Hot Springs: Half Sunset Loop Hike: South

Group hike for a Hot Springs National Park camping and hiking weekend.

Please sign up here for the hike and on the separate meetup if interested in the other hikes or camping too!

Start at the Bathhouse Row trail access and head out onto Sunset Loop.

We will do about 10.6 miles with in a lozenge pattern with some hard or steep sections, but it doesn't hurt to be gung- ho! Good hiking boots are recommended and I would have your hiking poles if you use them. I have spare too!

I have an optional route in the photos too in case a long hike is too much. Shorter, but uses a street option I have not explored, so some risk about appropriateness.

Both Loops:

This will be a mixed loop and it uses streets. As a first time visitor, I drove the Cedar Road part of it and there’s at least a quarter mile of sidewalk-less streets. We did it on the other half recently, so it's doable to me, but let’s confer since it's a genuine street. There are some cut-offs possible on the maps at least, so we can adjust as or if needed.

Btw, I found my pace slower than usual partly due to me and my knees but also due to it being mountainous and not flat like The Woodlands! I adjusted the end time accordingly. All paces welcome; just let me know if you need to go slower or faster and if you need help with the routes.

If you're super gung-ho and super fit, you could do the Eastern half of the Sunset loop as well after a lunch break.

Caveats:
I am by no means a professional guide, so please be responsible for your own safety, be prepared to navigate on your own, and be physically able to enjoy the hiking. All levels of experience welcome, but be sure to inform us beforehand of any accommodations or particular interests and we'll go from there. I have no ego involved in the route or pace, so just keep me informed if you are faster or slower than the main body of the group or have other questions or suggestions.

Weather:
Average weather is pretty moderate in September, but be prepared! Temps usually range from low 60s at night to mid-80s daytime. Overcast or mostly cloudy about 40% of the time. Thunderstorms and lightening possible, so watch the weather forecasts! Semper preperavit!

Recommendations:
I always recommend plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen & insect repellent as a start. Pack a sandwich or something a little more substantial since time extended, too!

Check out hiking guidelines online for other suggestions if you are new to hiking or need a refresher. I would download the map and/or have a paper back up if you are cautious, too!