Maricopa Trail: Pass Mountain Trail Connector

Dogs Leashed

Once you reach Bulldog, cross the parking lot and head to the road. Stay on the shoulder until you get to the Wild Horse Trail trailhead. It isn't very well marked, but it is obvious. Before jumping onto that leg, be sure that you have enough water as there is very little chance to bail out once you start down Wild Horse.

This connector portion branches from the Pass Mountain Trail on its northwest side and runs up to the Bulldog parking area. From there, the Maricopa Trail continues along Usery Pass Road on the east side until it meets up with the Wild Horse Trail on the other side of the road.

This stretch is lightly trafficked (and mostly by mountain bikers), although it seems to be gaining popularity with runners who don't want to pay the fee to park in Usery Mountain Regional Park. This trail goes through some wash areas and is a pretty smooth trail—mostly downhill from east to west. There are periodic "Maricopa Trail" logo signs to assure you that you're on the right track.

It is a pleasant run in open desert and then parallels the road for a bit while along a ridge before descending to the parking area.

Desert plants, although not as many saguaro as the rest of the park. There are mostly shrubs here.