Peak Trail

Peak Trail is a short out-and-back from the Grand Promenade to Hot Springs Mountain Tower and the summit. The trail map lists 0.6 mile one way, so the return to your start makes this a 1.2-mile walk. The climb gains about 400 feet; the average round trip takes roughly 40 minutes before stops. This is a direct ascent, not a long ridge walk, and the tower and summit overlooks are the payoff.

The trailhead is near the center of the Grand Promenade. From Fordyce Bathhouse, take the stairs behind Shell Fountain, turn left along the Promenade, and look for Peak Trail on the right. Downtown parking is the practical starting point: privately owned off-street lots sit across the street from and south of Bathhouse Row.

The first part is paved, then the surface changes to gravel. The typical grade is 12.6%, so the short mileage understates the effort; expect a continuous uphill walk rather than a gentle stroll. The hike is moderate, especially for anyone unaccustomed to steep grades. The route is open year-round, though park trails close overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

At the summit you can visit the tower, use the overlooks, or picnic. The hike itself has no activity fee or reservation requirement; riding the tower elevator to its observation deck costs extra. Leashed dogs are allowed, with a six-foot leash required. For the broad valley view, leave a little of the grassy clearing in the foreground so the photo shows where you are, not just the horizon. Honeysuckle and Hot Springs Mountain trails connect nearby if you want a longer network walk, but they are separate routes and are not included in this mileage.