The White Tanks Mountains lie to the west of Phoenix in the Valley of the Sun. Being thankful for a federal holiday due to the "discovering" of America by Columbus I headed to the mountains in order to discover more of Arizona. The Goat Camp Trail in its entirety is 6.4 miles long one way but there is a white tank at 2.25 miles and a convenient turnaround point for a shorter hike. The first mile and a half is fairly flat but the trail is quite rocky in several sections so hiking boots are advised. Just past the first 1.5 miles the trail ascends 1200 feet in less than a mile.
One of the parks "white tanks" is at the top of the climb. The tanks are formed by flash floods that have occured over several millennia. The water pours down the canyons and drops over ledges carving out tanks that expose the white granite. The return trip is a fun downhill romp and there are great views to the east where downtown Phoenix can be seen from time to time. The entire 4.5 mile round-trip can be easy accomplished in 2 hours. I have hiked this trail numerous times and have never encountered more than a handful of other hikers on any occasion.
Equipment used:
Merrell hiking boots
Mid weight hiking socks
Shorts
T-shirt
Camelbak
Camera
Clif Mojo Mountain Mix bar (yum)
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