White Tank Mountain Regional Park
About White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Within the limits of White Tank Mountain Regional Park, eleven archaeological sites dating from A.D. 500 to 1100 were discovered. The Hohokam Indians are responsible for all of these sites. The Hohokam presumably abandoned the White Tanks around A.D. 1100. There are no more signs of human settlement until the historic period when the Western Yavapai ruled the region.
Hours
Nature Center Hours:
May 1 - October 31:
Open from 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday.
Closed on Sunday.
November 1 - April 30:
Open from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Please visit the Park Updates page for additional park-specific information.
Park Hours
May 1 to October 31 - 5 am to 9 pm daily / November 1 to April 30 - 6 am to 8 pm daily
Loaction
20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road Waddell, AZ 85355
Contact Info
(602) 506-2930
White Tank Mountain Regional Park Gallery
White Tank Mountain Regional Park History
Within the limits of White Tank Mountain Regional Park, eleven archaeological sites dating from A.D.
The sites were limited to huge gorges running out of the highlands due to the rugged terrain and paucity of water. Seven communities, ranging in size from 1 to 75 acres, a rock shelter in the face of a steep cliff overlooking the white tanks, and various sherd areas are among the features in these canyons. Several of the villages appear to have been occupied by large populations for extended periods of time, whereas the sherd regions could be transient hunting and gathering camps.
The majority of the sites in the area are centred on the White Tanks. The Tanks most likely held water all year, attracting visitors to the area. The Indians were more than just transients, according to petroglyphs on rocks. Pottery sherds found near the Agua Fria and Hassayampa rivers indicate the presence of communities, and there’s a high chance an Indian road linked the streams to the White Tank long before Europeans arrived. The discovery of putative agricultural terraces or check dams suggests that cultivation was possible in the White Tank Mountains’ different gorges, utilising seasonal runoff and rain water.
Park Activities
Biking
In addition to its trails, White Tank Mountain Regional Park features a 10-mile Competitive Track. Individuals, groups, and organised events can enjoy demanding, rigorous, and high-speed outdoor recreation on the Competitive Track. All of the competitive tracks can be used several times. Cross-country runners and joggers, fast bicyclists and racers, trotting/galloping equestrians, and endurance riders will benefit from them.
Camping
White Tank Mountain Regional Park has 40 camping sites for tents and RVs. All sites are “Developed Sites,” including water and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table, a BBQ grill, a fire ring, and a nearby dump station. There are flush toilets and showers in every restroom. All of the campground’s sites are available for reservation online at www.maricopacountyparks.org.
Hiking
White Tank Mountain Regional Park has about 30 miles of good shared-use trails that range in length from 0.9 to 7.9 miles and difficulty from easy to severe. In approved backcountry campsites, overnight backpacking is permitted with a permission. Day walks can provide stunning views of the mountains as well as panoramic vistas of the Valley below. Riders on horses and mountain bikes are welcome, although caution is advised because some of the trails are exceedingly challenging.
In addition, 2.5 miles of pedestrian-only trails are available. Two short, hard-surfaced, barrier-free routes are among them.
Horseback Riding
Equestrians are welcome to ride their own horses into the park, as they are in all Maricopa County Parks, but must stay on established routes. Unless otherwise noted, all paths are multi-use. Everyone on the route is expected to follow proper trail etiquette.
Staging Area for Horses This park provides a staging place for your horse(s). For a list of available trails, please see our maps section.
Trails
White Tank Mountain Regional Park has about 30 miles of good shared-use trails that range in length from 0.9 to 7.9 miles and difficulty from easy to severe. Riders on horses and mountain bikes are welcome, although caution is advised because some of the trails are exceedingly challenging.
Nature Center
White Tank Regional Park’s nature centres are LEED® Platinum certified, with 228 rooftop solar panels that provide 25% of the facility’s yearly energy needs. The structure was green before it was even a structure. Over 92 percent of the construction trash was sorted and recycled by the contractor who built the facility. Other environmentally friendly characteristics include:
To make use of natural resources, the 145-car parking lot is paved with decomposed, compressed granite and graded to allow runoff to trickle into discreet collect basins.
The building’s 22-foot tall, 12-inch thick fin walls across the rear exposure shade the dual-pane windows from the scorching summer sun, decreasing heat intake.
Picnicking
There are 240 picnic tables with grills at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 80 of which have a little cover.
For large groups, there are eleven Group Picnic Sites accessible. These ramadas can be reserved in four-hour increments for a charge. To reserve your ramada, call the park directly at (602) 506-2930. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis if they are not designated as reserved.
Park Entry Fees
| placeholder do not deleate | PRICE |
Spur Cross Conservation Area | $3.00/person |
| Hassayampa River Preserve Conservation Area Entry – Children 12 and under are free | $5.00/person |
| Vehicle entry, all other parks | $7.00 |
| Hike/Bike/Equestrian | $2.00 |
| Watercraft Motorized | $4.00 |
| Watercraft Non-Motorized | $2.00 |
| Archery Daily Supply Fee – Children under 15 are free | $2.00 |
| School Bus – All Parks | $15.00 |
| Commercial Bus – Motorized vehicle able to hold greater than 30 passengers | $55.00 |
| Commercial Passenger Van – Motorized vehicle able to hold between 10 and 29 passengers | $25.00 |
Discount Coupon Book 5 coupons for $25 (a $10 saving) |
