10 Wyoming Hikes That Shine at Sunset

Wyoming's dramatic, technicolor sunsets are the stuff of legend. Whether it's the last rays of sunshine peek-a-booing through the craggy peaks of the Tetons or Squaretop Mountain igniting in the final moments of golden hour, come sunset, Wyoming's already spectacular landscapes come alive in a whole new light that's nothing short of magical.

That said, where does one find the perfect trail to enjoy the sky's evening show? The answer: wherever you happen to be. We can't guarantee that Wyoming's unpredictable weather will behave on your hike, but these trails around the state definitely guarantee gorgeous golden hour views no matter the season.

1. Green River Lakes Loop

Wildflower meadows, rock formations, and multiple glittering lakes burst into glorious color if you happen to be on the Green River Lakes Loop at sunset. The road to the trailhead is rough, but this 6.3-mile trail is relatively doable for those with some Wyoming hiking know-how. Make it an overnight trip for double the beauty: sunrises here are a slow burn of alpenglow wonder.

2. Mirror Lake Trail

Another beloved trail that's doable as a day hike, this pristine alpine lake in the Snowy Range is aptly named, and its trademark reflections of the surrounding peaks are especially gorgeous at sunset. As the day draws to a close, the near-constant wind often dies down, and Mirror Lake settles into a serene pool of beauty that easily earns its name.

3. Crow Creek, Mo Rocka, and Foxtrail Loop

If you're used to the lush, larger-than-life landscapes of Western Wyoming, the seemingly stark surroundings of the Crow Creek, Mo Rocka, and Foxtrail Loop might seem a little lackluster. But true Wyomingites know this is the real deal. When the sun starts to go down, the distant lights of Cheyenne start to twinkle, and the evening's last light backlights the spectacular sagebrush that has become Curt Gowdy's trademark, there's nowhere else we'd rather be. This loop has a little bit of everything — rock formations, creeks, bridges, wildflowers — so each sunset here is different than the last. Nearby Vedauwoo is an equally fantastic option.

4. Sacred Rim Trail

For a short but unforgettable hike, the Sacred Rim Trail in the Bridger Wilderness packs a lot of punch into its 3.3 miles. The trail’s relatively gentle terrain makes it accessible year-round, though its remoteness ensures a quiet, crowd-free experience. The sunset views here are unforgettable.

5. Devils Tower Trail

Perhaps no list of top hiking trails in the Cowboy State would be complete without highlighting the crown jewel of Northeast Wyoming. While Devils Tower isn't the only magnificent thing to see in this corner of the state, its isolated beauty really pops against a backdrop of color (and the Milky Way, for that matter).

6. Sunset Ridge Trail

When the word 'sunset' is in the trail name, great things are expected. As the name suggests, this easy hike near Douglas is made for sunsets with sweeping views of Laramie Peak and its surrounding hills. Even though this hike is an easy one, the Sunset Ridge Trail is typically pretty quiet, making it perfect for enjoying with a special someone.

7. Flicker Trail

As a wildlife refuge, you won't find much human presence in Seedskadee NWR — just a fiery explosion of color every evening that will make you envy the local animal residents who get to live here. The short, two-mile Flicker Trail is one of a few official trails that meander through the refuge, and all of them boast the same wide-open views. Pack bug spray and a fishing pole — this is a spectacular place to enjoy Wyoming's pure, unadulterated prairie beauty come alive with color while waiting for the fish to bite.

8. Duncan Ranch Trail

Family-friendly, crowd-free, unassuming, inundated with wildflowers — there are a lot of reasons to love the Duncan Ranch Trail near Glenrock, but the sunsets are another one. A mixture of desert flora, photogenic boulders and rock formations, and wide-open views keeps this short and sweet trail interesting while making for unique sunset photo subjects. The main overlook is a little off-trail, but easy to find.

9. Titcomb Basin

Wyoming is known for its massive, rugged mountain ranges, but sometimes all that scenic beauty comes with a caveat: a quickly disappearing sun that sends the sky straight to blue hour. Titcomb Basin is Wyoming at its most wild, with layer upon layer of peaks enveloping the valley and countless viewpoints and overlooks to enjoy. Depending on which set of trails you follow and where you are when the sky starts to shift into sunset mode, Titcomb Basin offers one of two experiences: either a summit view of vibrant colors unfolding in all their glory in the distance, or subtle, sherbet-hued clouds and a darkening cotton candy sky mirrored in whatever lake you happen to be near. The latter is essentially the evening version of alpenglow, but both views are breathtaking.

10. Jenny Lake Loop

If ever there was a "most-loved trail in Grand Teton National Park" award, Jenny Lake might just take the crown. This gorgeous loop boasts seven miles of pristine natural beauty and Teton views, and it never seems to get old, no matter how many times you visit. The sunsets reflected in the water are some of the most incredible we've ever seen. Just keep in mind that Jenny Lake is typically closed in the winter, but reopens when the weather starts warming up again in May.

To put it simply, the best place to catch a sunset in Wyoming is anywhere you can stand still and look up! If there's enough flat ground to toss a picnic blanket, whip out a camping chair, or park your vehicle for a few peaceful minutes while the sky does its thing, even better. But beyond that, there are no wrong angles here in Wyoming. And if you're looking for more places to chase the sunset or other fun things to do nearby, visit our itinerary planner for additional local recommendations!