Black Rock Short Loop - White Tanks, AZ

Overview
The black rock loops (short and long) are very easy trails that offer an up-close look at the various desert plant and wildlife in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The short loop is only 0.5 miles long, while the long loop tops out at 1.3. Along both loops are information panels that provide information about plants and wildlife in the area.


I have hiked in this area many times, and I rarely see people on the Black Rock Loop trails. This may be because these trails seem too easy for most hikers.

I'm not positive, but I'll guess they named this the "Black Rock" loop because of the hills of large "dark brown" boulders that are located to the South of the trail. I'm not sure you would even get to see these up close unless you take the long loop.


If you want a perfect short hike in this park, you should combine the Black Rock Long Loop with the Waterfall Trail. I'm not sure why more hikers don't do this. It just makes sense. Instead, everyone seems to crowd the Waterfall Trail trailhead.

So if you want some peace and quiet before hitting the Waterfall trail, start on the Black Rock Long Loop trail. When you return from the Waterfall trail, make sure you don't miss the junction back onto the Black Rock trail at the Ramada. Why the park does not have a sign for this junction baffles me. On the way back be sure to "complete" the loop. If you do this you'll come closer to the "black rocks".

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2004-12-04 ferazamboni