White Tank Mountains
A quick drive from Surprise, the White Tank Mountains Regional Park offers great hiking trails designed around the villages of the Hohokam and Yavapai Indians. The terrain is rugged and rare flash floods in the area can cause very heavy runoff that pour down chutes and ledges. The water eroded a series of depressions, or tanks, in the white granite rock below, thus giving the mountains their name.
Goat Camp Trail is one of those tracks that offers easy access and awesome views of Goat Canyon. Though you may not encounter any of the famous white tanks, you will encounter a great sunrise if you get going early enough. After paying the $5 to enter the park, grab a map and follow it to the trailhead. Parking isn’t usually a problem and restrooms are available. The first mile can be enjoyed by everyone, but after its intersection with the Bajada Trail, the hike becomes much narrower with a few dry wash crossings. For those who carry on, the trail continues along a wash where it eventually crosses over. Switchbacks take you up and, though challenging, the terrain can be dealt with for those who want to get a better view. Many hikers continue up to take advantage of the best seat in the house. At about 3,000 ft elevation and right off the trail is a huge boulder offering a free bench to take a breather and watch the sunrise.
