Red Rocks at 6am Changed Everything (Plus 4 Other Morning Hikes)

I used to hate morning people. Those “sunrise hike!” Instagram posts made me roll my eyes.

Then I went to Red Rocks at 6am because I couldn’t sleep. Empty amphitheater. Golden light on red rocks. Nobody around except a few people working out.

Now I’m one of those annoying morning hikers. Here’s why morning hikes around Denver are actually worth the early alarm.

Red Rocks – The Gateway Drug to Morning Hikes

Best time: 6:00-7:30am

Why morning: Empty parking, cool temps, that light

Trail: Trading Post or just climb the amphitheater

Here’s what nobody tells you – Red Rocks at 10am is a zoo. Tour buses, crowds, hot sun beating down. It’s miserable.

But 6am? Different world.

Park right by the amphitheater. Walk straight in. The sunrise hits the rocks and turns everything gold and orange. You can hear your footsteps echo.

The workout crew is there doing stairs, but they’re focused. Nobody’s taking 47 photos for Instagram (okay, maybe a few).

Trading Post Trail at sunrise is magical. 1.4 miles, easy, and you see the rocks glowing.

Mount Falcon – The Sunrise Payoff

Best time: 30 minutes before sunrise

Why morning: Sunrise views over Denver

Trail: Castle Trail to Tower Trail

Get to the parking lot while it’s still dark. I know, sounds terrible.

But the Tower Trail lookout at sunrise? You see the entire city wake up. The mountains go from black silhouettes to purple to pink to normal.

Plus the castle ruins look properly spooky in early light. Very worth the 5am wake-up.

North Table Mountain – The Local Secret

Best time: 6:30-8:00am

Why morning: Zero crowds at Golden’s closest hike

Trail: North Table Loop

Everyone does this hike. But nobody does it early.

Morning means you get the whole mesa to yourself. Views of Denver, Golden, the mountains. Sometimes there’s fog in the valley and you’re above it.

By 10am this trail is packed. At 7am? Maybe five other people total.

Park at the North Table trailhead off Highway 93. Easier than the Mesa Trail approach.

Green Mountain (Lakewood) – The Workout

Best time: 6:00-7:30am

Why morning: Bearable temperatures for the climb

Trail: Green Mountain Trail

This hike kicks your ass. 2.5 miles up, 700 feet elevation gain. Doing it midday is torture.

Morning makes it almost pleasant. Cool air, sunrise views from the top, and you’re done before your day starts.

The summit has 360-degree views. On clear mornings you can see from downtown to the Continental Divide.

Local workout groups use this. Join them or avoid them, your choice.

Clear Creek Canyon – The Surprise

Best time: 7:00-9:00am

Why morning: Light through the canyon, climbers to watch

Trail: Mayhem Gulch or Clear Creek Trail

Nobody talks about Clear Creek Canyon trails. They’re all focused on Golden.

But drive up Highway 6 past Golden. Park at any pullout. Trails everywhere.

Morning light filters through the canyon walls. Rock climbers are setting up routes. The creek sounds louder when it’s quiet.

Mayhem Gulch is my favorite. Starts steep then levels out. Maybe 10 people know about it.

The Morning Hike Reality Check

Summer: Start by 6am or it gets hot fast

Fall: 7am works, best light anyway

Winter: 8am unless you like headlamps

Spring: Muddy but worth it

What Actually Gets Me Out of Bed

Coffee ready the night before. Programmed coffee maker = game changer.

Clothes laid out. No decisions at 5:30am.

Parking anxiety. Knowing I’ll get a spot motivates me.

The smug feeling. Being done hiking when others are starting feels amazing.

Afternoon freedom. Hike done by 9am means the whole day is open.

The Morning Hiker Starter Pack

• Headlamp (for pre-sunrise starts)
• Layers (it’s cold then hot)
• Coffee in a thermos
• Quiet snacks (don’t be the person with the crinkly wrapper)
• Downloaded trail map (service sketchy early)

Why I’m Now That Person

I used to mock morning hikers. “Just go later,” I’d say. “Sleep is important.”

But here’s what evening hikers miss:

That moment when you’re alone on a trail and the sun breaks over the mountains. The air is cool and perfect. Your photos have golden light instead of harsh shadows. The parking lot is empty.

You’re back home by 9am, showered, with the whole day ahead. Everyone else is just getting started.

Plus, afternoon thunderstorms in summer are real. Morning hikers never get caught.

Start With Red Rocks

If you want to try morning hiking, start with Red Rocks. It’s close, easy, and the payoff is immediate.

Set your alarm for 5:30am just once. Drive there in the dark. Watch the sunrise hit those rocks.

You’ll get it. And then you’ll become insufferable like me, trying to convert everyone to morning hikes.

Worth it though.

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Are you team sunrise or team sunset for hiking? Trying to understand the sunset people’s perspective.

Next: I’ve Hiked 30+ Denver Trails – These 7 Are Perfect for Beginners – if you’re just getting started.