Waterfall Canyon Campground
Fourteen
members and guests met at the trailhead for the Ford Canyon Trail promptly
at 9 AM. Although temperatures were rather cool (in the 40s earlier in the
morning), the skies were clear and sunny. The drive into White Tanks Regional
Park took us up in elevation to where we could see a good stretch of Phoenix.
As we started our hike, the first thing we noticed was the brown cloud
over Phoenix. We found it difficult to believe that we live, work, and
play in such air. The clean air in the White Tanks was a welcome relief.Ê
The first mile and a half were fairly level, some rolling hills, similar
to parts of South Mountain. We hiked through fields of beautiful cholla
and saguaro cacti. Several of us stops for some great pictures.Ê
After following along a rather large streambed, we started our climb
into Ford Canyon. The trail follows the Canyon on its south face. Parts
of the hike turned into a climb as we neared the end of the trail. The
views of the white basalt rock were amazing. During the afternoon, with
the sun overhead, they must shine brilliantly. At the end of the trail,
we encountered several pools (puddles by Midwestern standards) known as
“tanks”. We scampered over the basalt rock formations worn by
water andwind erosion with the monsoon rains.
Here we stopped for lunch before returning via the same path in.Ê
After the hike, several of us met with the Foundation for Blind Children
at the nearby Waterfall Canyon campground. Terri Murray gave all the kids
hats to make them official Motorolans! Terri also worked with Motorola and
the Hiking Club to donate 5 new tents and 2 sleeping bags to the Foundation!
The group thanked us and were quite pleased with their new tents that are
easier to setup. After the presentation, a couple of Hiking Club members
travelled with the Foundation to Mesquite Canyon for a 2 mile day hike.
Thanks to Motorola for donating the camping equipment!
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