Peoria Sunrise Mountain Preserve

Hiked portions of this trail many times, a bit rocky in some places. Although, I have hiked with children as young as three years old. You can choose different routes for different abilities, not a lot of elevation change compared to Thunderbird or Pinnacle Peak park. It seems to be getting more popular. I prefer to go on the weekends because I can park in the elementary school parking lot and head through a gate to a trailhead. Otherwise, be prepared to walk 1/2 mile from West Wing Parkway parking lot to trailhead.

I hike the preserve almost daily, and love the open spaces in the middle of a growing area. The trails are not difficult, although there are options to climb steeper paths if so inclined. I have yet to see a rattlesnake in the preserve , but coyotes do travel through the area.

The Sunrise Mountain Preserve trail was somewhat busy with hikers. I biked the Family Loop trail and enjoyed the downhill section on the back of the mountain. The other sections of the trail look great for hiking, but the gravel was too loose to ride.