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A traverse connecting the Wildwood and Mountaintop Express lift-top areas.


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0.8

Miles

1.3

KM

Point to Point

11,212' 3,417 m

High

10,943' 3,335 m

Low

273' 83 m

Up

37' 11 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Starting just south of the Wildwood Smokehouse restaurant near the top of the Wildwood Express lift, contour along the ridge and enjoy the sweeping views to the south and down into Sundown Bowl. Stop off at the Parker Deck picnic platform before heading back through the woods and across the Main Vail service road.

Follow ample signage for Sunlight through forested slopes passing the Kinnicknnick Trail and then crossing the Main Vail service road one more time. The last stretch of trail steepens just noticeably before reaching the official summit of Vail Mountain (11250ft) and the Mountaintop Express lift-top. This area is often a good spot for bird lovers. The Sunlight trail is mellow and smooth, without rooty or rocky sections. Note: bikes are not allowed on this trail.

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#15

in Vail Resort

#46108

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
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50%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#15

in Vail Resort

#3,287

in Colorado

#46,108

Overall
2 Views Last Month
625 Since Dec 5, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Hard to focus on the trail with all this scenery on the Grand Traverse
Mar 23, 2015 near Vail, CO
Summertime revegetation work at the top of Wildwood
Dec 5, 2014 near Vail, CO
Lupine along the Sunlight trail in Vail
Dec 5, 2014 near Vail, CO
Views southwest over the Holy Cross wilderness
Dec 5, 2014 near Vail, CO
Picnic platform on Sunlight trail
Dec 5, 2014 near Vail, CO
Pleasant does not begin to describe the Sunlight Trail
Dec 5, 2014 near Vail, CO

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