Waterfall Trail - White Tank Mountains • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 29 2025
		tcolyar • Triplogs 1

Hiking	2.00 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	2.00 Miles
	251 ft AEG

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White Tanks - Waterfall Trail 29 Sep 2025. We were looking to begin some training hikes within 30 minutes of home. It has been years since we have been to White Tanks and specifically the Waterfall Trail. We had had rain a few days prior so we were hoping to see just a trickle of water.

We arrived at the park entrance located on the very west end of Olive Ave. at around 7:00 AM. The park entrance cost is $7 per car. We were amazed at the development of the park with much better signage and significantly more tables and small ramadas. We took White Mountain Road right (north) and were at Waterfall Canyon Road in just a few minutes. We were surprised at the development of new parking and nice restrooms at the trailhead. We were also surprised to see the trail to now be a 6 foot wide concrete sidewalk. At first we were disappointed, but realized that this popular trail was now ADA compliant. We set our Strava and off we went. We soon became big fans of the care that has been taken to add just enough amenities (trash cans, ramadas, etc) to make the trail a real gem for families and those with mobility challenges.

At about the .9 mile mark, the paved sidewalk ended and the old trail continued as several steeper rises and slightly rough terrain started. In just a few minutes we were at the bottom of the waterfall area. Sadly, there was no waterfall today, but a large pool below the area and the sound of water trickling under the rocks nearby. It was shady and beautiful. We took a couple photos and turned and enjoyed our slightly downhill trip back to the car. Total roundtrip (according to Strava) was 2.12 miles or 5,010 steps. 55 minute hiking. Elevation gain 212 feet.

Wildflowers Observation Light

	White Tank Falls	Dry	Dry
	Sadly, there was no waterfall today, but a large pool below the area, and the sound of water trickling under the rocks nearby

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Oct 07 2024

mt98dew

Guides 69
Routes 37
Photos 3,010
Triplogs 2,390

56 male

Joined Oct 24 2010
Phoenix,Az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 07 2024
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,390

Hiking	4.34 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	4.34 Miles	1 Hour 40 Mns	2.60 mph
	251 ft AEG

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Easy morning hike. Started at the Black Rock Loop TH around 6am. Took that to the Waterfall Trail and then to the rock cliff where the waterfall would be. Nothing there, of course, but there was still a pool of water at its base. It’s amazing how much I keep forgetting about the trails I do. I had forgotten the stone steps leading to the falls. I had forgotten the number of petroglyphs along the trail. The trail has railings along the trail wherever the glyphs are, trying to discourage hikers from getting too close. Hiked back to the Waterfall TH. Looked as if the parking area has been freshly paved. On the way back to the Black Rock juncture I noticed what might have been a mining cut into the side of the hill. It was about .3 miles in from the TH. I don’t recall ever noticing it before. I didn’t explore, but it wouldn’t be that difficult to check out. When I returned to the Black Rock Loop, I circuited the long and short loops.

Air quality was horrible today.

, though temps were nice. Encountered five hikers while out there. Saw several chipmunks, a few lizards and one very listless deer. I’m sure the deer was done with summer and wondering if it was ever going to end. He’s not alone..

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Mar 20 2023

david_allen_3

Guides 1
Photos 1,936
Triplogs 133

47 male

Joined Feb 13 2006
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 20 2023
		david_allen_3 • Triplogs 133

Hiking	2.00 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	2.00 Miles
	251 ft AEG

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Nice cool low 70s. Trickle of water at the falls and enough flow to extend slightly beyond the falls. Lots of people for a Monday. Flowers everywhere. Lizards and a few bees. Ground squirrel.

Wildflowers Observation Substantial

	White Tank Falls	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Roughly, maybe a quart a minute.

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Wherever you go there you are.

Mar 09 2023

PatrickL

Guides 7
Routes 80
Photos 2,459
Triplogs 654

male

Joined Jan 10 2010
Pomona, CA

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 09 2023
		PatrickL • Triplogs 654

Hiking	2.40 Miles	480 AEG

Hiking	2.40 Miles
	480 ft AEG

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Put in some extra work to see “the cool” petroglyphs, if you know what I mean.

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Jan 15 2023

ScaredyCat

Guides 4
Routes 216
Photos 101
Triplogs 213

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 15 2023
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 213

Hiking	14.04 Miles	1,256 AEG

Hiking	14.04 Miles	5 Hrs 26 Mns	2.65 mph
	1,256 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

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Mule Deer Trail - White Tank Mountains

Bajada Trail - White Tank Mtns

South Trail - White Tank Mtns

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Researched to figure out what part of town I could hike in without getting drenched. White Tanks looked to be the answer + a strong chance of seeing the waterfall. Mmmm, no. I would suggest trying on Tuesday.

We then did the "long" loop. After we pondered where to go next. We decided on mule deer trail. That was easy. Let's add South trail. On the way back, why not tack on Bajada trail. All of which were rather easy. Not a drop of rain fell on us.

Apr 03 2022

rrshort

Photos 4,529
Triplogs 200

67 male

Joined Jun 19 2011
Phoenix, Az

Black Rock Short Loop - White Tank Mountains

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 03 2022
		rrshort • Triplogs 200

Hiking	1.00 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	1.00 Miles
	251 ft AEG

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After visiting the Farmer's Market at Cabela's this morning I suggested a drive out to White Tank Park and go for a short walk. We made it after navigating around the roadwork on Olive Ave. We found the Waterfall Trail just where I left it (Ha ha). My plan was to go as far as the Petroglyph Plaza. Quite a few people out enjoying the weather. As I hoped I was able to get a few shots of Hedgehog cactus blooms. Overall a very pleasant little morning excursion.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Costa's Hummingbird

Wildflowers Observation Light

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Oct 31 2021

Nightstalker

Routes 189
Photos 7,265
Triplogs 1,760

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Black Rock Waterfall Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 31 2021
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,760

Hiking	2.91 Miles	356 AEG

Hiking	2.91 Miles	1 Hour 54 Mns		1.66 mph
	356 ft AEG	9 Mns Break	13 LBS Pack

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Sunday morning hike. First time on Black Rock loop.

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Oct 05 2021

leonesiegel

Photos 1,345
Triplogs 298

67 male

Joined Jan 15 2010
Avondale

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 05 2021
		leonesiegel • Triplogs 298

Hiking	2.00 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	2.00 Miles	48 Mns	2.50 mph
	251 ft AEG

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First hike with Dex. Pool at end of trail. Coyote circled our car on the drive out!

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Nov 30 2020

Guides 8
Routes 12
Photos 1,918
Triplogs 662

39 female

Joined Dec 02 2009
Grand Canyon

Black Rock Short Loop - White Tank Mountains

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 30 2020
		Hippy • Triplogs 662

Hiking	4.00 Miles	120 AEG

Hiking	4.00 Miles	1 Hour 30 Mns	2.67 mph
	120 ft AEG

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Went out with familia for quick post-Thanksgiving hike.

If you're looking for a place to sit down, waterfall trail is your kinda hike...

We counted THIRTY THREE benches between the trailhead and the waterfall.

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Nov 29 2019

FOTG

Guides 37
Routes 564
Photos 10,923
Triplogs 1,060

male

Joined Jan 21 2013
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 29 2019
		FOTG • Triplogs 1,060

Hiking	2.00 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	2.00 Miles
	251 ft AEG

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This is not a trail I would normally seek out, but we climbed and hiked a little yesterday and the knee was kind of barking at me this morning, so this trail was about all we could handle. I also thought the waterfall might be flowing nicely and knew the dogs would enjoy a little exercise in the cool weather.

The waterfall was flowing nicely and the crowds were still light when we went. In fact, we had the scenic little fall to ourselves for about 15 minutes. This is a actually a pretty nice trail and hike for its short distance and level of development. The glyphs were pretty cool too and the views were outstanding with the low clouds and vibrant desert.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] White Tank Falls

White Tank Falls

Heavy flow

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1 archive

Nov 03 2019

Guides 8
Routes 12
Photos 1,918
Triplogs 662

39 female

Joined Dec 02 2009
Grand Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 03 2019
		Hippy • Triplogs 662

Hiking	2.04 Miles	363 AEG

Hiking	2.04 Miles	1 Hour 17 Mns	1.94 mph
	363 ft AEG	14 Mns Break

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Did this Short afternoon walk with the four family kiddos to log a couple miles for the Maricopa County Parks 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge.
No dog this time but saw lots of people with pups along the trail.

So many people closer to 4pm but I guess I'm use to it now...After a summer working at Glen Canyon NRA and spending an untold number of hours patrolling Horseshoe Bend...

As before it's very nice to be back among the saguaros and creosote.

Also...when did they have this Trail?! I seem to remember it being dirt not too long ago...

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6 archives

Sep 09 2019

WaitingForRain

Photos 5
Triplogs 1,064

female

Joined Oct 04 2012
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 09 2019
		WaitingForRain • Triplogs 1,064

Hiking	5.17 Miles	120 AEG

Hiking	5.17 Miles	2 Hrs	2.59 mph
	120 ft AEG

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Gray Fox Trail - White Tanks

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Feb 02 2019

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,674
Photos 15,230
Triplogs 2,802

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Ford Canyon Trail - White Tank Mountains

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 02 2019
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,802

Hiking	1.97 Miles	285 AEG

Hiking	1.97 Miles	41 Mns	3.28 mph
	285 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

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joebartels

We were in the area and It'd been 9 years for me. This one was to observe to new crop of hikers coming up.
This trail is now paved +6' wide for about half the distance.

Things never seen on a hike before:
2 baby goats
Dude with 12" knife strapped to his side and survival backpack walking a small (8 lb) dog carrying the First Aid Backpack.
His Buddy with 2, liter containers strapped to his chest.
(remember this is a 2 mile RT, mainly flat, 1/2 paved "trail" in 67 degree temps.)

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

White Tank Falls

Pools to trickle

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Feb 02 2019

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,811
Photos 14,625
Triplogs 5,908

male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Ford - Willow - Mesquite Loop & Waterfall, AZ

Hiking		Feb 02 2019
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,908

Hiking	13.17 Miles	2,019 AEG

Hiking	13.17 Miles	5 Hrs 49 Mns		2.42 mph
	2,019 ft AEG	23 Mns Break	6 LBS Pack

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Willow Canyon - White Tank Mountains

Mesquite Canyon Trail - White Tank Mountains

[ checklist ] Canyon Ragweed Common Sowthistle Unidentified Flora

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The_Eagle

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Entrance station lady was a bubbly delight.

Ford Canyon
Enjoyed the stroller portion below Waddell for the first time. I'm a desert enthusiast so YMMV

Going around the dry fall in Ford Canyon was more involved than memory served. It's been 18 years since I went up & 7 since descending with the world famous @fricknaley

Willow Canyon
Lots of Asian mustard. Must be tasty, later on we passed a group of horses eating in up!

Early lunch on boulders near the lower pool at Willow Springs.

Waterfall Trail
OMG Becky, rap guys' girlfriends to families galore!

Got to admit, this hike on this trail, today, was an experience.
Bruce elbowed past the crowd while I patiently waited in a short line to get to the moist waterfall.

The wide sidewalk back down would be one hell of a skateboard ride with a boombox and Spideylegs in tow!

Synopsis
Per usual, once I get into a White Tanks hike I enjoy it. Interesting to see the urban & agriculture change west of the 101 I never see.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Willow Spring - White Tank Mountains

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Poppies the masses seek are substantial mid Mesquite.

Light to moderate on Ford & Willow.
Waterfall Trail is isolated.

Asian Mustard, Brittlebush, Buckwheat, Desert Globe Mallow, Goldeneye, Coulter's Lupine, Canyon Ragweed, Out Clover, Gooding Verbena, Tamarisk, Wiry Lotus

	White Tank Falls	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	several ounces per minute

	Willow Spring - White Tank Mountains	Dry	Dry
	spring is dry the two nearby pools were +50% full

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- joe

Jan 26 2019

nolove923

Triplogs 17

39 female

Joined May 08 2014
Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 26 2019
		nolove923 • Triplogs 17

Hiking	2.20 Miles	120 AEG

Hiking	2.20 Miles	2 Hrs	1.10 mph
	120 ft AEG

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Always a beautiful area. Took kids and my dog!

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

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Jan 16 2019

Guides 8
Routes 12
Photos 1,918
Triplogs 662

39 female

Joined Dec 02 2009
Grand Canyon

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 16 2019
		Hippy • Triplogs 662

Hiking	2.00 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	2.00 Miles
	251 ft AEG

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First of three mini hikes with a friend who didn't want to hike "too many miles"
Also did the Black Rock Long Loop and some strange reverse lollipop including Ford, Ironwood and Gray Fox trails. Somehow managed to get her to do 8 miles without her noticing she did "so many miles"

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Jan 16 2019

Guides 8
Routes 12
Photos 1,918
Triplogs 662

39 female

Joined Dec 02 2009
Grand Canyon

Black Rock Short Loop - White Tank Mountains

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 16 2019
		Hippy • Triplogs 662

Hiking	3.00 Miles	160 AEG

Hiking	3.00 Miles
	160 ft AEG

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2nd of 3 mini dayhikes with non hiking friend.

Started from waterfall TH headed out to Black Rock loop including a figure 8 of some sort to complete the entirety of the Black Rock Short Loop. Ended where we started.

Saw many petroglyphs I'd never noticed on previous trips with family along the Black Rock Loops. Beautiful day.

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Oct 12 2018

nolove923

Triplogs 17

39 female

Joined May 08 2014
Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 12 2018
		nolove923 • Triplogs 17

Hiking	2.00 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	2.00 Miles	50 Mns	2.40 mph
	251 ft AEG

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So fun! Love hearing the sound of water running as you get close to the end. Spent a lot of time in the water, just hanging out by the small waterfall because the larger one wasn't flowing today. Lots of green!

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Sep 05 2018

mt98dew

Guides 69
Routes 37
Photos 3,010
Triplogs 2,390

56 male

Joined Oct 24 2010
Phoenix,Az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 05 2018
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,390

Hiking	1.95 Miles	251 AEG

Hiking	1.95 Miles
	251 ft AEG

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After work hike. Just wanted to get some miles in, no running. Had the trail to myself. I had forgotten how many petroglyphs pepper the sides of the trail. Pool was at the base of the waterfall, along with numerous bees so I didn't hang around too long to enjoy the solitude. First part of trail is a sidewalk. It looked "freshly" paved. I don't recall the sidewalk looking that sharp and new...maybe it was was just the time of day. Minimal wildlife....lizards, chipmunks and a rabbit.

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Mar 25 2018

Vashti

Guides 19
Routes 305
Photos 1,902
Triplogs 284

female

Joined Mar 11 2002
Gilbert, AZ