Outdoor Arizona

Get to know this 3.2-mile out-and-back trail near Mesa, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

• Usery Mountain Regional Park charges an entrance fee. For more information on day and annual passes please visit: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/fees/ This challenging and scenic hike leads to the Wind Cave, a beautiful cave in Usery Mountain Regional Park. The beginning is relatively flat, with some subtle switchbacks. Shortly after, the climb gets steeper with small sections of rocky and technical hiking. There is some scrambling required to reach the save, which may not be suitable for children or pets. Once you reach the Wind Cave, there are good photo opportunities and views toward Phoenix, the East Valley, and beyond.

Plan on making a day of it at the Gilbert Outdoors Expo at the Riparian Preserve. It’s a great chance to sharpen your outdoor skills and try something new. Cast a line, discover local wildlife, tackle the rock‑climbing wall, and enjoy plenty of other hands‑on activities. Best of all, it’s completely free and fun for the whole family. No host event.

### Event Activities:

• Empower Ranch
• Goat Yoga
• Liberty Wildlife
• Fishing Games
• Solar Observations with East Valley Astronomy
• Axe Throwing
• Bird Showcase
• Ninja Nation
• Reptile Encounters with Wildman Phil
• Inflatable Archery
• Outdoor Cooking
• Inflatables
• And More!

### Scheduled Activities:

• Sample Goat Yoga Classes: 10:30 AM and 1 PM
• Outdoor Cooking Demonstration: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
• Axe Throwing: 9:00 AM- 1:30 PM
• Inflatables: 9:00 AM-1:45 PM
• Ninja Nation: 9:00 AM- 1:45 PM
• A waiver will be provided and is required to participate. You can access the waiver here in advance. Closed-toed sneakers are required for safety reasons.

*Please note: All other activities and demonstrations will end by 1:45 PM

### Food and Drinks

A variety of food, drink, and snack trucks will be on site for the event. Alcohol and glass containers are strictly prohibited.
Note: Vendors will be accepting card and cash payments. No ATMs are available on site. Please plan accordingly.

### Parking

Parking is available at the Southeast Regional Library. The event entrance is located inside the Riparian Preserve near the Preserve parking lot. If you are parking at one of the local businesses, please be courteous of the site, and do not leave trash or block customer parking.
Note: The Riparian Preserve parking lot will be closed beginning February 21st through February 22nd at 5:00 PM. There will be no parking available in this lot during those hours.

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the AZGFD 2026 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix! Organized by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the two-day event is the largest hands-on outdoor recreation expo in Arizona. March 23-24, Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More details to be announced.

Admission and parking are free, but people might want to bring a little cash for the variety of food and beverage concessionaires and other vendors. ATMs will be on-site.

The Outdoor Expo features everything from wildlife exhibits to family fishing tanks to trying out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the range.

Some of the thing's attendees can do include:
• View live wildlife (hawks, reptiles, small mammals, more) in the expanded amAZing Wildlife tent.
• Give kayaking a try at the “Lake Paddlemore” kayaking pond.
• Hike a field course and learn cool camping tips.
• Take the kids to two huge catch-and-release fishing tanks.
• Learn target archery.
• Try out different firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the shooting range, or learn specialty shooting disciplines such as clay target, cowboy action, practical pistol, black powder, air gun, and more.
• Learn from informative talks on topics on wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Attend exciting cowboy mounted shooting competition at the Royce W. Anderson Family Arena.
• View off-highway vehicle exhibits, rock crawler demonstrations, and learn about responsible riding.
• View boating exhibits and learn about watercraft safety.
• Visit with more than 150 exhibitors, including outdoor organizations, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

“We’re not aware of any other free event that combines conservation, recreation and industry into such a welcoming environment for the public,” said Ty Gray, AZGFD director. “This is where people can find plenty of hands-on activities, see educational exhibits, test and purchase the latest equipment and products, and connect with social organizations that can provide countless ‘next step’ experiences to support their outdoor passions.”