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Waterfall Trail
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Total hiking distance covered (accurate to within 21 feet per the GPS) 1.79 Miles
Total time on trail 0 hrs 58 minutes Total moving time 0 hours 57 minutes
Maximum elevation 1688 feet Starting elevation 1506 feet Total ascent 184 feet
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| Waterfall Trail |
On Friday, August 11, 2005 I hiked the Water Fall Trail in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The Waterfall Trail is one of the many trails in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. To get to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park drive west on Olive (Dunlap) 31 miles into the park. The Waterfall Trail trailhead is off Waterfall Canyon Road which bears left about 1 mile into the park. The trail itself is a easy hike which is wheelchair accessible for the first half of the hike.
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| The Trailhead | Wheelchair Accessible Trail |
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| An easy grade | Looking toward the trailhead |
The trail is an easy trail for the entire first half. The incline is gentle and there were few eroded spots due to yesterdays rain. There are also numerous benches along the entire trail. About half way, the trail goes from gentle to a more rocky trail. Still not steep or difficult, but noticeably more of a challenge.
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| This is what most hikers are used to. | Looking back |
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| Approaching the Waterfall Canyon | Only a trickle left |
After about a quarter mile we entered Waterfall Canyon. The trail becomes less distinct but is still easy to follow. Once at the head of the canyon we can see the formation that would produce the waterfall. Although we didn't hike far, the hike was well worth it and we decided it would be nice to hike again right after a rain so we could see the waterfall in action.
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| Looking back | Looks like the waterfall but isn't |
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| What's left from yesterdays rain | This is the waterfall. Dry, but here |
Although this, and other trails in White Tank Mountain Regional Park are a ways from downtown Phoenix, this is an excellent trail for someone who is just getting started into hiking. It's short enough as to not tax a hikers endurance and difficult enough as to give you a workout. It is an easy trail but well worth the hike.
Larry Wayt (larry@live2hike.org)