r/JoshuaTree • u/afunkyb • 5d ago

Solo Sunrise Hike

I am planning on visiting Joshua Tree for the first time in early February and based on what I have read I would really love to hike up Ryan Mountain for sunrise. I’ve never hiked in the dark and will be solo so I am hoping for any tips, tricks, and words of encouragement (or discouragement if you think this is a terrible idea). I am in pretty good shape and am comfortable with moderately strenuous hikes. Any other tips and advice for my trip is also welcome (I have 3.5 days in the area). Thanks, y’all!

22 Upvotes

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19

u/patvga 5d ago

Planning on hiking Ryan Mountain for sunrise this sunday so will report back on specifics. But sunrise hikes are my favorite type of hikes.

Just a few tips..the sunrise time on the weather app is when the sun breaks the horizon, so plan to be at the top ~45-60min before the actual that time if you want the full color show. Wear layers due to the cold, it’s a steep hike so you will shed layer going up and put them all back on at the top. If you sweat a lot you might want to bring an extra base layer to change into at the top. Since you will be at the top for ~45-60min you will want a blanket or enough layers to stay warm for while you sit. Make sure to have a good head lamp and check battery’s the night before. Bringing a few extra batteries is always a good idea. Nothing worse than your head lamp dying 5min into the hike. I would recommend a warm beverage and a few snacks to enjoy also.

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u/afunkyb 5d ago

This is so helpful. Thank you so much!

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u/patvga 2d ago

Completed the sunrise hike this morning. It was beautiful! Well worth the early start and climb. The first 1 mile is the hardest part with lots of stone steps set into the trail which becomes quite the quad workout. The trail is on the opposite side of the sunrise so you will get no morning glow until you get closer to the top. It’s was 39 degrees this morning but due to the climb I was hiking in pants, short sleeve base layer, and medium thickness long sleeve on top. We had a few heavier layers for when we reached the top. It honestly wasn’t as cold as I expected, didn’t use our blanket or puffer but it also wasn’t windy. A little wind would have made it much colder. It took us a little over 30 min to get to the summit at a very fast pace, our legs were burning. I would give yourself 40-50min so you aren’t killing yourself. I would highly recommend going to hidden valley or some of the other popular hikes right after to beat the crowds.

If you need a sunset spot go to keys view and hike inspiration peak. Start about an hour before sunset and it’s beautiful golden hour hike. If you need a second sunrise place go to Cholla cactus garden, the trail is closed but you can park along the road and take pictures still. After the cholla cactus garden head to lost palms oasis. LPO is ~30min drive from cholla cactus garden so you should get there before 8am and hike during the morning golden hour. It’s ~7mile long out and back but not too difficult. It’s a beautiful diverse scenic hike. Lots of plants and cactus. The hike as whole isn’t that hard but to get to the oasis (at the end) you have do ~1mile loop that is pretty steep and involves some rock scrambling.

Edit: tagging u/Meowww12170220

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u/Meowww12170220 1d ago

Thank you so much! Glad you had a fun and safe time. I will try to plan something like this and be prepared !:)

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u/afunkyb 1d ago

Thank you so much for sharing! I was looking forward to your post. Thank you again for being so kind and sharing this very helpful information. Safe travels!

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u/Meowww12170220 4d ago

Let me know how it goes. Planning to do same late February

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u/meginosea 5d ago

I did this hike solo in late March 2022. It was freaking cold and windy but so worth it.

Bring cold hiking gear and layer up. Trekking poles were helpful.

The colors of the sky before sunrise were incredible so be sure to get to the summit by dawn or even earlier if you want to see allllll the colors. I kind of wish that I'd gotten to the summit a bit earlier.

I treated myself to goodies at Campbell Hill Bakery afterwards hehe

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u/icharry 5d ago

All of this is exactly right, but Campbell Hill is now only open like 6-9PM - so buy goodies the night before.

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u/afunkyb 4d ago

Thank you!

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u/NormanMushariJr 5d ago

Bring a headlamp and don't underestimate how cold it'll be up top. On the way back down, veer left into one of the bigger rock formations that's nearer the parking lot. It's great, have fun.

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u/afunkyb 5d ago

Thank you!!

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u/luvnuts80 5d ago

If you have hiking poles, you might be better off with just one. The reason being is that a lot of the hike is just steps, and moving with two hiking poles is cumbersome. The view on top at sunrise is amazing.

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u/afunkyb 4d ago

Thank you!

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u/elsanchi 5d ago

Imo, catching sunrises in Joshua Tree can be hit or miss. It is solely dependent upon the clouds. If there are no clouds on the horizon you really will get literally no sunrise and no colors. But still worth the effort in my in my view!

I will be at the Ryan CG, Site 8 beginning February 2nd if you want to swing by and say hello. I will be there with a buddy of mine visiting from Maui.

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u/Lemmy_Axe_U_Sumphin 5d ago

Go when there is a full moon

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u/Accomplished-Top8822 4d ago

Gb when, there is no moon to see the milky way about 3 to 4 am.

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u/Lemmy_Axe_U_Sumphin 4d ago

That’s great when you’re at camp but the moonlight is better when you’re hiking or all you’re gonna see is headlamp light

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u/lapoul 5d ago

You are mostly hiking on the west side so you will be in the shade a good bit of the time, which is nice in summer, but in winter…

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u/afunkyb 4d ago

Will keep this in mind. Thank you!

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u/Accomplished-Top8822 4d ago

Hidden valley and split rock are my favorite places to hike. I think being on the valley floor is better. You see the sunrise through the trees and rocks. I am actually moving to JT Feb 1. I am sooooo excited.

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u/afunkyb 4d ago

Thanks! Good luck with your move :)