skills! If you want a one-stop destination for all your outdoor adventures, this is the place!
Gilbert is a wonderful city to call home with easy access to beautiful outdoor destinations. If you would like to live near fun hiking trails like these, please contact us to schedule your private tour of our Gilbert apartments.