Guide · Updated October 24, 2026

sunset and night hiking safety

How to hike near dusk without getting caught out.

Running out of daylight is one of the most common ways a hike goes wrong. If you hike for sunset, carry a headlamp per person, know the sunset time, and choose a short, well-marked trail you already know.

  • Check the sunset time and the park's posted closing hours. Many parks close at dusk.
  • Bring a headlamp each, spare batteries and a warm layer.
  • Pick a short trail you have hiked in daylight, such as Quarry Rock or Teapot Hill.
  • Set a turnaround time and keep it.
  • Leave a trip plan.

sources

Cite this page

Hike Vancouver. "Sunset and night hiking safety." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/guides/night-and-sunset/

Cam Appleton, Vancouver real estate agent, climbing the side of a downtown tower at sunset with the North Shore mountains behind
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Hi, I'm Cam Appleton. I love Vancouver and I love getting out on its trails. When I went looking for a simple, easy hiking guide for around here, I couldn't find one I liked. I also really like helping people, so I built this one.

My day job is real estate. I help people buy, sell and lease. I hope you're enjoying the start of Hike Vancouver. I wrote these guides the way I'd explain things to a friend at the trailhead.

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