The 7 Best Things To Do in Mesa for an Adventure Lover

Photo of author
Alec Sills-Trausch
Travel, Destinations

Growing up in the Phoenix area, I realized quickly that the Mesa area, out to the Superstition Mountains, was ripe for adventure and offered some of the best views and hiking in the Phoenix area. At one point after college, I spent almost every weekend in this area of the state. When it comes down to it, the things to do in Mesa are simply endless!

While I moved out of state a few years ago, I recently returned to Arizona and remembered why I loved this area so much. In a city full of asphalt and cars, getting to the outdoors is a breath of fresh air. It gives an outdoors person like me ample opportunities to hike, photograph, mountain bike, and enjoy the great outdoors. For me, Mesa is a perfect place to start that adventure.

An Outdoor Guide to the Best Things to Do In Mesa

1. Hike in the Superstition Mountains

Returning to the Superstition Mountains after years of living in Seattle reminded me just how stunning and incredible this area is. Only 45 minutes from the bright city lights of the Phoenix metro area, the Superstitions is a top-tier hiking location with huge dark sky potential for those night owls.

Now, they aren’t the Washington Cascades, the Colorado Rockies, or the Sierra Nevada. But they are dang good and a joy to spend time among. The abrupt vertical nature of the rocks, jutting out of the desert floor into towering spires and jagged peaks, will make the eyes light up for almost any hiker.

Image Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch.

Easier Hikes:

  • Treasure Loop
  • Hieroglyphics Trail to Petroglyphs
  • Hackberry Springs
  • Prospectors View Trail
  • Wave Cave

Moderate Hikes:

  • Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle
  • Black Mesa
  • Boulder Canyon Viewpoint
  • Hieroglyphics Trail Past Petroglyphs and into the canyon
  • Massacre Falls

Hard Hikes:

  • Siphon Draw to Flatiron
  • Battleship Mountain
  • Superstition 5057 Peak
  • Three Sisters Summit
  • Superstition Ridgeline Trail (Car to Car hike)

2. Mountain Bike or Hike at Usery Mountain Regional Park

Even with 28 years under my belt in Arizona, I’d never ventured into the Usery Mountain area. On my most recent trip, I finally got to go mountain biking through it. I rented bikes from REI and tackled over nine miles through the gorgeous scenery as the sunset and chollas began to glow.

There’s a small entrance fee of $7, but you get access to a large amount of trails for hiking, trail running, or biking.

When you visit Mesa, I highly recommend it as it’s only a 20-minute drive from downtown!

3. Kayak or SUP at Canyon Lake

Driving to Canyon Lake along the Apache Trail is one of Arizona’s underrated gems. The vistas are stunning, with Four Peaks, the Superstitions, and plenty of saguaros to hold your gaze. Once you arrive at Canyon Lake, I recommend renting paddleboards or kayaks from Yak N’ Sup to enjoy time on the lake.

While summer is popular thanks to 100+ degree temperatures, you can get out on the water year-round with Arizona’s perfect winter weather.

If you drive five minutes past the lake, you’ll reach Tortilla Flats, an old Western town with tasty food.

4. Explore the Salt River and see Wild Horses

Thirty minutes from Downtown Mesa is the Salt River. This beautiful riparian area is home to fish, wild horses, and other wildlife. It’s also home to tons of recreation. Once the weather warms up, kayakers, paddleboarders, and tubers will head out to float the river.

Exploring the Salt River is easily one of the best things to do in Mesa.

5. Hike, Swim, or Boat at Saguaro Lake

I’ve only hiked around Saguaro Lake on the Butcher Jones Trail, but the Butcher Jones Recreation Area is incredibly popular for people grilling out, boating, and swimming. Whatever you enjoy doing outside, I’m 100% convinced you’ll be able to do it here and have a blast.

I highly recommend the Butcher Jones hike. You’ll get water views, saguaros, and Four Peaks. It’s pretty surreal and not too challenging of a trail. I remember seeing people of all ages on it, so next time you’re out, make sure to take some time on the trail.

As a reminder, please follow Leave No Trace, pick up after yourself, and ensure no trash is left. These areas can become overrun, and if we don’t treat them respectfully, future generations will not enjoy them as we do!

6. Enjoy Spring Training (February & March Only)

I doubt I need to do much promotion for Spring Training in Arizona, where the Cubs are Mesa’s hometown team. But, in case you’re new to the desert, Arizona is home to half of the MLB’s spring training schedule, and the Chicago Cubs play their home games in Mesa.

With sunny skies and temperatures in the 70’s, there’s no better place to watch baseball.

7. Walk around downtown Mesa

Downtown Mesa has come into its own lately. It offers delicious food and drinks and is a pretty walkable area. It’s a great place to rent some bikes, window shop, and stop by a brewery for a cold one.

After hiking in the Supes, I stopped by the new Pedal Haus Biergarten that opened in downtown Mesa. From the trailhead to the restaurant was a quick 35 minutes. Few other places in Arizona offer that kind of ease of access, and you’ll find it’s one of the best things to do in Mesa.

Breweries to Check out in Mesa

If you enjoy beer and checking out breweries, here are some that I recommend in the area.

  • Goldwater Longbow
  • Papago Brewing
  • 12 West Brewing
  • Lochiel Brewing
  • Phantom Fox
  • Oro Brewing
  • Chupacabra Taproom

Itinerary for the Outdoor Lover Around Mesa

Day 1:

Head out to the supes for a full day of hiking. First, hike the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle (5 miles RT). Then, head over to Lost Dutchman State Park and explore the area. The Treasure Loop is a nice 3-ish mile trail.

(If you’re looking for a challenging hike, do the Flatiron or Superstition Peak 5057.)

Day 2:

Explore the Salt River and Saguaro Lake. Go swimming at the lake or tubing on the river, spot wild horses, and hike the Butcher Jones Trail (6 miles RT).

Day 3:

Two options: Drive out to Canyon Lake on the Apache Trail to Tortilla Flat. This should take up about 6 hours. Or, go for a nice stroll at Usery Mountain Regional Park and enjoy some time in Downtown Mesa.

Lodging Options for Visiting Mesa

Being in a large metro area like Phoenix, you will have plenty of lodging options ranging from budget travel to luxury options.

Budget: Quality Inn & Suites Mesa
Mid-Tier: Home2Suites by Hilton (Longbow) — I stayed here, which was great. It has easy access to the mountains and golf.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things To Do in Mesa

However you choose to spend your trip in Mesa, these outdoor adventures will make the trip incredibly memorable and introduce you to stunning areas in the state. I spent many weekends crushing miles in the Supes, driving the Apache Trail, and seeing all the natural wonders available to people living in and around Mesa.

Hopefully, these best things to do in Mesa align with your interests and will give you one heckuva trip to the desert!