Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
White Tank Mountain Day Hike

when	Trip Report : January 15, 2022
	Trip Report : December 28, 2019
	Trip Report : January 13, 2018
	Trip Report : February 27, 2016
	Trip Report : January 30, 2010
	Trip Report : February 24, 2007
	Trip Report : January 21 2006
where	White Tank Mountain Regional Park
the hike	The rugged and picturesque White Tank Mountains, located at the far western edge of the valley, form a natural barrier that separates the Phoenix Basin from the vast Hassayampa Plains to the west. The “tanks” are a series of natural basins scoured out over eons of time by erosion.     Today’s hike will incorporate four different trails (Waddell, Ford Canyon, Willow Canyon, and Mesquite Canyon), forming a 9.5-mile clockwise loop through the heart of White Tank Mountain Regional Park.     We’ll start out on the Mesquite Canyon Trail and hike that west for 1.8 miles to its junction with the Willow Canyon Trail. Then hike the Willow Canyon Trail west for 1.6 miles to its junction with the Ford Canyon Trail. At 4.7 miles, the Ford Canyon Trail will be the longest part of the loop but also the most scenic, as part of it traverses the bottom of Ford Canyon. At the junction with the Waddell Trail, we head south for about 1.3 miles back to the trailhead.     NOTE: There’s a 1.8-mile section of the Ford Canyon Trail that’s classified as hazardous since it’s a rough section of trail, with narrow spots and large rocks in stretches of wash to maneuver around. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	9.5 miles
time	5-6 hours
EC	+-1670' elevation change
elevations	1,530 feet at trailhead to 3,200 feet at the west end of the loop
type	loop
starting at	Mesquite Trailhead 33° 35.553' N,  112° 30.650' W  [NAD27]
on trail	100% — Waddell, Mesquite Canyon, Ford Canyon, and Willow Canyon Trails
rating	"B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$7 per vehicle entrance fee into the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Please share gas expenses with the driver. The club allows voluntary contributions of $5 for non-members.
weather	Litchfield Park
meet	8:30 AM at the Library and Nature Center just outside of the pay station of the White Tank Mountains, 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ 85355.
drive	•  Take I-17 to Dunlap Road. • Take Dunlap Road west. It eventually turns into Olive Avenue. • Continue driving on Olive Avenue until you reach the entrance to White Tank Mountain Regional Park. • Before reaching the pay station, we’ll park all vehicles at the Library and Nature Center just outside of the pay station. We’ll sign in everyone else here and then take as few vehicles as possible to minimize the $6/vehicle entry fee. We can safely leave all remaining vehicles behind in the Library and Nature Center parking lot away from the l ibrary entrance. • Once inside the park, drive north on White Tank Mountain Road for about one mile and make a left turn onto Waterfall Canyon Road. • Continue for about a half mile and make another left turn onto Ramada Way. • You will reach the end of the road and the trailhead parking area in less than a quarter-mile. • Travel times may vary depending on where you are coming from. Restrooms are located along White Tank Mountain Road, as well as at the trailhead.

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updated January 30, 2022	© Copyright 2022, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.