With each step, the scent of petrichor grew stronger. All I could hear was the splatter of my boots as I stepped along the muddy trail with the cacophony of my heavy breathing and the breeze through the treetops. My headlamp provided just enough light to see the next step, the next boulder, and how steep the climb was, although it was best not to know that part. My thoughts meandered between what the fuck was I doing out here alone in the dark just to reach a mountain summit at sunrise, to photograph the colors, to how I felt overheated, to the mouse that kept me up all night, to my broken heart, to what was I doing with my life.
When the treeline opened, I paused to take in the view. Distant snow-covered mountains loomed inside a frame of evergreen tops. It was that time between night and dawn when the sky was gray, and a few stars still twinkled. I loved this time. It was the in between, neither dark nor light, nor night nor day; It was committed to nothing much like how I existed.
That was the thing about these strange adventures I continued to hurl myself into. I told myself it was for the photographs I would take, the content I’d share, the fitness I’d gain when climbing in the cold air, but in reality, it was perhaps for something simpler. Maybe it was just for me.
Mount Jo for Sunrise
Sunrise hikes, as always, intrigued me. The colors, the peaceful hike in the dark, the breathtaking summit views, and the feeling of so much accomplishment and life. For a landscape photographer, it is a treasure. Golden hues across dramatic peaks with a whisp of rising fog spell perfection for many of us.
A sunrise hike is a challenge for many reasons, one being the obvious: you have to be an early riser and unafraid to tackle terrain in the dark. With the correct planning, it is possible, and I set out to prove this to myself on a recent sunrise trek up Mount Jo in New York’s stunning Adirondack region.
Although not considered a High Peak, Mount Jo in the Adirondacks at 2,876 feet offers hikers stunning views of the High Peaks Wilderness. Although I have done a fair amount of hiking in the Adirondacks, even tackling some of the more challenging High Peaks such as Mount Marcy, I had yet to hike Mount Jo.
A few years ago, I hiked Cascade Mountain for a sunrise view. I will never forget watching the sky change colors as the sun rose, rendering the mountainous landscape pink, gold, and yellow. It was a strenuous hike in the dark and a cold summit, but worth every effort. This moment was forever etched in my memory.
I always wanted to watch the sunrise from Mount Jo. Now that I have been doing landscape photography, I wish to photograph the sunrise there. Sometimes the smaller peaks indeed afford a better view, and there is something special about standing on a lower peak to see the grandeur of the taller mountains around you. This photography project became a bucket list item I wanted to complete before the trail turned from autumn to wintry, where snowshoes would be needed.
There are two ways up Mount Jo. The longer way is 1.3 miles, and an easier way to the top. The shorter, but steeper and sometimes technical trail is 1.1 miles. I chose to hike up the mountain the short way and return the long way. Personally, I would rather ascend technical terrain —such as slippery rocks and steep inclines — in the dark than descend in the light.
I arrived at the Adirondack Loj at 5:15 AM. There is an $18 fee to park at the Loj for the day. I parked in Lot 1. Keep in mind the trail to Mount Jo is actually outside the entry booth to the right, which can be a little confusing to find in the dark. The start of the Mount Jo trail is adjacent to Heart Lake Rd.
The trail starts as a simple flatbed that winds through the woods. Eventually, it arrives at a sign marking the start of the Mount Jo trail. Once in this section, you will ultimately arrive at a fork. To the right is the “short” trail, which is the way I chose for the climb.
Overall, the ascent was moderately steep. There were sections with large rocks, rock stairs, and roots, so I suggest giving yourself plenty of time if ascending before daybreak. Following a steep section, the trees open up to reveal a view of the High Peaks. I took a moment here to savor that in between time between night and day, where stars and light collide.
You will eventually reach a clear “summit” sign where the trail winds through sections of slab until it opens up to the small, but beautiful summit of Mount Jo. I arrived just as golden hour began. The sky was turning pink, and the distant snow-covered mountain tops took on a mystical hue. This was around 617 AM. It took me about 45 minutes to ascend with quick breaks to catch my breath.
I layered up and took a few photographs, watching as the sun peaked over the mountain tops. Then the landscape changed. The trees and rockface turned golden in the early daylight. The distant peaks were illuminated as the sun rose higher and higher. The golden hour lasted from 615 AM to about 7:18 AM, when the light grew brighter. This was in early November, so keep in mind that these times will change with the season.
It was quiet up there—just me, the wind, and my camera. For as long as my hands could stand the cold, I lingered to take it all in.
Tips:
Here are some tips for a sunrise hike up Mount Jo, which can also be applied to any sunrise hike of similar length:
- It is best to have some idea of the trail conditions, the trail itself, and parking before you arrive. Hiking in the dark is so different from walking in the daytime. Your senses are way more alive, and the quiet can really provide a sense of peace and isolation. With that said, it is much easier to navigate by day, and if you can, either hike during the day or study the trail on a map. You can use AllTrails for condition reports and photographs of landmarks.
- In addition to the Ten Essentials for a safe hike, you will also need a headlamp ( I bring two in case), extra batteries, and a few more layers for the summit. Sunrise hikes are gorgeous but usually cold and windy! Be sure to pack a few extra layers to stay toasty at the top so you can take your time and enjoy the views.
- Know about orienteering and first aid. I am certified in Wilderness First Aid and have a good understanding of compass and map use. On this hike, I chose to descend the long path, which, although easier, is not well marked. The falling leaves further obscured the trail, and at one point, I completely lost it! I used my compass to find my way back to the main trail. With a good understanding of a compass and what direction you need to be going, you will set out knowing you have the knowledge to navigate if needed.
- Another useful app to have on any hike is AllTrails. With a membership, you can access the route offline. Although I find this app very useful, things happen. Phones die or get lost, and service in this location is unavailable. You can pick up a map of the High Peaks Wilderness area at Eastern Mountain Sports in Lake Placid.
Photography Tips
Photographing a sunrise is an exceptional experience. It does require an early wake-up and planning, but there are tools now, such as phone apps, that make this part a little easier.
- Bring a stable tripod. My tripod is relatively light. Travel-friendly and carbon fiber, my tripod does not withstand most winds on mountain summits, making it tricky to capture portraits or leave the camera alone. Also, less light means a slower shutter speed, which is sensitive to camera shake. A tripod and remote shutter will reduce the chance of camera shake, creating a crisp photo.
- Pack extra batteries and memory cards in case!
- Secure your camera in your pack. I like to wrap mine in my down puffer. This ensures that, in the event of an unfortunate slip and fall, my camera will be protected.
- Play around with exposure and aperture as the light changes. Lower light means a wider aperture ( lower number), whereas more light requires a narrow aperture ( higher number F/11 +)
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape. My Canon RF 15-35mm has become my sidekick in landscape photography. I love the option to capture a wide view to showcase landscapes, or to narrow the image to focus on a feature such as a mountain peak or trees.
- Use apps such as Alpenglow and PhotoPills to find information on times like the Golden Hour, Daylight, and the direction of the sun. Mount Jo is an excellent location for sunrise because the light faces the summit, illuminating the mountain view before it.
Where I stayed
For this trip, I stayed in an adorable cabin called Skylight, which is part of the Mount Van Hoevenberg Cabins. Located on Route 73, only ten minutes from Lake Placid, this cabin was the perfect spot for an overnight getaway. I was only 15 minutes from the Adirondack Loj, where a few of the most popular hikes, such as Algonquin Peak, Mount Marcy, and Mount Jo, are located, and a five-minute drive from the Cascade mountain trailhead.
The cabin was cozy and clean, with a coffee maker, sink, bathroom, utensils, and a refrigerator. It was decorated with nice touches such as genuine wood decor and this adorable Adirondack pillow. There is a fire pit area outside and a lovely view of the sky!
Nearby Shopping and Eats
Lake Placid and Keene have plenty of food options, but I have my tried-and-true favorites. For lunch, I love stopping at Cedar Market and Bakery in Keene. They have great vegetarian options, strong coffee, and fantastic home-baked goods. Since I arrived near dinner time, following a hike up Rooster Comb mountain, I picked up a dinner bowl there.
On Main Street in Lake Placid, I stopped into the Adirondack Trading Post for handmade soaps and then made my way to the Adirondack Chocolatier for hand-dipped pretzels and graham crackers. During my walk, I couldn’t resist snapping this photo of the sky over the nearby Mirror Lake. The colors were stunning!
Must do’s
Although I listed my recommendations for a fantastic sunrise hike, I wanted to add on a few must-dos.
Remember to relish the experience. Moments like this in life feel so fleeting, yet when I look back, it is these moments that stick with me most. Watching the stars during an astro shoot, hearing the silence on a mountain peak, or watching the sky dance when photographing the Aurora are a few of my favorite memories.
Although I love composing images that showcase the earth’s beauty, I love even more the experience outside of the lens; the connection with self, the majesty of nature, and the meaning of it all.
I hope you find it not only through your camera lens, but also outside it.
