Sunrise & Sunset Planning Guide

Work backward from official light times.

By the Compass & Trails editor · Last updated 20 September 2026

Work backward from the official sunrise or sunset time for the park (not the airport). Subtract walking minutes at a tired pace, parking minutes, and a full-lot buffer. Pack a headlamp if any of that math puts you on trail in the dark.

1. Look up sun times for the park unit.
2. Add trail walking time (use the slower estimate).
3. Add parking and shuttle time.
4. Leave the pillow at that result, not at “dawn-ish.”

Essay: Sunrise & sunset planning guide. Almanacs such as timeanddate.com are useful; clouds still win.