West Mountain Trails

West Mountain trail map.

NPS

 

Trail	Description	Distance (one way)	Elevation	Typical Grade
Canyon Trail	The West Mountain trails can be reached from downtown via Canyon Trail. The trailhead is behind the Mountain Valley Water building. The section between West Mountain Drive and West Mountain Trail is very steep.	0.7mi (1.1km)	626-933ft (191-303m)	10%
Mountain Top Trail	If hiking southward, the trail is strenous, as it gains elevation quickly. If hiking northward, there is a steady rise in elevation until you cross Sunset Trail; the trail descends steeply to the trailhead at Whittington Park.	1.5mi (2.4km)	675-1100ft (206-335m)	5.4%
Whittington Trail	The flat, gravel trail is popular with joggers and walkers. Whittington Trail loops around Whittington Park.	1.2mi (1.9km)	647-685ft (197-209m)	0.6%
West Mountain Trail	Both sections of West Mountain Trail have gradual change in elevation. Note: West Mountain Trail can be made into a loop by using Mountian Top Trail (elevation change: 400 feet in this section).	1.2mi (1.9km)	926-992ft (282-302m)	1.1%
Oak Trail	The northeastern end of Oak Trail is mostly flat. The trail is fairly steep for a short distance between West Mountain Trail and West Mountain Drive.	1.0mi (1.6km)	698-922ft (213-281m)	4.2%

 

Hiking Etiquette and Safety

Take plenty of drinking water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Stay on the established trails. Leaving the trail can be hazardous.

Respect wildlife; observe only from a distance. Horses are allowed only on non-paved trails. Keep pets on a six foot leash at all times. Properly dispose of waste, including pet waste. Pack it in, pack it out.

Remember everything is protected in a national park. Please leave objects as you find them. Leave rocks, plants, and flowers for others to enjoy. Historic structures and artifacts help tell the story of the past.

Please report vandalism or graffiti to a law enforcement ranger. For National Park Service law enforcement dispatch call 888-692-1162. For emergency assistance, call 911.

 

Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails

The trails on Hot Springs Mountain offer a great variety of opportunities to experience a lot of the Park.

Sunset Trail

Get off the beaten path and take on the longest trail in the Park, the Sunset Trail!

Biking in the Park

Learn about the opportunities and rules for biking in the Park!

Gulpha Gorge Campground

With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park.

Experience the Water

Learn about the various ways that you can experience the thermal springs in the Park.