A waterfall for allArizona Hiking

WATERFALL CANYON

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

Pool at the base of Waterfall Canyon: Feb. 12, 2013

Approaching the slot canyon

How many people can fit into the 12' x 12' box canyon at the
end of White Tank Mountain Park's Waterfall Trail? By my observations, at least 16--while a constant que waits
on deck to rotate in. Perhaps a
better question might be; what on earth could possibly be so interesting that
16 people would want cram into such a place?
Welcome to one of Arizona's premier mostly-barrier-free hiking
destinations. This extraordinary trail's popularity is bolstered by its wide,
flat surface which is advertised as suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and
walkers for at least the first 0.6-mile.
However, I've seen wheeled trekkers make it all the way up to the final
300 yards where a set of stone stairs leads to the box canyon---and beyond with
a little assistance. This is a
beautiful thing. Because so many
of Arizona's special hiking trails require physical stamina and equipment lists
beyond the scope of casual day trippers, it's good to know that Waterfall
Canyon offers a glimpse of desert splendor to anyone willing to get out of their car. Besides the sometimes-flowing-sometime-not waterfall,
galleries of ancient rock art line the entire route. "Petroglyph
plaza"--an open-air amphitheater with benches--displays several major
design panels with trailside signs explaining their significance.

Just below the waterfall, another considerable heritage site
includes an eclectic mix of astronomical, hunting and magical designs tapped
into boulders. Here, the trail
meets stone stairs for a short climb to the waterfall box canyon. Inside, a trio of stone walls, worn smooth by a million
rainy seasons, jut vertically skyward from a white sand beach and plunge pool echoing a serinade of digital
camera clicks and whizzes.

Crowd in Waterfall Canyon

LENGTH: 2 miles round-trip

RATING: easy, barrier-free up to the last 300 yards.

ELEVATION: 1500' - 1700'

DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed

FACILITIES: restrooms

FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go 18 miles west on I10 Loop 303. Go north and contnue on 303 to
Olive. Turn left (west) on Olive
and proceed 4 miles to the park entrance. Once in the park, follow the main
road (White Tank Mountain Rd) 2 miles to Waterfall Canyon Road. Turn left and go 0.4 mile to the signed
trailhead on the left. NOTE: 2013
road construction plans may cause detours. Visit the park
web site or call ahead for details.