White Tank Mountains

Writing my final Arizona travel post today, it feels like so long since I was back in the sunshine of the Grand Canyon State. After spending many summers of my childhood in Phoenix and Arizona, one of the spots we would always return to were the White Tank Mountains.

In the surrounding hills of Phoenix, you can take a short drive and be surrounded by the land of cacti. Perfect for catching both a sunrise or a sunset, it makes the most beautiful backdrop. Looking out over the city in the distance, over a silhouette of cacti. It’s easy to forget just how close you are in the silence of the mountains.

One of the Biggest Regional Parks

At nearly 30,000 acres, White Tank Mountains national park is one of the largest regional parks in Maricopa County. With the mountains on the valley’s west side, you’re never short of a beautiful view. Overlooking the suburban cities of Buckeye and Surprise, with a peak elevation of 4,000 feet at Barry Goldwater.

Formed an estimated 30 million years ago, the mountains are full of rocky fault ridges and deep canyons. Although rain isn’t that common in Phoenix, during monsoon season water rushes so rapidly through the canyons. Over time it formed tanks to hold the water in the white granite near the base of the mountains; giving it it’s name.

The Perfect Photo Opportunity

You’ll find countless stop off’s in the park for the perfect photo opportunity. My favourite place was catching the mist of the early morning sun rise over the mountains. Casting a perfect silhouette over the cactai. The waterfall trail is one of the most popular hikes. Depending on the time of year – you might indeed even spot the waterfall at the peak of your hike!

The perfect place to catch a sunrise or sunset over the city; it’s well worth taking some time out to relax and enjoy the stillness of the mountains.

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