The biggest reason I love the White Tanks is because its not as busy as some of the city hiking spots. The people are always so nice that we do meet on the trails. The hiking is amazing and there are trails for everyone. We go twice a week at least! Sunset hikes on Mule Deer Trail over looking the city is amazing. Great leisurely walk with some ups and downs.
I got a good workout climbing the switchbacks here and enjoyed the panoramic views of the Phoenix area. I would definitely go back and explore more of the trails
Loved hiking this park! Went hiking one day with a friend and our two daughters (13-yr-olds) on the Waterfall Trail. The hike was very easy (which is how it is marked) - had a wide path and even places to sit down once in a while if we wanted. Next day my friend and I went back to hike the Mesquite Canyon Trail (5 miles). That trail was INCREDIBLE! It was difficult as it was marked, but if you're used to hiking or walking it's fine. Bring plenty of water! The views from the top of this mountain hike are beautiful!
We have been twice to hike in the white tank mountains. Both times taking 9 mile hike leaving from area 7, taking mesquite trail to ford, to willow and back on mesquite. Not real hard, but need to been in good shape to handle and recommend good shoes due to the rockiness of the trail. Good elevation for climbing to 2900 ft. Great views of the valleys. My wife and I recommend this particular route to anyone wanting a nice hike. Lots of cactus and we saw quite a few der with help of a bow hunter along he hike. We completed it in 4 hours including some downtime for sandwiches. $6 fee for car, no matter how many in the car.
I'm not big on hiking, but when I read online about the petroglyphs, I wanted to see them. So we went. And it was amazing! We went on the Waterfall Trail, and the hike wasn't too difficult, in spite off my health issues. We could have stopped much earlier, and still have had a wonderful, beautiful hike and we'd have seen so many cool and beautiful things. We pushed on, and made it to the end of the trail, where the waterfall comes down in the right (wet) weather. Still, as we went higher up, the weather cooled off, and it felt really nice.There were a lot of kids since it was Saturday. There were also some people with their dogs, which was cool. Overall, I would like to hike here again.Also, the gate had water bottles for sale for $1 just in case you needed more.
Friends in from out-of-town to have some sun in the middle of their winter. They wanted to see the desert. White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a very good example of unspoiled desert and stands of Saguaros, which are impressive anyway, but especially to flat-landers who haven't seen them up close. We waited until middle to late afternoon, slathered sunscreen on those white arms and faces (hats and sunscreen are a must) packed the cameras, and set out. The trail is well-maintained and level until the very end. It's 2-miles round trip and doesn't seem to be a problem to anyone of any age. Strollers are out there as well as leashed dogs of all sizes. Parking is free at the trail's head and there is a well equipped washhouse. There is a $6 per vehicle entrance fee to the park, but this is used to help maintain the grounds. RV's are back there, there are well-used picnic ramadas, and a horse staging area, too.The trail meanders back to the waterfall among desert plants and big boulders. Lots of very blue sky overhead and some good photographic overviews.The waterfall does not run all year as it is not spring-fed. But one can look for it after a rain, since rain water collects in a depression at the top and seeps through the rock as well as running over the top for a few days after the rains fall. It collects in a small very cold pool at the bottom, which becomes the headwaters of a creek bed, if there is a large amount of rain.This is a family friendly way to get some exercise and see the desert. When it blooms it is even lovelier.
This winding, leisurely trail takes you too a majestic flowing waterfall of which you've never seen, or so I'm told. Unfortunately needs to be flowing to see it. Great walk!! Easy & well marked trail. Recommended for people looking for a good walk in the hot sun!
Walked this trail . It is not too difficult for those able to walk a couple miles .there was well defined asphalt areas, then got a bit more natural with uphill climbs and stairs.. Getting to waterfall requires climbing over rocks. So worth it! Amazing views, great information, and good exercise! Please go see this!Make sure you see the library before or afterM
This is a nice, short, relaxing trail for those who are out-of-shape, or just want a relaxing walk without too much climbing...just when you get close to the end...not too bad...Enjoyed the views and was not too long...stopped when we got to the end of the trail because the sun was not shinning on us...we sat on the nice cool rocks and it was cooler in the shade.(depending the time of day you go)...Enjoyed the petroglyphs...Sadly some people do not know how to read signs to "stay on the trail" by the petroglyphs Of course I do not say anything because people will just be "nasty" and I did not want to ruin my day...I think they some of the rangers to go on the trails to watch for these types of "idiots" who think they can do whatever they want.. Otherwise...I enjoyed myself and my friend did also. Highly recommended...also pet friendly for those who have pets just pick up after your pets...
We came here to get out and hike. Had great hiking trails and got great pictures ok cactus. We took a stroller on the waterfall hike and had no trouble up to the stairs.