Sunset Cliffside Hike

The ridge above Emerald Valley sits at 4,200 feet and faces due west, which means that two hours before sunset, it transforms into one of the most cinematic viewpoints in the region. Our Sunset Cliffside Hike gets you up there while the light is still warm and the crowds are still down in town.

The 4.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet over approximately 2 miles, moving through mixed forest before emerging onto the high ridge. Your certified naturalist guide shares insights about the alpine ecology, forest succession, and the wildlife that calls these heights home. The final mile tracks the ridgeline itself, offering sweeping views across the valley and the mountain peaks beyond.

You'll arrive at the summit overlook roughly 90 minutes before sunset, giving you time to settle in, hydrate, and prepare for the light show ahead. As the sun descends toward the western horizon, the landscape transforms: shadows deepen, the sky ignites in orange and gold, and the entire valley glows in the amber hour. This is when the photos happen, when the air cools, and when most hikers understand why they made the effort.

The descent is easier on your legs than the climb, and your headlamp (yours to keep) makes the night hike down a surprisingly peaceful affair. Most groups return to the trailhead by 9 pm.