Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Mesquite Canyon-Willow Srings Loop Day Hike
when March 15, 2025 Saturday
Trip Report : March 04, 2023
Trip Report : January 15, 2022
  Trip Report : December 28, 2019
  Trip Report : January 13, 2018
  Trip Report : February 27, 2016
  Trip Report : January 30, 2010
  Trip Report : February 24, 2007
  Trip Report : January 21 2006
where White Tank Mountain Regional Park
the hike     This is a loop hike through beautiful desert terrain. The hike will begin at the Mesquite Canyon Trail From Area 7 Parking Lot. The Mesquite Canyon Trail goes in a westerly direction. At 1.8 miles the Willow Canyon Trail goes off to the right (we will be returning from this trail). Continue (to the left) on the Mesquite Canyon Trail up Mesquite Canyon for 2.4 miles to the Ford Canyon Trail junction. We will follow the Ford Canyon Trail north for .9 miles to the junction with the Willow Canyon Trail (This is the other end of the Willow Canyon Trail that you passed). Take the Willow Canyon Trail for about 1 mile to Willow Springs (a good place for lunch or even just a break). Willow Springs Trail continues for another one mile back to the junction with the Mesquite Canyon Trail. Take the Mesquite Canyon Trail back to the Area 7 parking lot to finish the hike.
    The parking lot is approximately 1500 ft. and the high point on the Ford Trail is approximately 2800ft. There is a bit of up and down so the estimated gain/loss is approximately 1700ft.
    WHITE TANK MOUNTIAN REGIONAL PARK-The trail description in the “Parks Trails Information” for both the Mesquite Canyon Trail and the Ford Trail is stated as “strenuous, steep, long, and rocky.” The Park has a variety of wildlife including mammals, birds and reptiles. There are some of the most beautiful cacti north of Saguaro National Park in Tucson.
    Required:
•  Sturdy hiking boots
•  At least 3 liters of water
•  Rain poncho
•  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
•  Lunch or snacks
•  Camera
•  trekking poles
•  first aid kit
distance 9 - 10 miles
time 5-6 hours
EC +-1700' elevation change
elevations 1,500 feet at trailhead to 3,200 feet at the west end of the loop
type loop
starting at
Mesquite Trailhead 33° 35.553' N,  112° 30.650' W  [NAD27]
on trail 100% — Waddell, Mesquite Canyon, Ford Canyon, and Willow Canyon Trails
rating "B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed no
cost $7 per vehicle entrance fee into the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Please share gas expenses with the driver. The club allows voluntary contributions of $5 for non-members.
weather Litchfield Park
leader     You must email the leader to confirm or call cell #602-397-3531. Please provide your cell phone number when you sign up in case we need to contact you on the day of the hike.
meet 7:15 AM at the Library and Nature Center just outside of the pay station of the White Tank Mountains, 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ 85355.
7:30 AM at the Mesquite Canyon Trail head.
drive
•  Take 101 Agua Fria freeway to Olive Avenue exit and head west to the entrance of White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

•   Note: If taking the 303, there isn’t an Exit for Olive anymore. You must exit the one before Olive Ave. and travel the side roads to get to Olive. Bad planning on ADOT for getting to a Regional Park.
Before reaching the pay station, we’ll park all vehicles at the Library and Nature Center just outside of the pay station. We’ll sign in everyone else here and then take as few vehicles as possible to minimize the $7/vehicle entry fee. We can safely leave all remaining vehicles behind in the Library and Nature Center parking lot away from the library entrance.
Once inside the park, drive north on White Tank Mountain Road for about one mile Drive on the main park road and then turn left at the Waterfall Trail sign.
Continue beyond the Waterfall Trail parking lot and take the next left to Area 7.
Travel times may vary depending on where you are coming from. Restrooms are located along White Tank Mountain Road, as well as at the trailhead.

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updated February 2, 2025 © Copyright 2025, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.