Approximately 30,000 acres in size, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park rises sharply to over 4000 ft at its peak and has many deep ridges and canyons to explore. Heavy rains from infrequent storms can cause flash floods to run through the canyon and out onto the plain. These torrential flows pour off ledges and have cut deep depressions, or tanks, into the white granite base which gives the mountains their name. Waterfall Canyon Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park.
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The trail leads to a pool of water in a narrow box canyon. To see the waterfall in action you really need to visit after a good rain, if the weather has been dry you can climb up into the cascade and see the pool of water which is normally inaccessible when the waterfall is flowing. All total the hike is about two miles round trip and is an easy walk as there is a path the whole way to the waterfall. Only if you want to climb up into the pool will you need to climb over some rocks and rough terrain.
HIGHLIGHTS OF WATERFALL CANYON TRAIL
Waterfall Canyon Trail is an easy, mostly level trail which is easy to walk. The area has been home to humans for centuries and you will get to see some evidence of there existence along the trail. You can also absorb the beautiful desert, scenery, plant and wildlife as you enjoy the walk.
PETROGLYPH PLAZA
On the trail, about halfway to the waterfall, is Petroglyph Plaza which is the site of various images and interpretive signs to explain them. The petroglyphs in the park come from a few cultures over time. Many of them are from a prehistoric culture called ‘Hohokam’ that inhabited the Salt River Valley and the surrounding area between AD 100 and 1450.
Prior to them were an Archaic culture that was nomadic and roamed the area looking for plants and animals. They left their mark prior to AD 100. And finally, a third group called the Western Yavapai controlled the area after the Hohokam. The petroglyphs make for very interesting stops along the trail, especially when you think how long they have been there.
DESERT SCENERY AND WILDLIFE
One of the best conserved natural areas in the metropolitan area of Phoenix, the White Tank Mountains are a natural barrier to the city’s continued expansion and a wonderful natural and cultural resource. If you are fortunate, you might see some of the park’s wildlife during your visit. The park is inhabited by a herd of mule deer, some mountain lions, and javelinas. Even if you don’t encounter any wildlife, the beauty of the desert landscape means the visit out here will not be in vain.
THE WATERFALL
At the very end of the trail, the waterfall only flows after heavy rains. If it is flowing, you will be able to see the fall and the water cascading out of the plunge pool. More commonly you will find the waterfall dry, but that means you can climb to the very edge of the plunge pool and see the vertical rock faces which are normally hidden by the water.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO WATERFALL CANYON TRAIL
Information last updated November 2019
HOW TO GET THERE
The entrance to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park can found at 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd Waddell, AZ 85355. The trailhead is less than ten-minutes drive past the entrance.
Parking is available on site and is free of charge to visitors.
HELPFUL LINK:
- If you need an app that will navigate you around whether walking, driving or using public transport and even works offline then click for a guide about how to use Here WeGo.
OPENING HOURS
Opening hours are 0600-2000 Sun-Thu and 0600-2200 Fri & Sat every day of the year. Opening hours can vary, so please check the White Tank Mountain Regional Park Opening Times for the latest information.
You will be outside all of the time as you visit the park and walk the trail so you may wish to avoid visiting when the weather is bad. We would recommend you allow at least 90-minutes to fully enjoy the trail.
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
Basic admission prices to the park are $7.00 per vehicle.
ACCESSIBILITY
Waterfall Canyon Trail is very accessible to wheelchair users for just over half its length as the path is flat and level. When you get closer to the waterfall the terrain change and to see the plunge pool would require climbing steps cut into the rock.
HELPFUL LINKS:
- Maricopa County provides an interactive map of the trail as well as a self-guided hike outline for visitors.
IS WATERFALL CANYON TRAIL WORTH THE VISIT?
If you want an easy hike that will still take you out into the desert and show you some great scenery, history and more, then Waterfall Canyon Trail is a great option. The going is easy until you get to the waterfall area, the petroglyphs are beautiful and intricate and the peace and quiet out in the mountains is wonderful. If you are looking for longer or more strenuous hikes, White Tank Mountain Regional Park has you covered there too as there are plenty of other trails to explore if you wish. You can find details of all the trails on their website.
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ADD TO YOUR PHOENIX ITINERARY
From stunning mountain drives and trails to desert landscapes with their unique flora, Phoenix has plenty of attractions to tempt visitors, from the quirky to the mainstream.
IN THE AREA
- Drive the stunning Apache Trail, part-paved, part-gravel road through the beautiful Superstition Mountains. Just beyond the Roosevelt Dam at the far end, you can see ancient cliff dwellings at the Tonto National Monument.
- See how people lived in Pioneer times at the Pioneer Living History Museum. Visit 30 homes, both authentic and recreation to see how life was lived in the late 1800s.
- Built by Boyce Gully for his daughter Mary Lou, the Mystery Castle is constructed out of whatever material he could find to provide a castle his daughter could live in, which she did for many years.
- Taliesin West is the winter home of esteemed architect Frank Lloyd Wright It is now home to his foundation and open for tours of this stunning example of how he designed in harmony with nature.
- Explore 140 acres of Papago Park at the Desert Botanical Garden. Over 21,000 plants are laid out in several ecosystems for visitors to explore.
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RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO PHOENIX
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