11 North American Hikes Perfect for Catching the Sunrise

There’s something unforgettable about starting a hike in the dark, guided only by moonlight and anticipation, and reaching the summit just as the sun peeks over the horizon. Across North America, there are trails where the early effort pays off in a spectacular way. These hikes offer more than just scenic views—they create moments of stillness, awe, and connection with nature. Whether you prefer alpine peaks or coastal cliffs, I’ve found sunrise hikes that are absolutely worth the early alarm.

1. Cadillac Mountain – Acadia National Park, Maine

If you’re hoping to be one of the first in the United States to see the sunrise, Cadillac Mountain is the place to be. Located in Acadia National Park, this 1,530-foot peak is famous for its early-bird views. The hike up the North Ridge Trail is steady and moderate, making it accessible even in the pre-dawn hours. As the sun rises over the Atlantic, the ocean glows in gold and pink hues. Bring a blanket—it can get cold, even in summer—but the view is always worth it and deeply rewarding every single time.

2. Haleakalā Crater – Maui, Hawaii

Though technically not on the mainland, Haleakalā is a must if you’re hiking in North America. This dormant volcano offers one of the most surreal sunrise experiences on the planet. You’ll start your hike in the dark, bundled up against the alpine chill, and climb to the rim of a massive volcanic crater. As dawn breaks, the clouds below light up in oranges and reds. The silence up there is something else—it almost feels like the sky is holding its breath with you, waiting quietly for the first golden rays.

3. Mount Rainier – Sunrise Rim Trail, Washington

Despite the name, the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park isn’t just poetic—it’s one of the best places to greet the day. The Sunrise Rim Trail offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier itself, bathed in the early morning light. The alpine landscape is dotted with wildflowers in the summer and the crisp air carries the scent of pine. It’s a moderate hike, perfect for a sunrise trek, and you’ll likely catch marmots or deer stirring as the sun crests the ridgeline and gently warms your chilly fingers.

4. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, Utah

Not for the faint of heart, the trail to Angels Landing is narrow, steep, and thrilling. But if you’re comfortable with heights and start before dawn, the payoff is unforgettable. The sunrise here lights up the canyon walls in layers of glowing red and gold. The final half-mile involves chains for support, so bring a headlamp and stay cautious. Watching the desert come alive from this vantage point is something you’ll remember for years—adrenaline and beauty combined in one unforgettable climb, unlike anything else you’ve ever done.

5. Clingmans Dome – Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

Straddling two states, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies and an unbeatable sunrise spot. There’s a paved half-mile trail to the observation tower, so it’s doable for nearly everyone, even before sunrise. Fog often settles in the valleys below, giving the illusion of floating mountains. As daylight creeps in, layers of blue and gray roll across the landscape. It’s quiet up here in the morning—just the wind and the occasional birdsong—and the colors are soft and endless, making every early step completely worth it.

6. South Kaibab Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Sunrise in the Grand Canyon is a layered masterpiece, and the South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways to experience it. Hike down to Ooh Aah Point—yes, that’s its real name—for jaw-dropping views without committing to a full canyon descent. The colors shift with each passing minute, from lavender to orange to deep gold, casting shadows across the canyon’s depths. It’s a short but steep hike, so bring water, snacks, and a flashlight. The grandeur of it all feels almost ancient in the morning stillness.

7. Tunnel View – Yosemite National Park, California

While not a hike in the traditional sense, Tunnel View offers a short walk to a classic Yosemite panorama. It’s worth waking up early for this one. As the sun rises, it pours light onto El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all at once. The granite faces glow warm, and if there’s fog or mist, it adds a cinematic softness to the scene. The viewpoint is easy to access but still feels magical at that hour, before the crowds and tour buses start rolling in peacefully, giving photographers their perfect morning moment.

8. Ice Lake Basin – San Juan Mountains, Colorado

If you’re willing to put in the miles, Ice Lake Basin rewards hikers with one of the most breathtaking sunrise views in the Rockies. You’ll need to camp near the basin or hike up well before dawn, but watching the sun rise over the turquoise lake surrounded by jagged peaks is worth the challenge. Wildflowers blanket the alpine meadows in summer, and the light catches on the lake in shimmering bursts of color. It’s remote, yes, but that makes it all the more unforgettable, especially for solitude lovers and high-elevation hiking fans.

9. Moro Rock – Sequoia National Park, California

Climbing Moro Rock in the dark is a surreal experience, especially when your only company might be the whisper of wind through ancient trees. The staircase-style trail winds up to a granite dome with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada. At sunrise, the light washes over a sea of mountains and valleys, illuminating the haze with soft amber tones. Because the hike is short but steep, it’s perfect for catching the sunrise without needing a full backpacking setup. Just don’t forget your camera—it’s one for the books.

10. Cape Spear Trail – Newfoundland, Canada

If you want to see the first sunrise in North America, Cape Spear is your destination. The trail here hugs dramatic cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. As the easternmost point on the continent, Cape Spear lets you greet the sun before anyone else. The hike itself is gentle and scenic, with the historic lighthouse adding to the charm. Morning waves crash below while seabirds glide above, and the entire coastline seems to stretch endlessly. It’s quiet, isolated, and deeply peaceful at daybreak.

11. Mount Royal – Montreal, Quebec

For something a bit more urban but no less stirring, the Mount Royal summit delivers. A brisk pre-dawn walk up its Olmsted Trail rewards you with sweeping views of Montreal as it stirs to life. The city’s skyline glows softly in the early light, with the St. Lawrence River shimmering in the distance. Locals jog by, and birds begin their morning calls. The view from the Kondiaronk Belvedere is especially striking at sunrise, when the world feels calm, and the city seems to stretch just for you. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and always worth the climb.