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, I want to acknowledge that they are actively trying to add trails to their city and they should be given credit for that. I also want to say that it is not easy to a create a system of trails in an area that has been actively used for years by bikers, hikers and off roaders long before Paloma Park was developed. That being said Peoria struggles mightily in making comprehensive trails. Biscuit Flats in no exception. Biscuit Flats takes off from the East Wing TH which is adjacent to Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park. At the TH, they have a nice map of the trail system that seems to give a nice representation of the Biscuit Flat Trail. The map shows Biscuit Flats (BF) being a loop with two spurs. Unfortunately, their trail signage does not corroborate their trail maps. There is no signage when you leave the TH that you are on BF. So you are not really sure that you are on BF until you reach the circle. Maybe they feel it is self evident. Even worse, as you are doing the circle CC there is a sharp turn that is not signed that needs to be. The trail goes from a road like trail to a much fainter trail with this turn without any signage. Without the signage telling you to turn, you are inclined to continue down the road you are hiking. Another problem, the map has the Burro Range Trail beginning from the NE edge of the Biscuit Flat circle. When doing the hike the Burro Range Trail actually starts from the NW edge of the Biscuit Flat circle. I realize this is a city park and it’s unlikely anyone is going to get lost or suffer any serious harm, but these are glaring mistakes and with a little effort could easily be fixed. ](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}
Another road had veered in from the west just prior to this marker. I decided to follow this road back towards the TH. Eventually came to a trail sign that said New River Trail north/south and Biscuit Flats to the east. I took this BF spur back to the BF circle (loop) and decided to follow the loop clockwise in hopes of seeing where I missed the turn. About .6 miles later I was back to where I had “missed” my turn. Nope. No marker at this spot. I kind of wandered around this area just to be sure the trail (and missing marker) didn’t turn at some other point. I didn’t see anything in my wandering. Feeling very exasperated I headed back towards the TH. I didn’t do the loop and therefore unable to do the description that I had hoped for, but I now have a much better idea how this trail behaves….. for next time.average hiking speed 2.73 mph
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
