Chasing Light: My Favorite Sunrise and Sunset Trails

Golden hour hiking has gotten complicated with all the Instagram spot lists and geotagging debates flying around. As someone who has dragged myself out of a warm sleeping bag at 2 AM for mediocre sunrises and stumbled onto breathtaking evening views by accident, I learned everything there is to know about timing hikes for light. Today, I’ll share the trails actually worth setting an alarm for.

What Makes Dawn and Dusk Worth the Effort

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The light during sunrise and sunset hits different than midday hiking. Colors deepen. Shadows stretch dramatically. Wildlife is more active. Crowds thin out. There’s a quality to early and late hiking that the middle of the day just can’t match.

The practical trade-off: you’re hiking in low light or darkness for portions of these trips. Headlamps aren’t optional.

Sunrise Favorites

Haleakala Crater, Maui, Hawaii

That’s what makes Haleakala endearing to us sunrise chasers – you drive most of the way and just walk to the rim. But you need reservations (the park service limits access), you need warm layers (it’s cold at 10,000 feet even in Hawaii), and you need to leave at an absurd hour like 2 AM.

Worth it. The sun rising above the clouds while you stand on a volcanic crater is genuinely magical. I’ve done it twice and would do it again.

Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine

One of the first places in the US to see sunrise, depending on the time of year. The South Ridge Trail is about 4 miles and takes you right to the summit. Some people drive up, but hiking adds to the experience.

I’m apparently one of those people who camps nearby the night before, and pre-dawn hiking works for me while driving up in the dark never quite delivers the same experience. The views over the Atlantic with autumn foliage below are spectacular.

Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia

A two-hour climb starting around 3 AM. Guides are available and recommended for first-timers. From the summit, you watch the sun rise over Lake Batur and neighboring volcanic peaks. It’s touristy, yes, but the view explains why.

Lion’s Head, Cape Town, South Africa

About an hour to the top if you move efficiently. 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic. Start early enough to beat crowds – this is a popular trail and summits get packed. Wind can be intense, so bring a layer.

Sunset Favorites

Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

Short hike – only about 2.2 miles round trip – but the sunset views over Yosemite Valley are exceptional. You can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Sierra Nevada range all painted in golden light.

Start a couple hours before sunset to reach the summit with time to spare. Bring a headlamp for the walk back – it gets dark fast after the sun drops.

Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona

The canyon at sunset is almost cliche, but that’s because it’s genuinely stunning. South Kaibab Trail offers particularly good evening views. Don’t go deep into the canyon and try to hike out in the dark – find a rim viewpoint and settle in.

The color changes across the canyon walls as the sun moves are worth the crowds.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

About 3 miles round trip to the most famous arch in Utah. Start a couple hours before sunset to claim a spot – this place gets mobbed at golden hour. The lighting on the arch at sunset is incredible for photography or just appreciation.

Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast, Italy

An 8-kilometer coastal trail with Mediterranean views. Late afternoon start puts you at prime viewpoints as the sun drops toward the water. Pack a picnic and stop at one of the overlooks. Italian coastal sunsets are as good as advertised.

Both Dawn and Dusk

Mount Fuji, Japan

The classic approach: start afternoon, rest at a mountain hut overnight, summit for sunrise. The ascent takes about 6 hours. Crowds are intense during climbing season, but watching the sun rise from Japan’s highest point is a bucket-list experience.

Trolltunga, Norway

Serious commitment – 28 kilometers round trip. Most people camp overnight near the tongue-shaped rock formation and catch either sunset, sunrise, or both. Weather is unpredictable. Proper gear is essential. But standing on that cliff edge at golden hour is unforgettable.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Technically not hiking, but walking around this temple complex at dawn or dusk is transcendent. Sunrise behind the main temple is the iconic shot. Sunset casts long shadows through the ruins. A guide adds historical context that enhances the experience.

Practical Notes

Some lessons from chasing light:

• Arrive earlier than you think necessary – good spots fill up
• Headlamps are mandatory for pre-dawn and post-sunset hiking
• Temperatures swing dramatically at dawn and dusk – layer up
• Cloud cover can ruin a sunrise/sunset, but can also make it more dramatic
• Don’t forget to look behind you – sometimes the best light is opposite the sun
• Put the camera down occasionally and just watch

The best golden hour hike is the one you can actually get to. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or exotic destinations. Your local ridge or hilltop at the right time of day can be just as moving as any famous peak.