Page 40 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter 2021-2022

BELOW: Cyclists are enroute as they ride the perimeter of Mesa in the El Tour De Mesa. Visit Mesa RIGHT: A favourite family-friendly day hike is to trek through Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Wilderness. Little girls are playing in water on ancient hieroglyphics. Visit Mesa/Sunshyne Pix
steeds up a rocky trail into the Goldfield Mountains that abuts Mesa. He adds, “I saw one down by the river the other day.”
But instead of the cartoon character Wile E. Coyote or even a roadrunner, we admire yellow palo verde flowers and imposing ironwood trees that stand out in a cactus-dominated landscape. Our horses cover more steep and uneven ground on a two-hour trail ride than we could ever hope to accomplish on foot, and we get to feel like Wild West cowpokes for a morning.
PEDAL
With more than 64 kms of bike lanes paired with access to numerous desert mountain biking trails, Mesa was named one of the top 10 American cities for pedal heads by Forbes magazine. Road warriors can pedal past rows of saguaro cacti on the popular Ellsworth Road path toward Usery Mountain Regional Park, while single-track mountain bikers whoop it up on the maze of trails in the Superstition Wilderness.
For a shorter ride right in town, the Rio Salado Pathway parallels the Salt River and connects Mesa’s two MLB baseball stadiums including Mesa Riverview Park, with a huge playground and public fishing ponds. Along
the route you’ll notice numerous public art installations that add colour and interest to the ride. Rent two wheels from Archer’s Bikes and it’s less than a five-kilometre pedal to the paved path. DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
STAY
Located on the Salt River in the shadow of the sheer Bulldog Cliffs, the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch has 20 rustic cabins and offers a range of activities, from horseback riding to kayaking. saguarolakeranch.com
For something different, try glamping in a restored airstream trailer at Schnepf Farms near the hiking trails of San Tan Mountain Regional Park. schnepffarms.com
EAT
For a taste of the southwest (and the best margaritas in Mesa), Rancho de Tia Rosa is a local favourite for the food and the decor—you’ll think you’re dining inside an authentic Mexican pueblo house. ranchodetiarosa.com
Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen serves artistically-plated, simple Italian fare in an open, modern space. samandlucaaz.com
For Mesa travel information see visitmesa.com
40 DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2021/2022