MOUNT AMOS– Sunrise or Sunset Hike?

Mount Amos Sunrise

The breathtaking views from Mount Amos are worth experiencing at both sunrise and sunset, but each time of day offers a unique adventure. Here are our thoughts on the pros and cons of each that could help you decide when to go!

Sunrise Pros:

- Peace and Solitude: You’re more likely to have the summit to yourself, making it easy to fully soak in the tranquillity and views.

- Calm Conditions: Sunrise often brings still weather. On calm days, you might even get mirror-like reflections on the water – we found no wind that morning, which meant it wasn’t too cold at the top!

- Perfect for Morning Hikers: If you love early starts, sunrise is a no-brainer.

- Full Day Ahead: After sunrise, you have the rest of the day to explore other trails in #freycinetnationalpark

- Spectacular First Light: Watching the first rays hit Wineglass Bay is truly unforgettable.

Cons:

- Navigating in the Dark: If you're unfamiliar with the trail, the ascent in darkness can feel challenging.

- Wildlife on the Roads: Driving to the trailhead in the dark means extra caution, as we found that wildlife is more active pre-dawn.

- Early Start: If you’re not a morning person, the early wake-up might be tough.

Sunset Pros:

- Daylight for the Ascent: Climbing in daylight provides better visibility and less uncertainty on the trail.

- No Need for an Early Start: If mornings aren’t your thing, sunset might be the ideal option.

- Lingering Light: Sunsets tend to linger, offering more time for photography and to soak in the fading colours.

Cons:

- Crowds: Sunset is a popular time for many hikers, so expect more people at the summit (although we were fortunate to have the summit all to ourselves that day, but we passed many hikers on the way up).

- Potential Wind: It was quite windy for us at sunset, and the wind chill made the 10°C temperature feel like -5°C – definitely something to consider if you dislike the cold.

- Descent in the Dark: Coming down after sunset can be just as tricky as ascending in the dark, especially if you’re feeling tired.

Our overall thoughts: While the sky was stunning at sunset, the wind made it quite chilly. In contrast, the sunrise offered a calm, serene experience, but the colors faded fast, which means a bit less time to linger. For anyone who isn't a morning person, sunrise could be a miss, but if you love early mornings, starting your day up the summit is definitely not a bad idea. With all that said, both are very rewarding and magical experiences!

So, which team are you – Team Sunrise or Team Sunset?