Goat Camp Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There are a few areas where the incline gets pretty steep and it’s necessary to climb over some big rocks. Be careful of your footing as the terrain can be uneven, rocky, and full of loose gravel in some spots. Also, there are several cacti that hang over the trail and could snag you if you don’t watch where you’re going.

This trail is within the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. It is primarily used as part of a loop in conjunction with the Mesquite Canyon Trail or Ford Canyon Trail. It is a fairly strenuous trail with some rocky terrain and beautiful views. You’ll want to bring adequate water and a cell phone if you venture to the end of the trail, as it is quite secluded.

The trailhead is located on Black Canyon Drive, where you'll find a few parking spots on either side of the road.

The first mile and a half of the trail is relatively flat, wide, and well maintained as it winds along the base of the mountain and then heads into the canyon. The next mile and a half presents you with a 1000 foot uphill climb on a rocky, bumpy trail. It's nothing too difficult if you’re in decent shape, but it will get your heart pounding and require you to mind your footing. The scenery above provides a unique view of desert plants and mountainous terrain. After mile marker three, the trail levels off and slowly begins to descend as it winds its way around the hillside.

Around mile marker four, the trail passes below the area populated by radio towers. The park makes it very clear that trespassing in that area is strictly prohibited. From this spot on the trail, you also get a good view of Barry Goldwater Peak—the highest point in the White Tank Mountains. The trail then crosses a dry creek bed before making a short, final ascent followed by a steady downhill trek to the intersection of Ford Canyon Trail and Mesquite Canyon Trail.

This is a long, remote and beautiful trail. Snakes are plentiful in the warmer months and cacti protrude over the trail, so watch where you are running at all times.

A variety of desert plants and cacti are plentiful. Watch for mule deer, squirrels, rabbits, birds, and rattlesnakes.