Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Desert 101 Hike – Ford Canyon Trail

Enjoy a moderate to extremely difficult hike up ~3.3 miles of Ford Canyon Trail to the old dam site while learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and the White Tank Mountains. We may see early wildflowers in places, depending on how much winter precipitation falls and how cold it is then. We will meet at the trailhead at Area 9, which has restrooms available. The hike will be about 6.6 miles round trip. The first couple of miles are moderate with occasionally rocky or uneven surfaces, and some minor inclines or declines, but the upper portion involves some climbing short distances over rock slabs as we enter the narrower part of Ford Canyon. Hiking poles are recommended for this hike! Those that want to join us just for the easier portion are more than welcome to still come. If we get rain this winter, upper Ford Canyon may have water pools or even flowing water to see. Please dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear and sun protection, bring ample water (at least 3 liters recommended), electrolytes, and snacks. Restrooms are available at the Area 9 trailhead where we will meet.

MEETING LOCATION: Area 9 Ford Canyon Trailhead. See park map here: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/white-tank-8×11.pdf

Limit 15 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 5 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on Wednesday, 2/14/24.

Free with Park Fee