Mesa, Arizona, is a paradise for adventure seekers looking for excitement, natural beauty, and outdoor thrills. Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Mesa offers an abundance of activities that cater to those who crave adrenaline-pumping adventures as well as those seeking a more immersive outdoor experience. From rugged mountain hikes to thrilling water sports, Mesa has something for everyone. If you're ready to explore this vibrant desert city and its surrounding areas, here are the best activities for adventure seekers in Mesa.
1. Hiking and Exploring the Superstition Mountains
One of the top outdoor adventures in Mesa is hiking in the nearby Superstition Mountains. Known for their rugged terrain, stunning views, and intriguing history, the Superstitions are a must for any hiker or adventurer.
Peralta Trail: This moderate 5.2-mile out-and-back trail leads you through the heart of the desert and up to stunning views of Weaver’s Needle, a towering rock formation. It’s one of the most iconic hikes in Arizona, offering a perfect blend of beauty and challenge.
Siphon Draw Trail: A more challenging hike, the Siphon Draw Trail is about 3.8 miles round trip and takes you to the top of Flatiron, one of the highest points in the Superstition Wilderness. The climb is steep, but the panoramic views from the summit are worth the effort.
Both trails provide an opportunity to explore Arizona’s diverse desert landscapes while offering ample chances to spot wildlife like desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and an array of desert birds.
2. Rock Climbing at Camelback Mountain
If you’re an experienced climber or looking for a rock climbing challenge, head over to Camelback Mountain—one of the most famous peaks in Arizona. Though located outside Mesa in Phoenix, it's just a short drive away and offers some of the best climbing routes in the region.
Cholla Trail: A longer and more gradual ascent, this trail is a great choice for hikers and climbers who want a scenic yet strenuous climb to the summit of Camelback. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the Phoenix area.
Echo Canyon Trail: This steeper, more direct route is often used by experienced climbers and offers a more challenging climb to Camelback’s summit. The rock scrambling along this trail makes for an exhilarating adventure for those up for the challenge.
3. Off-Roading and ATV Adventures in the Desert
Mesa’s expansive desert landscape is perfect for off-roading enthusiasts. With miles of rugged terrain, you can enjoy the thrill of navigating through the Sonoran Desert on an ATV or dune buggy. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, there are plenty of options to explore.
Tonto National Forest: Just a short drive from Mesa, Tonto National Forest offers numerous off-roading trails that wind through diverse landscapes, from cactus-covered plains to rocky hilltops. The area is ideal for those looking to experience the wild desert terrain up close while having fun.
Magma Ridge: For those looking for a more rugged and challenging experience, the trails at Magma Ridge offer a thrilling ride with steep climbs, narrow paths, and spectacular desert views. It’s a perfect place to test your off-roading skills.
Guided tours are available for beginners or those unfamiliar with the terrain, ensuring a safe and exciting adventure through the desert.
4. Water Sports on the Salt River
For adventure seekers who love water sports, the Salt River is a prime location for rafting, tubing, and kayaking. Flowing through the desert landscape, the river provides exciting rapids and a refreshing way to cool off while taking in the scenic beauty of Arizona’s natural wonders.
Rafting: Whether you're looking for a leisurely float or an adrenaline-pumping ride, the Salt River has something for every level. Experienced rafters can navigate Class I and Class II rapids, while first-timers can enjoy a more relaxing journey down the river.
Tubing: If you're after a more laid-back experience, tubing down the Salt River is an excellent way to enjoy the water while soaking up the sun. The gentle current allows you to relax and take in the desert surroundings, all while drifting down the river.
Kayaking and Canoeing: For a more active river adventure, kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore the Salt River. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent, allowing you to paddle through calm stretches or take on more challenging sections of the river.
5. Mountain Biking in Usery Mountain Regional Park
Mesa offers some fantastic mountain biking trails for those who enjoy cycling through rugged, desert terrain. Usery Mountain Regional Park, just a short drive from downtown Mesa, offers over 29 miles of mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels.
Boulders Loop: For beginners or those looking for a leisurely ride, the Boulders Loop offers a moderate, 3.5-mile trail with breathtaking desert views and a relatively easy ride through the cacti and brush.
Pass Mountain Trail: A more challenging 7.5-mile loop, the Pass Mountain Trail takes you through diverse terrain and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape, making it perfect for more experienced riders looking for a thrill.
Usery Mountain Regional Park is also home to some of the best desert vistas and wildlife, adding to the excitement of your mountain biking adventure.
6. Ziplining at Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
If you're looking for an aerial adventure, head north to Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, located just a few hours’ drive from Mesa. While this is a bit farther from the city, it offers an exciting ziplining experience that can’t be missed by thrill-seekers.
The zipline course takes you through the treetops, offering a bird's-eye view of the forest below. You’ll glide over cliffs and valleys, with plenty of adrenaline to fuel your adventure. For those seeking a challenge, the course also features a series of ropes, obstacles, and climbing sections.
7. Horseback Riding in Tonto National Forest
For an adventure that lets you connect with nature at a more relaxed pace, horseback riding in Tonto National Forest offers a unique way to explore the Arizona wilderness. Riding through the desert and forest areas provides an intimate experience with nature, all while enjoying the freedom of horseback travel.
Guided Tours: Several outfitters in the area offer guided horseback riding tours through the forest, where you can explore hidden trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the serene landscape. It's a great way to discover the beauty of the desert and forest from a different perspective.
Family-Friendly Adventures: Horseback riding is suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels, making it a great adventure activity for families or groups.
8. Cliff Diving and Swimming at Saguaro Lake
For those looking for an adrenaline rush that also involves a bit of relaxation, Saguaro Lake is the place to go. Located just outside of Mesa, the lake is a popular spot for cliff diving, swimming, and boating.
Cliff Diving: The cliffs surrounding Saguaro Lake offer the perfect spots for diving into the clear, refreshing water below. For adrenaline junkies, this is a thrilling way to enjoy the lake’s natural beauty.
Boating and Watersports: In addition to cliff diving, Saguaro Lake offers opportunities for boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, making it a great location for water sports enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Mesa, AZ, offers an incredible variety of adventures for thrill-seekers of all types. Whether you're hiking in the Superstition Mountains, white-water rafting on the Salt River, rock climbing at Camelback Mountain, or exploring desert trails by mountain bike, Mesa’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for outdoor excitement. From desert adventures to river thrills, the adventures you seek are waiting for you in Mesa—so grab your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of Arizona's most dynamic and adventurous destinations.
