This is the first video of an extensive trip through the USA in April 2022. Here we are near Phoenix / Arizona in the White Tank Regional Park on the second day some hiking. Fortunately, it was not so extremely hot, but still already borderline by the solar radiation. This hike went then also only about 8 km through some hills and the typical cactus landscape of the region.
In this video, I visit White Tank Mountain Regional Park, located just west of Phoenix, Arizona. Covering nearly 30,000 acres, it is the largest regional park in Maricopa County and offers a mix of rugged desert mountains, quiet washes, cactus-dotted landscapes, and wide views over the Valley of the Sun. For anyone who enjoys hiking, desert scenery, or simply exploring the outdoors near Phoenix, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a destination worth experiencing.
The park gets its name from the natural depressions, or “tanks,” that have formed in the white granite rock of the mountains. Over time, these depressions collect rainwater, making them important sources of water in the desert and giving the area both its name and its history. The White Tank Mountains rise sharply from the desert floor, creating a striking backdrop against the open valleys and suburban areas that surround them.
One of the highlights of the park is its extensive trail system. More than 30 miles of trails wind through canyons, ridges, and desert washes. Some trails are short and easy, perfect for quick walks or family outings, while others climb higher into the mountains, offering more challenging hikes and panoramic views. Among the most popular is the Waterfall Trail, a relatively short and accessible hike that leads to a seasonal waterfall and a site with ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks. Even when the waterfall is dry, the canyon itself is a beautiful place to explore.
The desert landscape is rich with plant life typical of the Sonoran Desert. Towering saguaro cacti, clusters of cholla, and the spindly arms of ocotillo plants are all common sights along the trails. In spring, wildflowers add bursts of colour to the otherwise rugged scenery. The variety of plants creates a vivid desert environment that changes with the seasons.
Wildlife is another part of the experience at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Lizards dart across the trails, rabbits and quail move through the brush, and with luck, larger animals such as mule deer or coyotes may be spotted. Birds of prey are also common, often circling above the mountains. The combination of quiet desert and active wildlife adds to the feeling of being in a natural refuge so close to the city.
In addition to hiking and nature, the park offers camping, picnic areas, and stargazing opportunities. Being away from the city lights, White Tank is a good place to see the desert night sky. The sunsets over the mountains are particularly memorable, with warm colours lighting up the desert plants and rugged peaks before fading into deep twilight.
The atmosphere of White Tank Mountain Regional Park changes throughout the day and year. Mornings are cool and peaceful, perfect for walks. Midday brings heat and sharp light, while evenings are cooler with beautiful desert sunsets. Each season brings its own character—from the colourful blooms of spring to the cooler hiking weather of winter.
This video captures the overall feeling of visiting White Tank Mountain Regional Park: the hiking trails, the cacti and desert plants, the wildlife, and the wide-open views. It is not a detailed guide but a general look at the impressions and atmosphere of this unique desert park.
For visitors to Phoenix, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a reminder of how much nature surrounds the city. It is a place where you can step out of the urban environment and into a landscape shaped by time, water, and desert life. Whether you come for a short walk, a longer hike, or simply to enjoy the desert views, White Tank offers a memorable glimpse of Arizona’s natural beauty.