Double black MTB tech in both directions made these the hardest trails I had ever ridden, and I loved every min. The views were just as impressive as the riding, and we earned every inch of it (see details below). Obviously, this ride isn’t for everyone, but if you appreciate a good challenge and you have the fitness to back it up, I would highly recommend checking out the Goat Camp and Mesquite trails at the White Tank Regional Park, AZ.
Trail Details:
Starting at the Goat Camp Trailhead lot (google pin below) we back tracked a tad bit before making a right onto Bajada. We continued on Bajada for a mile which merges into Mule Deer. We were on Mule Deer for about two miles and it was a great warm up for Mesquite.
The first half of Mesquite was insanely challenging with technical uphill rock gardens and steep punches littered throughout. That lasts for 900 ft before it begins to level out and become more mellow, well, at least compared to what you just endured, lol. From bottom to top it’s about 1300 ft total and filled with hikers, so I would advise riding during the week.
Unfortunately there is still another 800 ft of climbing on Goat Camp as it undulates up and down for the first 4 miles. The trail is labeled “double black” on Trailforks, but the first 4 miles is more “blue” with some “black” tech sections. The last three miles drops 1600 ft in 3 miles and is definitely “double black”. The tech is relentless and insanely difficult! We only managed to clear 70% of what was there and some of it looked damn near in possible. Kudos to anyone getting it all.
We finished the ride with 15 miles and 2500 ft. Both of us were exhausted and mentally fatigued by the end, but we had an absolute blast! If you love a good challenge and you are an advanced level ride with good fitness, I think you will enjoy this trail too. Side note, I did not see any bathrooms at the lot, but I’m sure there are other bigger lots that have those accommodations.
Additional Info:
Goat Camp Trailhead Parking Lot:
N Black Canyon Dr, Maricopa County, Arizona
https://maps.app.goo.gl/h6fjd22f5naHk3ZbA
White Tank Regional Park Map
https://www.trailforks.com/region/white-tank-regional-park-19947/
Our Goat Camp Route on Strava (April 2026)
https://www.strava.com/activities/18233560572
Trail Advocates
Huge props to the West Valley Trail Alliance for all the fantastic work they do building and maintaining these trails. If you want to donate or learn more about them check them out here:
www.westvalleytrailalliance.org or instagram.com/westvalleytrails
Learn more about this ride, and all our rides, on the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, every Wednesday, hosted by Dan and Sage
https://www.youtube.com/@RideLaughPodcast
Featured rider: Dan https://www.instagram.com/the_ride_abides
Footage notes: All footage was taken at White Tank Regional Park, Arizona
Featured Bike: Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Pro
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-15-pro-sram-x0-axs-fox-factory/p/4221403
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