Nobody loves hearing that 4AM alarm, but sometimes? It’s so worth it you’ll be bragging about it for years. Sunrise hikes aren’t just hikes. They’re moments you chase, memories you lock in forever. Colors you can’t explain with words, even if you try.
The United States, from its lush islands to towering mountains, has some of the most jaw-dropping sunrise spots on the planet. This guide is your cheat code. We’ll show you where to go for sunrise hikes, how early to set that alarm, and what you’ll need to make it feel less like a groggy mistake and more like the best decision you’ll make all year.
Here’s where to lace up your boots, grab your coffee, and catch the show.
1. Lanikai Pillbox Hike – Oahu, Hawaii
Lanikai is one of those sunrise hikes you think about for months after. It’s short but punches way above its weight. A quick 30-minute climb gets you to a ridge with old military pillboxes. From there, you watch the sun rise out of the ocean, spilling color over the famous Mokulua Islands. If you catch it on a clear morning, it looks like the sky is melting into the sea.
The trail itself is steep early on but flattens out after the first push. You’ll definitely want good shoes and a flashlight to start. Parking’s a bit tricky since it’s in a neighborhood, so show up early and keep it respectful. No need for a guide, it’s easy to follow but locals recommend hitting it on a weekday if you want a little more peace.
2. Rattlesnake Ledge – Washington State
Just outside Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge offers a quick hit of sunrise magic without needing to camp out. The trail climbs steadily through forest for about two miles, opening up to a rocky ledge overlooking Rattlesnake Lake. At sunrise, mist often floats over the water while the mountains catch fire in the first light. It’s a view that hits you straight in the gut.
It’s a busy trail later in the day, but if you start in the dark with a headlamp, you’ll have the summit almost to yourself. It’s a moderately tough climb but totally doable for most hikers. Bring a warm layer because it gets chilly before sunrise, and definitely keep an eye on the trail edges at the top. No guardrails here, just pure Pacific Northwest beauty.
3. Cadillac Mountain – Acadia National Park, Maine
If you want to be the first person in the U.S. to see the sunrise, head to Cadillac Mountain. From October to March, it’s the very first spot the sun touches. You can drive up or hike up from the North Ridge Trail if you’re feeling ambitious. Either way, the reward is huge – panoramic views over islands, ocean, and the rocky coastline lighting up all around you.
Even though you can drive to the top, hiking it makes it feel personal. The trail winds through pine forest and granite slabs, climbing steadily but not brutally. Sunrise here feels raw and wild, especially when morning fog hugs the valleys below. Bring a blanket or a jacket as the summit is famously windy and cold, even in summer. A warm fleece jacket and a solid daypack like the PacSafe Eco backpack are must-haves to beat the summit winds and carry your sunrise snacks.
4. Horseshoe Bend – Page, Arizona
Sometimes, the easiest hikes bring the biggest payoffs. Horseshoe Bend isn’t a hike so much as a 15-minute stroll from the parking lot, but the view will punch the air right out of your lungs. As the sun rises, it casts crazy shadows over the Colorado River looping 1,000 feet below you. The orange cliffs and glowing water make it feel like another planet.
Getting there early means beating the daytime crowds and the harsh midday heat. No real trail skills needed as it’s flat and sandy, though it can get super hot later. Bring a headlamp for the walk out and a camera if you want shots that look straight out of a travel magazine. Tripods aren’t a bad idea either if you want that perfect golden-hour photo. The short walk still calls for a hydration pack, especially once the desert heat kicks in.
5. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but man, it’s unforgettable. Angels Landing is one of the most famous (and infamous) sunrise hikes in the U.S., thanks to its narrow ridges and dizzying drop-offs. Hiking it for sunrise means fewer crowds and cooler temps, but it also means you need to be ready to climb steep switchbacks and cling to chains in the dark.
Start early, bring a headlamp, and pace yourself. The final half-mile across the spine isn’t easy, but standing there at the top as the Zion canyon wakes up under you? Pure magic. Permit systems are now in place, so plan ahead. And if you’re scared of heights? Maybe pick another hike. Angels Landing isn’t shy about showing you how high you really are.
6. Moro Rock – Sequoia National Park, California
Moro Rock gives you full-blown mountain drama without a full-blown expedition. A short but steep staircase winds up the granite dome, with heart-pounding drop-offs on both sides. At sunrise, the Great Western Divide glows pink and gold, and if you’re lucky, the valleys below fill up with mist, making it look like you’re floating above the clouds.
The trail is only about half a mile round-trip, but it’s exposed, and those stairs can get slippery, so take it slow if there’s any moisture. Sunrise makes everything cooler – both the temps and the view. Parking is tight, especially in summer, so aim to get there before dawn. Don’t forget your jacket because even in July, the top of Moro Rock can feel icy cold before the sun shows up.
7. Mount Haleakalā – Maui, Hawaii
Imagine standing on the rim of a volcanic crater, above the clouds, watching the sun crawl up through a sea of cotton-candy mist. That’s sunrise at Haleakalā. It’s so legendary you need a reservation just to drive to the top. Trust me, its totally worth setting the alarm at 2AM.
You can hike short trails near the summit after parking, or just find a good spot along the rim. It’s freezing cold up there (like winter-jacket cold), even in summer, so dress like you’re heading to the Arctic, not Maui. Watch as the landscape slowly shifts from black to purple to gold, and know this: it’ll be one of the coolest things you ever see without wings on your back.
8. Mount Elbert – Colorado
Mount Elbert is the tallest mountain in Colorado, but it’s surprisingly gentle for a 14,000-footer. That said, you’re still climbing over 4,000 feet in thin air, so don’t expect it to be easy. Start at 2AM if you want to summit by sunrise, and take your time – altitude sickness is real, and rushing will wreck you.
When you make it, though? You’ll feel like you’re standing on top of the world. The Rockies stretch out in every direction, lit up by the soft, golden light of morning. It’s quiet, it’s powerful, and it’s one of those rare hikes where the silence feels almost holy. If you want a memory that will stick longer than your Instagram post, Elbert’s your mountain.
Find Your Trail and Catch the Sunrise
Chasing sunrise on the trail is part planning, part luck, and part stubbornness. You need to wake up before the world does, trust your gear, and head out while it’s still pitch black. But when you hit the summit and the first light spills over the landscape? It’s pure payoff.
If you’re not sure where to start, websites like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and Hiking Project make it easy to find trail maps, sunrise timing, and real-time trail conditions. Download your route before you leave as the service can be spotty once you’re out there. A good offline map is just as important as a good headlamp when you’re moving in the dark.
Sunrise hikes aren’t about crushing miles or setting records. They’re about catching a moment most people sleep through. So pack right, plan ahead, and go find your own piece of morning magic. It’s out there waiting.
FAQs: Sunrise Hike Survival Guide
What time should I start a sunrise hike?
Plan to reach the summit at least 30 minutes before sunrise. That means starting your hike 1 to 2 hours earlier, depending on the trail.
What gear do I need for a sunrise hike?
Bring a headlamp, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, water, and offline trail maps. A thermos of coffee doesn’t hurt either.
Is it safe to hike in the dark?
Yes, as long as you’re prepared. Stick to marked trails, use a reliable light, and if possible, hike with someone.
Where can I check sunrise times and find trails?
Try apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS. They show trail details, sunrise forecasts, and let you download maps for offline use.
Can beginners do sunrise hikes?
Absolutely. Start with shorter trails like Makapu‘u Lighthouse in Oahu or Horseshoe Bend in Arizona – big views, low effort.
