Environment and History
The park encompasses a large swath of desert and mountain environment and doubles as a natural preserve. The majority of the park is undeveloped wilderness prohibiting motorized vehicles except on existing roads. Hiking throughout the majority of the park is also restricted to marked trails. Some hunting is permitted within the park boundaries but subject to restriction.
A number of local, indigenous species inhabit the park and are often spotted by park visitors. Visitors at the park may encounter mule deer, coyotes and javelina as well as several species of small rodents, and more rarely, mountain lions. A number of bird species are also common, including the roadrunner and the cactus wren, the official state bird of Arizona. Being in the desert the park is also home to many species of reptiles as well. Guided hikes offered by the park service offer visitors an excellent opportunity to learn about and view the native flora and fauna.
Although normally dry, the area is subject to sudden and sometimes severe flash flooding in the narrow canyons that run through the mountains, particularly during thunderstorms that are common in the late summer. While this creates a potential hazard situation, the appearance of temporary waterfalls in the rugged terrain is a seasonal attraction to park visitors.
The mountains are also home to a number of archaeological sites, with 11 having been identified within the park boundaries, including 7 Hohokam villages. The Black Rock Trail provides access to the remnants of one of these villages, although the remnants are not well preserved and often overlooked by casual visitors. More readily apparent are a number of petroglyphs scattered throughout the park, with some evidence suggesting that some might predate the Hohokam civilization. Park visitors are encouraged to photograph petroglyphs or other archaeological remains, but park regulations prohibit touching or otherwise disturbing them.
- Petroglyphs in the White Tanks
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Web-like petroglyph on the White Tank Mountain Regional Park Waterfall Trail
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Chipping petroglyph on the White Tank Mountain Regional Park Waterfall Trail
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Minor petroglyph on the White Tank Mountain Regional Park Waterfall Trail
Read more about this topic: White Tank Mountain Regional Park
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