An Overview: West Mountain Trails

People hiking on West Mountain.

NPS Photo/Mitch Smith

The West Mountain trails are typically less traveled, providing greater opportunities for wildlife sightings. You can get to these trails via Whittington Park and the Canyon Trailhead. See the West Mountain trail map for more information.

Easy:
Whittington Trail - The flat, gravel trail is popular with joggers and walkers. Whittington Trail loops around Whittington Park.

Distance (one way): 1.2 mi (1.9 km)
Elevation gain: 647-685ft (197-209m)
Grade: 0.6%
 

Moderate:

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.

Distance (one way): 1.0mi (1.6km)
Elevattion gain: 698-922ft (213-281m)
Grade: 4.2%

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).

Distance (one way): 1.2mi (1.9km)
Elevation gain: 926-992ft (282-302m)
Grade: 1.1 %

Strenuous: 

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.

Distance (one way): 0.7mi (1.1km)
Elevation gain: 626-933ft (191-303m)
Grade: 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.

Distance (one way): 1.5mi (2.4km)
Elevation gain: 675-1100ft (206-335m)
Grade: 5.4%

Details

Duration

40-240 Minutes

The shortest trail on West Mountain is the Whittington Park Trail (1.1 miles). The other trails are interconnected and at their longest, creayote a 3.3 mile loop around the top of the mountain. The duration of your hike is largely dependent upon your hiking speed and which trails you decide to embark upon.

Activity

Hiking

West Mountain is a great place to view wildlife, such as deer, squirrels, and birds. 

Age(s)

Whittington Park is the most child and stroller friendly trail on West Mountain. Age appropriateness is dependent upon stamina, comfort with uneven ground, and hiking capability. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets on leashes are allowed. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Hot Springs National Park

The West Mountain trailheads are accessible via downtown Hot Springs (next to Grateful Head Pizza and Mountain Valley Water), Whittington Park, Prospect Street, or the top of West Mountain, off West Mountain Drive. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Trails are accessible and enjoyable all year long.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

West Mountain Road is open from 5 A.M. to 10 P.M.

Accessibility Information

Whittington Trail is accessible by most mobility devices. The other trails on West Mountain are not ADA compliant.