Sunset Trail

Sunset Trail

NPS Photo/Mitch Smith

The Sunset Trail is the longest trail in Hot Springs National Park, covering approximately 10 miles one way or complete the full 13-17 mile loop. This trail offers the most dynamic views of the park, as it crosses a variety of terrain and makes it way through more remote areas of the park following the inner edge of the park's boundary.

The trail crosses three major roads, making it possible to break the entire trail up into smaller sections: West Mountain (2.8 miles), Sugarloaf Mountain (2.6 miles), and Stonebridge Road (3.8 miles).

The Sunset Trail can be combined with Hot Springs Mountain trails (like the Gulpha Gorge Trail (.3 miles) and the Oertel Trail (1.4 miles) and West Mountain trails (like the Oak Trail (.7 miles), West Mountain Trail (1.6 miles), and Mountain Top Trail (.7 miles) to complete the strenuous 13 -17-mile loop hike. 

See the Sunset Trail map for more information.

Details

Duration

6-9 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

All ages, but its is the most difficult and longest trail in Hot Springs National Park. Crossing all types of terrain, the trail is a 13-17 mile loop hike.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets on leashes are allowed. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Sunset Trail

This trail is divided into three sections: West Mountain (2.8 miles), Sugarloaf Mountain (2.6 miles), and Stonebridge Road (3.8 miles). Sunset Trail can be combined with Hot Springs and North Mountain trails and West Mountain trails to complete a strenuous 15-17-mile loop hike.

There are many false trails, or trail spurs, that diverge from Sunset Trail and lead outside of the park boundary, onto private property. Stay on the maintained Sunset Trail at all times. Pay attention to signage and follow the orange blazes. Please be respectful of our neighbors and avoid trespassing on private property.

West Mountain Section

The West Mountain section of Sunset Trail runs 2.8 miles between the West Mountain Summit and Blacksnake Road. Parking is available at both ends of the trail. Views of the southern portion of Hot Springs National Park and Lake Hamilton are available along this section of the trail. The highest point in the park, Music Mountain (1405 feet), is located within the West Mountain section at the westernmost point of Sunset Trail.

*Remain north of the communication towers on West Mountain at all times (keep right if hiking from West Mountain Summit to Blacksnake Road, and keep left if hiking from Blacksnake Road to West Mountain Summit).
 

Sugarloaf Mountain Section

The Sugarloaf Mountain section of Sunset Trail runs 2.6 miles between Blacksnake Road and Cedar Glades Road, traversing the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain. Parking is available at both ends of the trail. Balanced Rock, an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite, offers one of the most scenic vistas within the park. The 0.2-mile Balanced Rock trail spur branches off of Sunset Trail within a curve roughly one mile from Cedar Glades Road. The trail is very steep and rocky for a short distance near Cedar Glades Road.
 

Stonebridge Road Section

The Stonebridge Road section of Sunset Trail runs 3.8 miles between Cedar Glades Road and Gulpha Gorge Campground. Parking is available at both ends of the trail. This section of Sunset Trail passes through land on Stonebridge Road that was once part of the Fordyce family estate. Ricks Pond, an ideal area for aquatic wildlife viewing, is found here. Please be careful around Ricks Pond, and do not climb on or around stone structures. Although bridges lead across Ricks Pond, the land and trails on the other side of Ricks Pond are private property. Please be respectful of our neighbors and do not trespass on their land. The trail crosses Hwy 7 between Stonebridge Road and the Gulpha Gorge Campground. Near the Hwy 7 crossing, the trail runs parallel to Stonebridge Road and to Gorge Road. The 1.2-mile Fordyce Peaks Trail spur branches off of the northeastern corner of Sunset Trail, providing views of Fordyce Peaks. The trail is unmaintained beyond the national park boundary.

*An old roadbed and power line near Cedar Glades Road can confuse hikers. Remain north of the water tank here (keep left if hiking from Cedar Glades Road to Gulpha Gorge Campground, and keep right if hiking from Gulpha Gorge Campground to Cedar Glades Road).

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The trail is accessible and enjoyable all year long.

Time of Day

Day

Trails are closed from 10pm - 5 am every day, all year long.

Accessibility Information

The trail is dirt and gravel with uneven footing. It is not ADA accessible.