Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Skip to content

Sunlight Trail

0.8 miles (one way)

Intermediate

Moderate

10,005 Ft (3,335 m)

10,251 Ft (3,417 m)

249 Ft (83 m)

Lost Lake Trail Gallery
Grasses and pine trees along Grouse Lake trail
Grassy area along trail

Pack a picnic for Parker Deck and enjoy taking in panoramic views into Sundown Bowl along Sunlight Trail.

Follow clear signage for Sunlight as you traverse through forested slopes, passing by the Kinnickinnick Trail and crossing the Main Vail service road. The final segment of the trail gradually inclines before reaching the official summit of Vail Mountain at 11,250 feet and the Mountaintop Express lift-top. This area is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The Sunlight trail offers a gentle and smooth terrain, free from roots or rocks.

Sunlight Trail

Care for Colorado: Leave No Trace

Exploring Vail goes hand in hand with caring for our beautiful natural environment. Here’s how you can do your part!

Stay on the Trail

No shortcuts — going off trail compromises trail construction, kills the vegetation, increases soil erosion and may result in reduced water quality.

Pack Out Trash

Stash it until you can trash it — anything you bring with you, you must pack back out. Trash can hurt wildlife and contaminate water ways.

Dog Do's and Don'ts

Do pick up the doo — pack out all dog poop. Don’t let dogs off leash to protect them from wildlife and protect wildlife from them.

Respect Wildlife

Give them space — observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals as it can alter their behavior.

Plan Ahead

Take the trail less traveled — there are more than 100 miles of hiking trails in the Vail area! Use the trail guide to discover area trails and, whenever possible, ride a bike or take a free Town of Vail bus to the trailhead.

Find More Leave No Trace Tips

Dogs & Leashes

Dogs are allowed in the White River National Forest, but may not be on permitted in certain areas of Vail Resorts. Please adhere to any posted signs. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash when you are in Vail Resort and around other forest users, other dogs, or are in bear country.

Explore Other Hikes

A family of four hikes amongst wildflowers with evergreens and mountains behind them in Vail.

Meadows Loop Trail

Meadows Loop Trail offers a scenic 2.5-mile journey through alpine meadows and forests. Purchase a Scenic Gondola Ticket and ride Gondola One from the Village up to Mid-Vail. The trailhead
Details
Three girls hiking on top of a mountain in the fall with yellow grass in the foreground and yellow aspens and mountains in the background.

Game Creek Trail

Game Creek Trail in Vail, Colorado, is a picturesque hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail begins near the top of Vail Mountain
Details
Son of Middle Creek hillside along trail

Son of Middle Creek Trail

CLOSED April 15 – June 20 Son of Middle Creek trail ascends the hillside on the north side of I-70, offering views of Vail Mountain and the Town of Vail.
Details
hiking in piney lake

Lower Piney Trail

The Lower Piney Trail follows the Piney River downstream through meadows and aspen forests. At mile 1, the Wash Holland trail veers right. Stay left here. At mile 3.0, the
Details

Grand Escape Trail

The Grand Escape Trailhead begins at the top of Wildwood Express Lift area. This moderately challenging and well-marked trail promises breathtaking alpine scenery and panoramic views of the surrounding Gore
Details
Dirt trail among aspen trees and grasses with mountain views

Buffehr Creek Trail

CLOSED April 15 to June 20 From the Buffehr Creek trailhead, cross the bridge and proceed about 1/4 mile before turning right at the first junction (the trail to the
Details
Pine trees along Two Elk trail

Two Elk Trail

CLOSED May 6 through June 20 The Two Elk National Recreation Trail climbs out of Minturn and follows the creek and enters Vail’s Back Bowls. The trail passes three chairlifts
Details
bighorn creek trail

Bighorn Creek Trail

The first 1/2 mile of the trail climbs steeply out of the Vail Valley, then more gradually climbs up through stands of aspen and pine. The trail passes beaver ponds
Details

Ptarmigan Loop

If you’re a fan of wildflowers and stunning vistas, Ptarmigan Loop trail is a must-visit. Starting from the end of Ridge Route and the peak of the Game Creek ski
Details