5 places to watch the sunrise this summer
For some, worthwhile wake-up calls are few and far between, but everyone can agree that there is nothing better than a good sunrise to perk you up. Breathe in the rays of goodness and celebrate. That feeling expands your imagination and wonders aloud about anything you can think of. Sunrises rule and here are 5 you should knock off this summer, right here in our own backyard. Plan your timing and embrace the bliss of sun country.
It’s all about timing. Google local sunrise or check your weather service, then factor in the drive, hiking time and aim to arrive at your destination at least a half-hour before. If you want to capture images, you may want to be at least one hour early to capture the colour show, of oranges, reds and yellows painting the sky prior to the orange ball emerging over the horizon.
Don’t forget the usual items. You will want to pack for a day hike with water, bear spray, first aid kit, extra snacks, extra clothes, rain gear, proper footwear and, of course, make sure to let others know your trip plan.
Lakit Lookout
This is a steep road to an alpine basin where the trail heads up for 2.4 km, taking you higher to reach the ridgeline and old forest lookout.
Why here? Everyone likes to feel like they have accomplished something and we all like getting to the top. This is a perfect family mountaintop destination (note: you still may have to carry the youngest in your crew). This spot offers incredible panoramic views of the Kootenay River, valley below and over to the Purcell Range to the West. As you admire the landscape, remember to look behind you to the East while the sun crawls up over tall peaks as the star of the show.
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Wycliffe Buttes
Get that alive feeling, especially throughout May & June, when the Balsam Root Flowers spring to life and match the sunrays’ yellow glow for incredible pictures. The 2 km trek is best done in loop from the McClure Road parking lot, which gives your legs a bit of a warm-up before the climb begins. You’ll then attain the ridge under the canopy of a few old growth giants.
Why here? Take a front row seat on the famed bench and take in Mother Nature’s 360 degree views while you wait for the beautiful sunshine to spill over the Canadian Rockies.
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T-Bar, Kimberley Alpine Resort
Park in the winter ‘Up-track (skinning) Parking Lot’ up North Star Drive on the right. If you reach the Kimberley Nordic Centre parking lot, you have gone too far. Follow the beaten path thru the fence and head up towards the Main Run, where on the left side of the Main Run you’ll see a worn trail in the trees. You are now on the famed path of the old t-bar of Kimberley Alpine Resort. Round trip this trail is roughly 3.5 km and gains 440 metres of elevation – so yep, you will be climbing skyward on this one.
Why here? Once you reach the old wooden frame, you have made it. Turn around and simply be in awe, as you take in Mt Fisher’s rocky steeples reaching for the sky in the distance. Set yourself up on the deck of the Kootenay Haus, prepare your camera and capture nature delivering its morning delight.
Eager Lookout
Hit the trail on two wheels, because nothing beats morning mountain bike rides. Tie this into a nice loop, stopping just prior to sunrise at the lookout atop of Eager Hill which will provide a spacious view of the Canadian Rockies.
Why here? Whether you want to make these sunrise views quick and sweet, or take a longer ride on the amazing network of trails inside the Cranbrook Community Forest, you will feel like you can almost reach out and touch the rays.
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Sunflower Hill
Starting in a tall tree forest which you climb up and out of as you reach the ridge, your eyes will be rewarded with mountain goodness. These views extend up the St. Mary’s Valley but also across to the Steeples Range. Kick back on one of the benches and enjoy. The whole loop is 10.5 km but you can slice it into a much quicker point-to-point route starting at the parking lot across from Kimberley Riverside Campground.
Why here? The bench on the Eastern-most point is the place to be. If you are lucky enough to be there in late summer, you will have full access to the epic sightlines of sunrise over the iconic Mt. Fisher.
Click here for driving directions and more details.
