A Sunrise Hike
The sense of accomplishment you feel for completing a sunrise hike is so great. Getting up early to hike up a mountain in the dark can be very rewarding when getting to the top just as it begins to get lighter and you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
The colors in the sky begins to light up and colors begin to change. You see the yellows and golds mixed with pinks and purples on the horizon as the sun slowly begins to appear lighting up the sky even more. The colors change even more becoming more vibrant and the beauty makes the dark hike even more worth it.
Even if you are not a morning person and getting up well before the sun rises sounds like the worst, you might find it a very surprising and pleasant experience. Here are my tips to plan a sunrise hike and some hikes that will give you a beautiful view of the sunrise if you’re visiting Durango, Colorado.
Completing a sunrise hike can be incredibly rewarding. Watching the sky change colors and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin is a beautiful experience. If you're visiting Durango, Colorado, here are some hikes to plan for a stunning sunrise view. Even if you're not a morning person, you might find it surprisingly pleasant.
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How to Prepare for A Sunrise Hike
Best Time to Hike
When planning for a sunrise hike, first determine when the sun is expected to rise. A simple google search “sunrise in Durango” or where ever you live. I just use the weather app on my iPhone, tells me when the sun is going to rise and set.
Then determine what hike you are going to do, how long it may take you to reach the top, and maybe add 10-15 minutes or so to decide what time you need to begin your hike. This also depends on your skill level too. If you are a slow hiker, you may want to add some time too your hike. A good pace is about 30 min/mile.
For example, the sun is going to rise at 6:35, and your hike should take approximately 2 hours, you may want to begin hiking at 4:15am. It so satisfying to reach the top of the mountain/peak just as the sun begins to rise.
Don’t forget drive time and know where you the trail head is when planning your hike. Not knowing where you are going can cut into your hike time, if not planned properly, causing you to miss the sunrise. For a non-morning person, could be a huge disappointment.
Get Ready the Night Before
Get ready the night before. This way you can brush your teeth, put on your hiking clothes, grab your day pack a snack/breakfast/coffee and some water, and to get on the road to the trail head.
Lay out your clothes. Keep in mind that you should wear layers. No matter the season, typically it is coldest just before dawn (sunrise). So wearing layers will ensure that you will be prepared for a chilly morning. Also, keep in mind that at the top of peaks and mountains tend to be windy too. I made the mistake of forgetting to bring gloves on my sunrise hike. While we sat and watched the sunrise, my hands got pretty cold. Here’s what I recommend to wear:
Long pants, leggings, sweats, etc depending on the weather.
A shirt with moisture wicking material
Long sleeves
Gloves
Hat, or a hooded sweatshirt works too
Pack your day pack. This way you can just grab it and get going. You can make sure you have everything that you need so that you don’t forget anything in a tired haze of the early morning. Here’s what I recommend to bring with you in your day pack
Water.
Granola bar, trail mix or hiking snack of your choice
Head lamp as you will be hiking in the dark. I have a cheap $1 headlamp from Walmart, which is fine. I was able to see. But since I live in the Rocky Mountains, trails are covered in rocks (who knew! 😂) and I would have liked to have a stronger beam on my headlamp to see the trail more detailed.
10 Essentials ALWAYS when hiking no matter when. The above are included in this, but I just wanted to highlight those specific items. Read my blog post all about the 10 Essentials.
If you are hiking with a dog, make sure you have whatever you need for them prepared too. Read my post about Hiking with Dogs. I made the mistake of forgetting a jacket for my dog during my rush to get out the door. She was shivering when we were sitting at the top watching the sunrise. She was fine, since it was still in the 50s (fahrenheit). But the breeze at the top made it a little chilly. So put a doggy jacket by your dogs leash, in your day pack, just have it ready. Now if you have a long haired dog, with a thick coat like a husky, you may not need a jacket. This depends on your dog. Also, make sure you have adequate water for your dog and a collapsible bowl for them to drink out of.
Best Trails in Durango For a Sunrise Hike
Durango has some of the most beautiful hiking trails just in town that overlook the valley. These are some of my favorite and will be a beautiful sunrise hike.
Perin’s Peak
Sunrise at the top of Perin’s Peak, Durango, CO just after a late summer snowfall in September. Notice the snow on the peaks in the far left
This hike is about 3 miles to the top and 3 miles back. It is such a beautiful hike, but it is only open August - end of October. It overlooks the town which is a beautiful sight during the day, but watching the sunrise from the top is such a beautiful experience.
Animas Mountain
Animas Mountain Trail is a 6 mile loop trail at the north end of town. It is an amazing view of the northern part of the valley. Seeing a sunrise over the valley and the sky colors change is one of the most beautiful sights.
Hogsback
Hogsback is close to Perin’s Peak and and gives an entirely different view of the valley. This hike is a shorter loop than Perin’s Peak, at 3.3 miles total. A sunrise over such a beautiful town is priceless.
A sunrise hike may seem daunting to some because not only do you have to get up super crazy early, you’re hiking in the dark, but it truly can be a really rewarding experience. If you’re prepared for the hike anyone, even the non-morning crowd can enjoy the experience and beauty of the sunrise. What are your experiences with sunrise hiking? What are your favorite trails to watch the sunrise?
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