Ford Canyon Trail and Mesquite Canyon Trail Loop(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult loop trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

Getting Started

White Tanks Regional Park is a very well maintained park near Waddel AZ. The park charges a $6 entrance fee or you can use the county park pass if you purchased one. This hike starts along a very short spur off Waterfall Canyon road. You'll begin the hike on the Waddell Trail which leads over flat terrain with views of the desert landscape. The path will gently rise over a saddle and you will get some views of the mountain peaks. After a 1 mile on Waddell you will come to the Ford Canyon trail and continue on. Around 3 miles from the start of this hike, there will be a sign warning you of the difficult trail ahead. Route finding on the Ford Canyon trail can be very difficult, it would be best if you had a GPS device with the route loaded in case you lose the trail. Ford canyon does become steep and rocky and you will come to some white granite rocks that are really fun to scramble up. This area is beautiful and you will want to spend some time here playing around on the rocks. As you continue on you will climb out of the wash and head to the Willow Canyon and Mesquite Canyon trails. Take some time to view the beautiful landscapes as you make your way around this loop heading back to the trailhead.

Taking Children

Not a good hike for children.