Home › Arizona › Waddell › Black Rock Loop Trailhead
Black Rock Loop Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · Running trail in Waddell, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Black Rock Loop Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiker-friendly area with mountain views and a range of short and long tracks.
What runners say about Black Rock Loop Trailhead
“Area is clean and has benches along most of the trail if you wanted to enjoy the views for a bit.”
“Easy loop, all dirt and gravel the whole way, no big hills or ravines, would definitely recommend for kids or anyone looking for a short but scenic hike in between the mountains.”
“Nice, easy hike to the waterfall (no actual waterfall anymore, but still a nice hike for all ages, and most fitness levels.”
Beautiful trail to the petroglyph plaza to the waterfall trail. My wife, son, and I try to go at least 2 times a week.
Always a great trail of short on time, but still want to get a quick work out on. Easy trail with both a short or longer version. If you take the long loop you’re looking at about 1.4 mines round trip. If you pay close attention you’ll spot some petroglyphs.
Such a great spot. I highly recommend a visit, or 10. Often less crowded than the waterfall. Went back today and saw 6 deer run by. Awesome!
Nice small loop at White Tank Mountain. Black Rock short loop is the easiest trail here at White Tanks. With the option to do the moderate rated Black Rock Long loop, which is 1.3 miles. Park at Area #4 to access this trail head. Love White Tanks. Something for everyone.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy loop, all dirt and gravel the whole way, no big hills or ravines, would definitely recommend for kids or anyone looking for a short but scenic hike in between the mountains.”
“Easy loop, all dirt and gravel the whole way, no big hills or ravines, would definitely recommend for kids or anyone looking for a short but scenic hike in between the mountains.”
“You can either access the trailhead from the Waterfall Trail--- just walk about 10 minutes in and you should see the turnoff point.”
“There are paved lots nearby with plenty of space and clean and well kept bathrooms and picnic areas.”
“Great for tourists and visitors for a very flat and easy desert hike with lots of photo ops.”
“It is a beautiful area with nice inclines the wiggle in and out of the rocky paths.”
“The oy reason it's not 5 stars is due to the lack of water bottle fillers.”
Plan your run at Black Rock Loop Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemaricopacountyparks.net
- Phone(602) 506-2930
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Waddell
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mule Deer Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring picnic tables, a pond, windmills, and views of the state trust land.
Waterfall Canyon Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
Easy hike with a few benches leading to a waterfall plus rock formations.
Mesquite Canyon Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
Hiking area offering varying difficulty levels, scenic views, and a waterfall.
Zanjero Trail Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Cortessa Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 408 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring easy to rustic trails for hiking plus picnic tables and grills and a playground.