Top 16 Scenic Sunset Hikes Across America

Experience golden hour like you never have before. What’s better than a great hike with people you love? A stunning hike that also comes with a breathtaking sunset. We have traveled across the U.S. to find trails that offer both enjoyment and amazing views. Here are 16 hiking trails to explore for the best sunset vistas in America.

1. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia

In West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you will find enchanting sunset locations. For a truly captivating view, hike Long Point Trail for an unforgettable perspective of the New River Gorge Bridge. Another popular choice is the Endless Wall Trail, which offers fantastic views along the gorge’s rim.

2. Munds Wagon Trail to Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona, Arizona

This scenic trail offers stunning views that make it a popular backdrop for wedding photos. Upon reaching Merry Go Round Rock, you will be treated to panoramic vistas, with iconic rock formations surrounding you. Additionally, the history of Munds Wagon Trail adds an intriguing element to your hike.

3. High Drive Bluff Trail in Spokane, Washington

The High Drive Bluff Trail promises spectacular eventide views with its western facing vistas. At an elevation of 2,340 feet, it is set within a beautifully maintained area of Ponderosa Pine and wildlife, entirely cared for by volunteers.

4. Beauty Spot at Unaka Mountain in Unicoi County, Tennessee

The breathtaking landscape at Unaka Mountain Beauty Spot provides stunning views of both the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains. This picturesque viewpoint is ideal for hiker’s resting before a sunset and is accessible via a short drive to the trailhead.

5. Watchman Peak Trail in Crater Lake National Park near Crescent, Oregon

Hiking up Watchman Peak Trail will reward you with breathtaking views of Crater Lake as the sun begins to set. This moderate hike is worth every step, offering stunning scenery, including a clear perspective of Wizard Island.

6. The Pier and Lee’s Wood Trail at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, Virginia

Located just outside Washington, D.C., Lee’s Wood Trail offers a two-mile loop enriched with history and nature. The trail provides unique lookout points of the Potomac River, enhancing your sunset experience with remarkable views.

7. Snake River Canyon Rim Trail in Twin Falls, Idaho

Idaho’s Snake River Canyon Rim Trail showcases the beauty of the Gem State with stunning views over a dramatic canyon. This 10-mile trail perfectly melds hiking and cycling, providing a thrilling vista before sunset where adventurers often gather.

8. Coronado Heights in Lindsborg, Kansas

Coronado Heights offers a remarkable view from its 300-foot elevation. Its historical significance, paired with a grassy picnic area and playground, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset while delving into the region’s rich past.

9. The Guadalupe Peak Hike at the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Culberson County, Texas

Climb to the top of Texas on the atmospheric Guadalupe Peak Hike, where vivid sunset colors envelop the canyons and mountains. This moderately strenuous trek will leave you in awe of the landscape.

10. Ute Canyon Overlook Trail and Serpents Trail at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction, Colorado

At Ute Canyon Overlook Trail, visitors experience a unique interpretive trail that provides sweeping views perfect for both sunrise and sunset photography. For a more demanding hike, the Serpents Trail offers challenging switchbacks and captivating canyon vistas.

11. Gopher Tortoise Trail in Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Gopher Tortoise Trail leads visitors to a beautiful freshwater lake close to the Gulf of Mexico, making it a wonderful spot for sunset watching. This serene environment, rich in wildlife, allows you to unwind and enjoy the natural splendor.

12. Rubicon Trail in Tahoe Basin National Forest in Zephyr Cove, Nevada

The Rubicon Trail, located along the stunning shoreline of Lake Tahoe, is perfect for enjoying spectacular sunset views. This trail features various landscapes, including granite outcroppings, providing an unforgettable hiking experience.

13. F.J. McLain State Park Trails in Hancock, Michigan

F.J. McLain State Park offers a variety of trails with scenic views of Lake Superior and Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Its West Loop Trail leads to a beach near a historic lighthouse—an ideal spot for watching sunsets.

14. East Bluff Trail at Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin

This 1.5-mile hike ascends to a breathtaking quartzite bluff overlooking a 360-acre lake. Sunset atop these majestic bluffs is a perfect way to conclude an active day of exploration.

15. Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, Florida

Established in 1971, the Gulf Islands National Seashore offers stunning spots to enjoy sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The trails here reveal picturesque marshes and sandy shores, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.

16. Monument Trail Loop in High Point State Park in Sussex County, New Jersey

High Point State Park, with its towering elevation of 1,803 feet, showcases stunning views across three states. The Monument Trail Loop guide you to this scenic pinnacle, creating an ideal environment to savor a sunset picnic.