Desert Classic Trail
The Hawes Trail System is a network of trails located in the Usery Mountain Regional Park just outside of Northeast Mesa. It is definitely the hardest trails on this list because of the the rockiness thorughout the trail and there are some sections where you are on the edge of a cliff (albeit a small-ish cliff). You will have to be an intermediate level rider at least to thoroughly enjoy the technical aspects of these trails. There are many beautiful views from this trail of the Superstition Mountains and of the Salt River if you do ever get the guts to take it on though.
Directions: From E. Sky Harbor Blvd. take the AZ-202 Loop E/AZ-202 and exit on the left toward Tempe/Mesa and merge onto the Az loop 202 E. and exit 23A for Power Rd. (17 miles). Then turn left onto Power Rd. and continue onto N. Bush Hwy. and after about 3 miles you will see the trails on your right and just look for a safe place to park and get riding. ;)