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Waterfall Trail - White Tank Mountains - 58 members in 174 triplogs have rated this an average 2.8 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 9  Next
174 triplogs
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Oct 07 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 07 2024
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking4.34 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking4.34 Miles   1 Hour   40 Mns   2.60 mph
251 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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. :sk:, 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
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 Guides 1
 Photos 1,891
 Triplogs 131

47 male
 Joined Feb 13 2006
 Phoenix, AZ
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 20 2023
david_allen_3Triplogs 131
Hiking2.00 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles
251 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max 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
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 Guides 7
 Routes 79
 Photos 2,440
 Triplogs 652

34 male
 Joined Jan 10 2010
 Pomona, CA
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 09 2023
PatrickLTriplogs 652
Hiking2.40 Miles 480 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles
480 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Put in some extra work to see “the cool” petroglyphs, if you know what I mean.
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Jan 15 2023
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 Guides 2
 Routes 208
 Photos 93
 Triplogs 205

male
 Joined Aug 08 2020
 Phx az
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 15 2023
ScaredyCatTriplogs 205
Hiking14.04 Miles 1,256 AEG
Hiking14.04 Miles   5 Hrs   26 Mns   2.65 mph
1,256 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout 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
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 Photos 4,529
 Triplogs 200

66 male
 Joined Jun 19 2011
 Phoenix, Az
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 03 2022
rrshortTriplogs 200
Hiking1.00 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking1.00 Miles
251 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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Oct 31 2021
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 Routes 189
 Photos 7,240
 Triplogs 1,741

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Black Rock Waterfall Loop, AZ 
Black Rock Waterfall Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 31 2021
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,741
Hiking2.91 Miles 356 AEG
Hiking2.91 Miles   1 Hour   54 Mns   1.66 mph
356 ft AEG      9 Mns Break13 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Sunday morning hike. First time on Black Rock loop.
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Oct 05 2021
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 Photos 1,345
 Triplogs 298

67 male
 Joined Jan 15 2010
 Avondale
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 05 2021
leonesiegelTriplogs 298
Hiking2.00 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles      48 Mns   2.50 mph
251 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
First hike with Dex. Pool at end of trail. Coyote circled our car on the drive out!
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Nov 30 2020
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 Guides 8
 Routes 12
 Photos 1,918
 Triplogs 662

39 female
 Joined Dec 02 2009
 Grand Canyon
Black Rock Long Loop - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 30 2020
HippyTriplogs 662
Hiking4.00 Miles 120 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   2.67 mph
120 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
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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Canyon Freak Adventures!
 
Nov 29 2019
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 Guides 37
 Routes 556
 Photos 10,872
 Triplogs 1,052

43 male
 Joined Jan 21 2013
 AZ
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 29 2019
FOTGTriplogs 1,052
Hiking2.00 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles
251 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 White Tank Falls Heavy flow Heavy flow
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  1 archive
Nov 03 2019
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 Guides 8
 Routes 12
 Photos 1,918
 Triplogs 662

39 female
 Joined Dec 02 2009
 Grand Canyon
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 03 2019
HippyTriplogs 662
Hiking2.04 Miles 363 AEG
Hiking2.04 Miles   1 Hour   17 Mns   1.94 mph
363 ft AEG      14 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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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Canyon Freak Adventures!
  6 archives
Sep 09 2019
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 Photos 5
 Triplogs 1,041

36 female
 Joined Oct 04 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Black Rock Long Loop - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 09 2019
WaitingForRainTriplogs 1,041
Hiking5.17 Miles 120 AEG
Hiking5.17 Miles   2 Hrs      2.59 mph
120 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
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Feb 02 2019
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 02 2019
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking1.97 Miles 285 AEG
Hiking1.97 Miles      41 Mns   3.28 mph
285 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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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.)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max White Tank Falls Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Feb 02 2019
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Ford - Willow - Mesquite Loop & Waterfall, AZ 
Ford - Willow - Mesquite Loop & Waterfall, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 02 2019
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking13.17 Miles 2,019 AEG
Hiking13.17 Miles   5 Hrs   49 Mns   2.42 mph
2,019 ft AEG      23 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout 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.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
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

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max White Tank Falls Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
several ounces per minute

dry 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
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 Triplogs 17

38 female
 Joined May 08 2014
 Phoenix
Black Rock Long Loop - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 26 2019
nolove923Triplogs 17
Hiking2.20 Miles 120 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles   2 Hrs      1.10 mph
120 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Always a beautiful area. Took kids and my dog!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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Jan 16 2019
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 Guides 8
 Routes 12
 Photos 1,918
 Triplogs 662

39 female
 Joined Dec 02 2009
 Grand Canyon
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 16 2019
HippyTriplogs 662
Hiking2.00 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles
251 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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" :lol:
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Canyon Freak Adventures!
 
Jan 16 2019
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 Guides 8
 Routes 12
 Photos 1,918
 Triplogs 662

39 female
 Joined Dec 02 2009
 Grand Canyon
Black Rock Long Loop - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 16 2019
HippyTriplogs 662
Hiking3.00 Miles 160 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
160 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
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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Canyon Freak Adventures!
 
Oct 12 2018
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 Triplogs 17

38 female
 Joined May 08 2014
 Phoenix
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 12 2018
nolove923Triplogs 17
Hiking2.00 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles      50 Mns   2.40 mph
251 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2018
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking1.95 Miles 251 AEG
Hiking1.95 Miles
251 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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
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 Guides 17
 Routes 297
 Photos 1,808
 Triplogs 276

female
 Joined Mar 11 2002
 Gilbert, AZ
Waterfall Trail - White Tank MountainsPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 25 2018
VashtiTriplogs 276
Hiking2.12 Miles 328 AEG
Hiking2.12 Miles   1 Hour   16 Mns   1.99 mph
328 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Did this trail with my kids together with a friend and her kids. The trail is pretty flat. My oldest was griping after not getting potato chips from the hot dog vendor parked at the trailhead...! Thankfully, he perked up upon reaching the (dry) waterfall. Being rock climbers, my kids were going crazy wanting to climb up that area. I finally pointed out that there are no rules and if they fall, it would be bad news. To no avail, I finally got them out of the area. At least everyone was relatively happy in the trek out. I tried to get them to extend the trail at the junction, but they were having none of it. :( alas. There were nice pools at the waterfall. There were also a million people given that it was a Sunday. It was also pretty hot due to direct sun. This team would be better in the winter, or a cloudy day. But the petroglyphs were interesting, and the desert was pretty. No complaints!
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:D
 
Mar 25 2018
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Willow Ford Loop, AZ 
Willow Ford Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 25 2018
chumleyTriplogs 1,993
Hiking11.74 Miles 1,932 AEG
Hiking11.74 Miles   3 Hrs   56 Mns   3.00 mph
1,932 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 no routes
1st trip
Adding to my list of all-time uniques, I made my first ever visit to White Tank Mountain Regional Park (the west side's very own South Mountain! :y: )

Quite a bit of diverse stuff out here, from very intriguing canyons to large swaths of drab boredom. I made good time which allowed me to hit up the Waterfall trail before the "no excuses" entrance gate closure at exactly 8pm. I feel that darkness is an excellent time to see this desert spectacle, especially when in it's naturally dry state.

Got to see all the 2018 wildflowers. Pretty sure it's prime peak right now.

I was pleasantly surprised on this trip, and it seems to have earned a return visit sometime.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
* "substantial" as measured relative to the 2018 spring wildflower season.
Compared to a normal season somewhere between "none" and "isolated" ;)

dry White Tank Falls Dry Dry
Just a little mud at the bottom of the falls.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Willow Spring - White Tank Mountains Dripping Dripping
No actual flow, but a large pool of water at the spring and a few smaller pools downstream in bedrock.
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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
average hiking speed 2.29 mph
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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.

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