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Getting There: From Phoenix, Arizona, travel the 101 west to the Bell Road exit. (If the 303 route is more convenient, you can take the 303 to Olive). From Bell Road, head South on Hwy 303 to Olive. Turn west for 4 miles on Olive to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park entrance. Map
Fees: $6.00 per car. Annual passes are available.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun - Thurs and 10 p.m. Fri & Sat.
More Information:
Phone: 623-935-2505
Website: www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/
Liz’s Tips:
Visitor’s Center: About a mile into the park, there is a nice little Visitor’s Center. Stop awhile and find out about the Park’s flora and fauna. Don’t be surprised to see a well-caged rattlesnake at the Center. This is a great place to get your questions answered before you head out to explore the Park.
Safety: If it is raining, don’t go until the rains have stopped. Check the washes for water level and don’t attempt to drive to the Park if there is significant run-off in the washes. Call the park to be certain that the trails and roads are passable. Use common sense and caution during the rainy season. What looks like a dry wash, can fill up in a matter of minutes during a downpour.
Enjoying the Park: Picnic ramadas can be reserved, but if they are not being used, the covered tables are an ideal place to have lunch after a hike in the desert. Maps, showing ramada locations and parking, are available at the Park entrance or the Visitor’s Center.
For the Novice: If you are not sure about hiking in the desert, consider attending a group walk led by a Park Ranger. The Park offers a variety of short guided hikes.
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