Hot Springs National Park: Sunset Trail Loop
Traverse the secluded ridgelines of the "Valley of Vapors" on this 12.4-mile loop through America's oldest National Park Service site.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 20.4
Waypoints
SSL001
Location: 34.526249, -93.036636
From Gulpha Gorge campsite, cross creek and turn L onto Sunset Trail
SSL002
Location: 34.523979, -93.037521
L @ Dead Chief Trail; stay on Dead Chief to visitor center
SSL003
Location: 34.51387, -93.053757
Trail emerges @ visitor ctr. Cross street down Mtn. Ave.; R onto Exchange, R up private drive. Stairs at end lead to trail
SSL004
Location: 34.514931, -93.054092
L @ Oak Trail intersection
SSL005
Location: 34.509449, -93.061363
Cross West Mountain Rd.; hike through oak and hickory stands
SSL006
Location: 34.508759, -93.063873
L @ West Mountain Trail intersection
SSL007
Location: 34.506451, -93.067703
R @ Mountain Top Trail
SSL008
Location: 34.507912, -93.070663
L onto Sunset Trail
SSL009
Location: 34.50584, -93.076073
R @ Y; L fork goes up to radio towers
SSL010
Location: 34.506241, -93.102272
Peak of Music Mountain, highest point in park (1,405 ft.)
SSL011
Location: 34.525051, -93.072273
L @ spur trail; ascend .3 mi. for amazing views from Balanced Rock; note novaculite rock outcrops
SSL012
Location: 34.546101, -93.041367
R @ Y
SSL013
Location: 34.53796, -93.035027
Cross Stonebridge Rd.; L around pond to AR 128
SSL014
Location: 34.536011, -93.03157
Cross AR 128/7; hike on S side of hwy. for .1 mi., pick up trail by Gulpha Gorge sign; return to campground