Sunset Tours

Magic Hour Riding

There's something special about watching the sun set over the Continental Divide from 12,000 feet. Our sunset tours time your ride to catch golden hour and the alpenglow that follows.

Tour Details

• Duration: 2-2.5 hours
• Departure: Varies by season (timed for sunset)
• Distance: Approximately 20 miles
• Maximum Elevation: 12,000+ feet
• Group Size: Maximum 8 riders

The Experience

1. Arrive approximately 1 hour before sunset
2. Gear up and safety briefing
3. Ride up toward the Divide
4. Stop at scenic viewpoint for sunset
5. Hot chocolate during sunset viewing
6. Return ride as darkness falls

What You'll See

• The sun setting behind mountain peaks
• Alpenglow turning snow pink and orange
• Stars emerging in the high altitude sky
• Distant lights of Summit County below

Photography Opportunity

Sunset tours are popular with photographers. The light is extraordinary:

• Golden hour warmth on snow
• Dramatic shadows across the terrain
• Silhouette opportunities
• Alpenglow reflections

Timing by Season

• December/January: Depart ~3:30 PM
• February: Depart ~4:00 PM
• March: Depart ~4:30 PM
• April: Depart ~5:00 PM

Exact times vary—we'll confirm when you book.

What's Included

• Late-model snowmobile
• Helmet and winter gear
• Experienced guide
• Hot chocolate at sunset stop
• Headlamp/light for return ride

Requirements

• Comfortable with evening riding
• Warm layered clothing (it gets cold after sunset)
• Camera if you want photos
• Flexibility for weather-related timing changes

Weather Considerations

Sunset tours depend on clear enough skies to see the sunset. If weather looks unfavorable:.

• We may offer to reschedule
• Or convert to a regular afternoon tour
• Full refund if canceled for weather

Romantic Evening

Sunset tours are popular for special occasions:

• Anniversary celebrations
• Proposals (let us know—we can help!)
• Honeymoons
• Birthday surprises

Related Tours

• Night Tours - continue the magic with a moonlit mountain ride
• Sunrise Tours - catch the other end of the day from 11,000 feet
• Photography Tours - golden hour light with extended photo stops

Best months for sunset tours

December and January offer the earliest sunsets — rides depart around 3:30 PM and have you back at the staging area by 6:30 PM. February and March push start times to 4:00-4:30 PM as days lengthen. April provides the longest golden hour with the trail still in full operating condition. Each month presents the alpine landscape with different light: December’s low-angle sun creates harsh shadows and intense gold, while April’s longer dusk produces softer pinks and lavenders that linger for nearly an hour after the sun drops.

Photography opportunity

Even if you’re not booking the dedicated photography tour, sunset rides include 3-4 stops timed to peak light. Guides know which east-facing slopes catch alpenglow longest and where the foreground terrain frames the Continental Divide most dramatically. Bring a camera or capable smartphone and a small tripod if you have one — the light goes from warm to cold quickly and a stable mount helps capture the transition.