Sunlight Sports

Outdoor equipment storefront in Yellowstone National Park displaying gear and clothing in the window displays

From Little Sunlight Campground, the Sunlight Sports trail runs about 8 miles round-trip with an initial uphill and a final push to a saddle. The route traverses old forests, ridgelines, and meadows with some indistinct sections. It remains a moderate workout, but sustained elevation changes and rough patches demand grit; bear country requires vigilance. Plan 4-6 hours for a steady pace with breaks as needed.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back with loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate Workout
Elevation Gain Feet: 900

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back with loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate Workout
Elevation Gain Feet: 900
Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
Trail Surface: Mixed terrain: old forests, ridgelines, meadows
Trail Features: Old forest
Ridgelines
Meadows
Creek crossings
Trail Highlights: Ridgeline and meadow traverses; wildlife sightings possible along the route

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Little Sunlight Campground
Parking Lot Size: Large parking area near horse corrals
Parking Fill Time: Weekends busy; full by late morning; weekdays recommended
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service mentioned

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required for day use
Fees: Varies
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Mud season on Sunlight Basin Road; snow dates not specified

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Little Sunlight Creek crossings; filter if used; carry 3L

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Grizzly bear habitat
Indistinct trail sections
Slick rocks when wet
Creek crossings
Heat exposure
Hazard Details: Carry bear spray; travel in groups; stay to established sections; watch footing near creeks
Crowd Level: Busy on weekends; weekdays quieter
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends, mid-morning
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays are best to dodge weekend ATV traffic on Sunlight Basin Road; plan for roughly a 2-hour drive from Cody and start early to maximize daylight.
Tips Advice: Carry 3L water minimum.
Bear spray and loud communication are mandatory in bear habitat.
Trekking poles help on uphill and downhill sections.
Filter Little Sunlight Creek if you use it; otherwise plan to carry all water.
Start cold and settle into a steady pace; conserve energy for the saddle.

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park, Sunlight Basin region
Trail Markers: Indistinct in places; bring map and compass
Shade Level: Mixed; shade in forests, sun on ridgelines
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone rangers dispatch; local Cody emergency services
Map Recommended: 1
Mud Season: Spring
Insider Tips: Weekdays avoid ATV traffic on Sunlight Basin Road.
Plan 2 hours for the drive from Cody and allow extra time for road conditions.
Bear spray is recommended; travel in groups and stay loud.
Start early or late in the day for wildlife opportunities and lighting.
Family Friendly Notes: Moderate difficulty; suitable for families prepared for uphill sections and varied terrain
Nearby Facilities: Facilities near Little Sunlight Campground; restrooms not confirmed at trailhead
Review Summary: Hikers report a steady moderate workout with a mix of uphill, rolling terrain, and a final saddle push. Terrain varies between forests, ridgelines, and meadows with potential wildlife sightings; road traffic on weekends can be heavy. Plan ahead for water and bear safety, especially on sun-exposed sections.