West Mountain Trails

Short, interconnected trails travel up and around West Mountain. Canyon Trail connects the downtown area to the West Mountain Trails, and Mountain Top Trail connects Whittington Park to the 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.

 
Overview map of trailheads, lengths, and routes of trails along Hot Springs Mountain.

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.

Map outlining the entire route of the Sunset Trail through West, Sugarloaf, and North Mountains.

Sunset Trail

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

A man biking up the steep road to Hot Springs Mountain

Biking in the Park

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

A couple sits by Gulpha Creek looking over the water with an RV in the background.

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.

Thermal pool with green algae

Experience the Water

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

Last updated: October 2, 2020

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

101 Reserve Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone:

501 620-6715

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