Near Mesquite Trail Loop
On the Waddell Trail
Near Mesquite Trail Loop
Beginning the hike up the canyon.
Near Mesquite Trail Loop
1,625'; Ford Canyon/Waddell Trail trail junction sign. Paul is continuing on down the Ford Canyon Trail, I'll continue along the Waddell Trail & back to the trailhead where I started. 1 mile more to hike B4 returning to where I started.
Near Mesquite Trail Loop
Looking up Mesquite Canyon trail, straight ahead. This trail junction/sign is a mere 400' from the trailhead.
Near Mesquite Trail Loop
Sonoran cactus-scape, Oct. 20, 2007 ( with permission from meg99az)

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Mesquite Trail Loop

3.5 (2 Ratings)
A smooth loop with great views and abundant wildlife.
3.7
mi
Distance
182
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.7mi
Distance
182ft
Elevation Gain
185ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
1,636ft
High Point
1,439ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Starting from the parking lot, pick up the Mesquite Trail which quickly skips you over the road and west toward the rugged White Tank Mountains. Cruise past towering saguaro toward the Area 7 parking area. You could also park here to start this loop. With the parking area on your left, hike right on the the Waddell Trail. You'll pass by beautiful Palo Verde trees, cholla and other Sonoran Desert staples. In about a mile, you'll hang a right onto Ford Canyon Trail and cruise next to a deep wash. Look to the east and enjoy a wide view of the valley and the mountains beyond. Next thing you know, you'll see the windmill by the parking lot where you started and be contemplating another quick lap!

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Mesquite Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Mesquite Canyon Trail

Views
moderate
10.02 mi
+1,584 ft
Ford Canyon

Hike Route

Ford Canyon

Less Crowded
strenuous
12.24 mi
+1,928 ft
Mule Deer Trail

Hike Route

Mule Deer Trail

Views
easy
3.38 mi
+204 ft
Black Rock/Waterfall Trail Loop

Hike Route

Black Rock/Waterfall Trail Loop

Views
moderate
3.91 mi
+397 ft
Mesquite Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Mesquite Canyon Loop

Birding
strenuous
8.38 mi
+1,790 ft
Mesquite Canyon/Ford Canyon Trail Loop Clockwise

Hike Route

Mesquite Canyon/Ford Canyon Trail Loop Clockwise

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
10.5 mi
+1,877 ft
Contributors
Robert Bruce