MODERATE Plus: Willow to Mesquite Canyon, In and Out

Moderate Plus: Willow to Mesquite Canyon, in and out.
Moderate Plus Hike
Hike Leaders - Scott Downey (503-936-7239)
Trail Distance: 6.6 miles; AEG 1122
Willow to Mesquite Canyon out and back
Trail Head Elevation: 1545 feet
60 miles each way; Driver Fee $10 plus a share of the $7 park entrance fee.
Hike Description: This is a moderate plus hike due to the AEG exceeding 1000 feet however the elevation gain is gradual, and the trails are in good condition.

The White Tanks regional park is the oldest and largest of the Maricopa County parks. The park got its name from the many depressions that have been scoured out during infrequent flash floods. Those depressions are called tanks and they are usually white. We will stop at the visitor center that is on the right before we enter the parks to use the restroom facilities there.

Here is a link with more information about the history of the history of the White Tank mountains in Arizona - SearchWhite Tank Mountains

Driving Directions White Tanks Regional Park:
If using a GPS type device enter "Waddell trail, HFRQ+XH, Surprise, AZ 85355" This will take you past the park entrance to the trailhead.

Directions:
Take Riggs Rd west to I-10 West. Turn right onto I-10 West.
Travel 5.5 miles. Use the 2nd from the right lane to take exit 161A-B for AZ-202 Loop. Keep left at the fork to continue Exit 161A. Travel on AZ-202 for 22 miles.
Use the right two lanes to take exit 78A for I-10 West towards LA. Stay on I-10 for 14 miles.
Use the right two lanes to take exit 124A for AZ=303 Loop North. Stay on AZ-303 for 6.2 miles
Take exit 110A for Northern Ave. After .6 miles turn right onto N. Cotton Lane. Travel 1 mile then left onto W. Olive Ave. Travel about 4 miles and turn right into the White Tanks visitor center parking lot. It is a large new-looking building.
When we leave the Visitor Center we will turn right onto Olive Ave. and enter the park. After about 2 miles turn left onto Waterfall Canyon Road. Go ½ mile then turn left onto Ramada Way. The parking lot is at the end of the road
Hike Leader: Joe Milne 978-618-3099; Driver fee = $10 plus share of $10 park entrance fee