29 May 2013
(MESA, Ariz.) – Mesa, Arizona is neighbors to the Tonto National Forest and visitors to this desert oasis take advantage of being incredibly close to one of the nation's largest playgrounds. Tonto is the fifth largest forest in the United States and one of the most-visited “urban” forests in the country. There are three lakes and two rivers just outside of Mesa that allow for desert boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and water skiing. These tucked away canyons, raging rivers and expansive lakes are all surrounding by breathtaking mountain ranges. Mesa has miles of shoreline and miles of trails that set the stage for back-country wilderness trips with expert outfitters serving as guides. Visitors can choose their own adventure such as paragliding in our parks, climbing up the cliff faces of the Superstition Mountains, or hiking to the Wind Cave set high atop Usery Mountain.
HAPPY TRAILS AND COOL LAKES
The breathtaking Superstition Mountains to the east serve as both an iconic backdrop for the city and a gateway to adventure. Ghostly and volcanic, the Superstition Mountains rise some 2,000 feet into the desert sky and offer hiking and horse trails fit for every level of enthusiast. Venture down the Historic Apache Trail to find Lost Dutchman State Park. Hidden in the depths of this forbidding range is the Lost Dutchman, one of the most storied “lost mines” of the West. Five hiking trails are offered here that range in distance and elevation. The U.S. Forest Service protects these beautiful mountains as one of the nation's most popular designated wilderness areas.
Continue down the Apache Trail to find Canyon Lake and takea “Mark Twain” voyage aboard the Dolly Steamboat, a replica of a sternwheeler paddleboat. Cruise the lake's secluded inner waterways and photograph desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The 90-minute nature cruise or twilight dinner cruise is the perfect complement to the Apache Trail experience. The lake's secluded coves and painted walls are home to javelina, big horn sheep, eagle, deer, and a host of desert wildlife.
With over 3,600 acres, Usery Mountain Park offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the beautiful desert landscape. Everything from hiking, biking and horseback riding is available along with a year round events schedule and programs to entertain and teach visitors about the SonoranDesert. The Nature Center is a must-stop and visitors are able to select from daily programs centered on desert education and entertainment. Flashlight walks, scorpion hunts, stargazing sessions and full-moon hikes are just some of the fun activities available year-round.
Arizona Outback Adventures offers single and multi-day hike and bike tours into nearby Mesa terrain. Guides lead groups through the lush desert while educating them on the unique Sonoran Desert with permits accessible into Mesa's closest parks. The invigorating trails and jagged ranges throughout the SuperstitionMountain region are sure to provide an unforgettable experience to mountain bikers and hikers alike.
DESERT ADVENTURES ON THE GROUND, IN THE WATER AND HIGH IN THE SKY
Always popular are off-road Apache Trail Tours. This 4x4 off-road adventure takes visitors on a journey through the scenic trails and paths that meander through Arizona's rugged back country. Discover little known secrets about indigenous flora and fauna and how they thrive in the arid climate of this delicate desert eco-system. Early birds can catch a sunrise flight over the Sonoran via a hot-air balloon and capture a coveted desert view from the sky. Those that want to get up close and personal with the desert wildlife can enjoy a horseback ride along the base of the Superstition Mountain range at Goldfield Ghost Town.
Take an exciting rafting tour down the beautiful Lower Salt and VerdeRivers with Desert Voyagers. Learn about the local flora, fauna, geography, geology, and history of the area from knowledgeable guides while enjoying an entertaining and challenging river float tour. Or, partake in the ever-popular activity of “tubing”, a leisurely float along the cool waters of the Salt River via inner-tube. Just above the Lower Salt River lies Saguaro Lake, offering spectacular desert beauty and natural wildlife. Take a seat on the Desert Belle, which has been plowing the waters of SaguaroLake since 1964. Relax on one of her 90 minute narrated public cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, and dramatic desert vistas.
EXPLORE ANCIENT HISTORY
At Park of the Canals visitors can see evidence of a canal system developed 2,000 years ago by the ancient Hohokam Native American Civilization, and study hundreds of varieties of cacti at the BrintonDesertBotanical Garden, which also features vegetation from four desert regions.
Mesa's newest attraction for visitors is the 700 year-old Mesa Grande Ruins Cultural Park. This ancient Hohokam mound features an interpretive trail that walks you through the temple mound, a ball field, and other structures. The archaeological staff of the Arizona Museum of Natural History have helped preserve and develop the site, which is estimated to date to A.D 1100-1450, and will conduct guided tours and visitors can witness active archaeological digs.
Walk through a 700-year-old Salado Culture pueblo at Besh-Ba-GowahArchaeologicalPark in Globe, east of Mesa. Besh-Ba-Gowah has one of the largest single site archaeological collections in the southwest and is considered one of the most significant finds of Southwest archaeology.
AERIAL ADVENTURES
For those with a taste for out-of-this-world adventure, test your fighter pilot skills at Fighter Combat International where one can go on an air combat mission and experience a high-flying aerobatic thrill ride. At Trapeze U, visitors as young as four-years-old can take swinging lessons on a full-size flying trapeze - the first program of its kind in Arizona.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Streeter, Director of Communications
Visit Mesa
Direct: 480-682-3638 Toll-free: 800-283-6372 x345
E-mail: Michelle@VisitMesa.com
Download Images: High-resolution images for editorial use are available for download at www.VisitMesa.com/PhotoTour
