Lone Mountain, or EJ Peak as it’s known, offers a quick cardio hike with great desert views. Situated a little way off from the city, it’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

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Trail Description

I’ve been hiking in the east valley for many years now, but somehow this fun little hike had never really been on my radar until now. Because of the short length and relative proximity to town, it’s a popular one for locals who just need a morning workout. Sounded a little boring to me, I guess, but after a health problem limited my activities, I decided to give it a go. Sure, it can’t compare with neighboring hikes in the Superstitions, but it was pleasant and offered nice views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, we went after a particularly wet November, which caused the desert to burst to life with greenery and blooms.

The parking area is along Usery Pass road at the gate for an OHV area. Park here and walk through the gates. You’ll start on a sandy road for a bit. Don’t get distracted by the signs for the Maricopa Trail. Keep going straight.

Just under a quarter of a mile in, you’ll transition onto a trail that looks like it used to be a road. The actual road turns off to the right. As you start to gain a little elevation, you can see more of the beautiful desert scenery around you and other mountains in the distance.

Okay, some people are desert haters, but how can you hate this? Interesting colors, shapes, and a garden-like vibe. The moody clouds made it even better.

Up ahead, you’ll be able to see EJ Peak. It looks like a manageable task, and families with kids should be able to enjoy this hike together.

The trail soon makes a left turn to get up on top of a ridge. I’m such a sucker for ridgeline hikes, so this suited me perfectly. Once atop the ridge, the trail veers right.

The views continue as you make your way toward the peak. If you time it right, you’ll also enjoy desert wildflowers. This was Christmas Eve, but I’d expect even more of a show in February, as long as the rain gods have smiled down on Phoenix.

Just before the trail makes another turn to the left, you’ll arrive at a nice saddle. You know what? I’m pretty sure the picture above was in fact taken at that saddle. Great views of the mountains in the distance. And I can’t resist the perfect saguaros.

It’s just a little over a quarter mile to the summit from there.

As long as the ammo box grinch hasn’t been there, you’ll find a sign in sheet and a homemade bench that appears to be locked into place. With my recent neck issues, I quite enjoyed lying back on that bench to enjoy the clouds. Hopefully no one will take it like they did the nice bench on Picket Post.

Enjoy the views! I haven’t been there at sunrise or sunset yet, but I have heard it makes a great spot for either. If you go, drop a comment and send us a pic!

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Map & Directions

Location Tonto National Forest, Mesa, Arizona

Google Maps Usery Trailhead Bulldog Canyon

Fees/Passes None

Trailhead Facilities None

Download KML or GPX

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