Activities
The developed portion of the park provides a number of outdoor recreational activities. Ramadas (generally shaded tables), picnic areas and campgrounds are available and often used for informal gathering places. Several of the campground areas are available for RV access and are semi-developed, including picnic tables, barbecue grills and restroom facilities equipped with showers.
The park is better renowned for its extensive network of hiking trails. Nearly 26 miles (42 km) of hiking trails wind through the terrain in the park, ranging in difficulty from a simple walk to moderately challenging. The most commonly used is the Waterfall trail, a 0.9 miles (1.4 km) walk that culminates in a narrow canyon featuring a seasonal waterfall. Bicycling and horseback riding are permitted on many of the trails. In addition to the network of hiking trails there is a 10 miles (16 km) competitive track designed for "high speeds, challenging one's skills, and racing".
Clear weather typical of the desert environment combined with darker skies due to the semi-rural setting provide for stargazing and amateur astronomy opportunities. The park hosts an organized stargazing event at various dates through the year. A number of other organized events take place regularly during the year. These events include interpretive nature hikes, guided health walks and youth-oriented events.
For those interested in horseback riding but lacking a horse of their own, the White Tanks Riding Stables offers a variety of guided trail rides into the park. A .4-mile gravel driveway located just east of the park entrance leads to the stables, which are open 7 days a week November through April. (www.whitetanksriding.com)
Read more about this topic: White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Famous quotes containing the word activities:
“As life developed, I faced each problem as it came along. As my activities and work broadened and reached out, I never tried to shirk. I tried never to evade an issue. When I found I had something to do—I just did it.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962)
“Minds do not act together in public; they simply stick together; and when their private activities are resumed, they fly apart again.”
—Frank Moore Colby (1865–1925)
“The old, subjective, stagnant, indolent and wretched life for woman has gone. She has as many resources as men, as many activities beckon her on. As large possibilities swell and inspire her heart.”
—Anna Julia Cooper (1859–1964)