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Route Scout
"Death and Destruction awaits you..." by NatureKopelli Tonto Tank Trail is one of the connector trails available at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. This trail can be hiked as an out and back, or may be used with other trails to hike as a loop. The easiest access is from the Shallmo Drive trailhead via a one mile hike southwest along Pemberton Trail. This trail may also be reached from the campground hiking east via the Granite Trail. The majority of the hike is flat and smooth, with the exception of one small, steep hill about 15-25 feet in elevation. Tonto Tank Trail is an excellent bike path, as are many of the other trails within the park. Evidence of past fire and mass destruction is evidence throughout the hike, as there are numerous cholla skeletons and burnt tree stumps scattered along the path. This is a common sight among the trails at MMRP, but this trail seemed to have an especially high concentration of skeletons. Nature, though, has endured, and new plants and growth are plentiful. Beautiful views of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve can be seen hiking to the west, and hiking to the east one gets unobstructed views of Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountain range. At the end of the trail, the option exists to continue on the Pemberton left or right for a loop hike. Viewing Pemberton Pond, located along Pemberton Trail, can also be considered along with this hike; it is only about 0.3 miles to the south of the start of this trail. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Tonto Tank Trail - MMRP
MMRP North Loop
With a tweaked knee a nice stroll in the park was what the doctor ordered, hitting two "new to me" trails along the way, Tonto Tank and Scenic. Saw a lot of rabbits in the early hours of the hike and had great views of the surrounding ranges throughout. Really nice temps, cloudy and cooler, for most of the day. Saw about a dozen or so mountain bikers and a half dozen trail runners, but only saw a few other hikers on the Scenic trail. The knee held up good so hopefully it will finish the healing process this next week.
2017-01-07 hikerdw
Tonto Tank Trail - MMRP
We had a family camp-out at the McDowell County Park. The original plan was to mountain bike the Pemberton loop.
The biking plans fell through so I made the best of it and hiked from the camp spot to the Gateway TH.
It was pretty warm hike. I saw my first ratter for the year.
Gin and Nate meet me at the TH.
The biking plans fell through so I made the best of it and hiked from the camp spot to the Gateway TH.
It was pretty warm hike. I saw my first ratter for the year.
Gin and Nate meet me at the TH.
2013-03-14 topohiker
