Mesquite Trail Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

This is a fun loop through a beautiful part of White Tank Regional Park. The trail is in great shape and includes beautiful desert scenery. Keep an eye out for the unique barrel cactus growing just off the trail.

Expect your standard desert trail hazards such as sand, protruding rocks, and cholla balls on the trail.

Starting from the parking lot, pick up the Mesquite Trail which quickly skips you over the road and west toward the rugged White Tank Mountains. Cruise past towering saguaro toward the Area 7 parking area. You could also park here to start this loop.

With the parking area on your left, run right on the the Waddell Trail. You'll pass by beautiful Palo Verde trees, cholla and other Sonoran Desert staples. In about a mile, you'll hang a right onto Ford Canyon Trail and cruise next to a deep wash. Look to the east and enjoy a wide view of the valley and the mountains beyond. Next thing you know, you'll see the windmill by the parking lot where you started and be contemplating another quick lap!

Spring is a great time to be out here as everything is blooming from tiny pink flowers on the fishhook pincushion cactus to the giant white blooms crowing the saguaro. It's hard not to be impressed when the desert comes to life.