Peoria is surrounded by the rugged beauty and breathtaking terrain of the Sonoran Desert. Its stunning sunsets and unique saguaros serve as a spectacular backdrop for a city that beckons just about anyone to venture outdoors.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is an oasis in the desert with more than 10,000 acres of water, two marinas, and boat and watercraft rentals galore. It also boasts and extensive trail system, archaeological sites, gliding lessons and more. Once you set foot in our picturesque desert environment, you're sure to be hooked.

Hiking and Biking

Peoria offers an expansive system of hiking trails and multi-use paths to explore and enjoy. With access to 570 acres of parks and more than 25 miles of trails and the natural beauty of the hills and valleys of the Sonoran Desert, Peoria is a hiking mecca.

Peoria’s Trail System

There are 12.5 miles along New River from Northern Avenue to Williams Road, 5.7 miles along Skunk Creek from 83rd Avenue to 51st Avenue in Glendale, and 11.25 miles of Mountain Hiking Trails.

Mountain Trailheads

• Calderwood Butte - N 99th Ave, 0.3 miles north of Jomax Road
• Eastwing Mountain - 7098 W Miner Trail
• Sunrise Mountain - 27100 Westwing Pkwy.
• WestWing Mountain - 27100 Westwing Pkwy.

Multi-Use Trailheads

• New River Trail at Fletcher Heights - 77th Ave and Deer Valley Road
• New River Trail at Rio Vista Community Park - 8866 W Thunderbird Road
• New River Trail at Westbrook Village - 19259 N 83rd Ave.
• Paloma Community Park Trailhead - 29799 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy.
• Skunk Creek Trailhead - 15091 N 83rd Ave.

Trail Hours:

• Mountain Trails - sunrise to sunset
• River Trails – sunrise – 10:30 p.m.
• Trailheads - 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Download Peoria trail map (PDF)

Horseback Riding

An iconic Arizona activity, horseback riding promises to delight riders young and old. With multiple companies offering unique horseback riding experiences on trails along Skunk Creek and Lake Pleasant, there's an adventure for everyone.

Arizona Riders
15125 North 83rd Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85381
(602) 403-9560

Arizona Horseriding Adventures
14629 W. Peoria Avenue
Waddell, AZ 85355
(623) 640-3814

Betty's Trail Rides at Cibola Vista Resort & Spa
27501 N. Lake Pleasant Blvd.
Peoria, AZ 85383
(623) 889-6700

Outdoor Activities at Lake Pleasant

Water adventures and activities are plentiful on Lake Pleasant. Bring your own boat or personal watercraft and enjoy a day fishing or relaxing on the water. Water skiing and wakeboarding are very popular here. No boat? Daily rentals are available. Kayak and stand-up paddle boards are also available for rent.

The park also features a Visitor Center with museum-like exhibits and ranger-led talks and programs. There are nine trails to explore, including some multiple-use and some hike-only trails. Lake Pleasant Regional Park also has 148 camp sites for RVs and tent camping, advance reservations are recommended.

Read More: Lake Pleasant Activities & Amenities

Paintball

The desert boasts unbelievable beauty but it can also serve as a fun backdrop for paintball!

Cowtown Paintball Park is Arizona’s premier desert outdoor field that is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau. With a field that provides plenty of visibility and adventure.

Cowtown Paintball Park
10402 W. Carefree Hwy.
Peoria, AZ 85383
(602) 695-0722