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+ 86

White Tanks: Mesquite Canyon -> Goat Canyon Loop

Mountain Biking Trail

Hard
13.1 mi
2,154 ft
One of the most technical and most remote rides in the Phoenix Metro Area.

While McDowell and South Mountain reign supreme as the most popular areas to ride a mountain bike near Phoenix, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is actually home to some of the wildest, most remote, and most challenging mountain biking in the region. The route mapped here offers a challenging but achievable loop through the White Tank Mountains.

The climb begins on the Mesquite Canyon Trail with "a series of switchbacks as the trail ascends quickly to a saddle," [according to]( adventure travel writer Brendon Voelker. "Jagged rock and shale define much of this [climb]," he continues

Once at the top of the climb, here's an overview of the rest of the route [in Voelker's words](

"At the intersection with Willow Canyon, the route leads into the Goat Camp Trail - the most scenic portion of the [ride]. Should you want to bail or shorten the route, head down Willow Canyon Trail back to the Ramada.

"As you continue southbound on Goat Camp, the trail begins to hug the contours of the mountain as it gradually climbs. Along the way, you'll encounter several vistas to the east. At times, you can even see parts of Phoenix in the distance.

"After cresting a final high point, the trail descends into another canyon. This portion of the route can feel extremely secluded, and in the cooler months, you will likely be sharing the solitude with local wildlife that graze nearby."

While beautiful and wild, the descent down Goat Camp Trail is technical and demanding. Some local riders will warn you away from this trail if you have any difficulty riding other double black diamond trails. Since this route is so remote (in Phoenix terms) and so demanding, you must be prepared to ride safely, in control, and accept all consequences of your actions. But for those willing to accept the challenge, this is one of the most rewarding technical loop rides in the Phoenix Metro Area! Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
mesquite WB to Waddell intersect0.87 mi89 ft1.9%
Mesquite Complete5.04 mi1,480 ft5.3%
Parking lot to top of Mesquite8.20 mi1,775 ft3.9%
Beeswax0.51 mi36 ft1.4%
Mesquite Canyon Purge5.67 mi1,673 ft5.6%
Mesquite Canyon Trail Climb1.65 mi719 ft8.2%
Mesquite to Willow1.94 mi699 ft6.8%
Mesquite Canyon Cimb - Waddell to Summit 1.18 mi617 ft9.8%
Mesquite Canyon (MQ)4.11 mi1,339 ft6.0%
Goat Camp XC Up - Mesquite7.42 mi1,696 ft4.2%
The Full Goat10.55 mi-1,752 ft-0.1%
1k0.66 mi351 ft10.0%
White Tanks Tour 9.44 mi1,621 ft0.1%
Mesquite Canyon Trail Climb1.17 mi308 ft4.9%
Ford Canyon Trail Climb1.60 mi502 ft5.8%
Full Goat Camp5.76 mi-1,588 ft-4.0%
Goat Camp Climb0.97 mi266 ft5.2%
Goat Camp XC!1.42 mi148 ft1.3%
Goat Camp DH Full2.28 mi-1,440 ft-12.0%
Goat Camp DH1.47 mi-1,198 ft-15.4%
Wally World1.35 mi-197 ft-2.8%
Chunky n Smooth0.83 mi-131 ft-3.0%
Goat Camp Fork to Bajada Lower Parking0.51 mi-95 ft-3.3%
Mule Deer Climb North0.47 mi95 ft2.9%
Mule Deer uphill0.41 mi82 ft3.2%
Up and Over Mule Deer0.73 mi95 ft0.5%
Mule Deer True Climb North0.32 mi98 ft5.9%
Little Mule Deer Descent Heading North/West0.26 mi-39 ft-2.9%
Mule Deer/Ford Canyon Connector0.53 mi33 ft0.3%