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WEST WING MOUNTAIN TRAILS
City of Peoria
Every town and city in the Valley has its popular workout
trail where the hordes converge for their daily dose of sweat and grind.
Examples are Camelback Mountain in Phoenix and, Scottsdale's Pinnacle Peak. Not
to be left out of the fitness frenzy, Peoria's trek of choice is West Wing
Mountain. Unlike its neighbors, which offer one option---moderately difficult,
straight up-and-down trudges-- this system of loop trails offers you a
choice of difficult and extreme options. Although the trails are well
maintained and not too steep, the difficult rating is likely because of the
slick rock and loose scree underfoot.
The mountain is actually an undulating ridgeline with trails
wrapping up and around scenic viewpoints and a high summit. Rising above a Northwest Valley
suburban domain of kids and cul-de-sacs, the trails dodge among crusty cliffs
and barrel cactus showcasing ever-improving views as the routes gain elevation.
At the top of the extreme loop, views of a sea of terra cotta roofs nuzzling up
to the mountain’s base and West Valley mountains form a 360-degree panorama
beyond a familiar landscape of freeways and shopping malls.
LENGTH: 3.4 or
3.5 miles (including 0.2-mile access trail from the park)
RATING: difficult
ELEVATION: 1400'- 1903’
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to Loop 303 exit 221 . Turn left (west) and continue 7 miles to Lake Pleasant Parkway exit 131, turn left (south) and go 2.3 miles to West Wing
Parkway, turn left and go 1 mile to West Wing Park on the right. Trail begins at the far west side of
the parking lot. Although there are numerous access points from residential
streets, The City of Peoria wants hikers to park at the West Wing Park lot.
INFO: City of Peoria, 623-773-7120
West Wing Neighborhood Park
27100 N. West Wing Parkway, Peoria
