Chasing the Sunset: Perfect Road Trips for Golden Hour Photography

19 May 2025

Sunsets are nature’s grand finale—a breathtaking display of light and colors that, for a fleeting moment, transform the world. For photographers, the golden hour is the ultimate magic trick, softening harsh lines, deepening hues, and creating a dreamy atmosphere that makes every shot feel like a masterpiece.

If you're itching to hit the road with your camera and chase that perfect sunset, you're in the right place. From the rugged coastlines to vast desert landscapes, here are some of the most stunning road trips designed for golden hour photography.

Why Golden Hour is a Photographer’s Best Friend

Golden hour, the brief period right after sunrise and before sunset, is every photographer's dream. Why? The light is softer, the shadows are longer, and the world seems to glow in a way that's impossible to replicate during other times of the day.

- Warm, Diffused Light – Say goodbye to harsh midday shadows and hello to flattering, golden tones.
- Long Shadows & Depth – The low angle of the sun adds texture and depth to landscapes.
- Vibrant Colors – Skies transform into a mixture of fiery oranges, deep blues, and rich purples.

Now that we’ve covered why golden hour is so special, let’s dive into the best road trips to capture its magic.

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Route: San Francisco to Los Angeles
Best Sunset Spot: Big Sur (Bixby Bridge)

Driving down Highway 1 is like flipping through a photographer’s dream journal. This coastal stretch offers dramatic cliffs, endless ocean views, and sunsets that will leave you speechless.

Golden Hour Tip: Stop at Bixby Bridge just before the sun dips below the horizon. The combination of the historic bridge, rugged coastline, and crashing waves makes for an iconic shot.

Other must-shoot spots along the way:
- Pfeiffer Beach (watch for the Keyhole Arch—it glows during sunset!)
- McWay Falls (a waterfall that drops into the ocean)
- Santa Barbara (golden beaches and palm trees)

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

Route: Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains
Best Sunset Spot: Rough Ridge Overlook

If rolling hills drenched in golden light sound like your kind of scene, the Blue Ridge Parkway is calling your name. The winding mountain roads, misty valleys, and endless scenic overlooks make it a paradise for sunset chasers.

Golden Hour Tip: Head to Rough Ridge Overlook for a wide-angle shot of the Appalachian Mountains bathed in warm hues.

Other breathtaking stops include:
- Linville Gorge (a canyon engulfed in fog and golden light)
- Craggy Gardens (wildflowers and panoramic views)
- Waterrock Knob (a 360-degree view of the mountains)

3. Monument Valley, Arizona & Utah

Route: Kayenta, AZ to Mexican Hat, UT
Best Sunset Spot: The View Hotel Overlook

If you're after those classic Western landscapes—towering rock formations, an endless desert, and a sky that explodes with color—then Monument Valley should be at the top of your list.

Golden Hour Tip: The View Hotel Overlook offers a front-row seat to the sun setting behind the famous Mittens Buttes. The contrast of deep reds, purples, and oranges paints a surreal scene.

Other must-visit stops:
- Forrest Gump Point (endless highway leading into the valley)
- Artist’s Point (stunning rock formations)
- John Ford’s Point (named after the famous Western movie director)

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Route: West Glacier to St. Mary
Best Sunset Spot: Logan Pass

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. With towering peaks, glacial lakes, and waterfalls, this drive is a photographer’s paradise—especially during golden hour.

Golden Hour Tip: Logan Pass offers a panoramic view of the jagged mountain peaks glowing in the fading sunlight. You might even spot some mountain goats adding to the composition.

Other golden hour-worthy locations:
- Lake McDonald (mirrored reflections of the sky)
- Wild Goose Island (a tiny island surrounded by mountains)
- Many Glacier (wildlife, waterfalls, and glassy lakes)

5. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Route: Torquay to Allansford
Best Sunset Spot: The Twelve Apostles

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a coastal wonderland featuring rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and crashing waves—making it a dream location for golden hour photography.

Golden Hour Tip: The Twelve Apostles is hands down the best place to be at sunset. The towering limestone stacks standing against the glowing ocean create a jaw-dropping view.

Other fantastic photo stops:
- Loch Ard Gorge (dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters)
- Gibson Steps (get up close to the rock formations)
- Apollo Bay (golden beaches perfect for warm sunset shots)

6. Ring Road, Iceland

Route: Reykjavik to Vik
Best Sunset Spot: Kirkjufell Mountain

Iceland’s Ring Road is a photographer’s playground. With waterfalls, black sand beaches, and otherworldly landscapes, every turn offers a new masterpiece.

Golden Hour Tip: Kirkjufell Mountain is one of Iceland’s most photographed locations for a reason. During golden hour, the peak glows beautifully against the sky while the nearby waterfall adds to the magic.

Other must-snap locations:
- Skogafoss (massive waterfall with rainbows)
- Reynisfjara Beach (black sand and sea stacks)
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (floating icebergs under golden light)

7. Garden Route, South Africa

Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River
Best Sunset Spot: Knysna Heads

South Africa’s Garden Route is filled with coastal beauty, lush forests, and epic mountain views. It’s a lesser-known gem for sunset lovers, but trust me—it’s spectacular.

Golden Hour Tip: Knysna Heads is a fantastic spot to watch the golden light reflect over the ocean, creating a tranquil yet dramatic scene.

Other can’t-miss locations:
- Tsitsikamma National Park (rugged cliffs and crashing waves)
- Wilderness Beach (endless shoreline with dazzling sunsets)
- Oudtshoorn (rolling hills and ostrich farms under golden skies)

Final Photography Tips for Chasing the Sunset

Before you hit the road, here are some key tips to make the most of your golden hour shots:

1. Plan Your Timing

Golden hour doesn’t last long—usually about 30–60 minutes—so check a sunset tracker and get into position early.

2. Use a Tripod

A steady shot helps capture every detail, especially if you're playing with longer exposures.

3. Experiment with Angles

The best sunset shots aren’t always just of the sun itself. Look for reflections, silhouettes, and foreground elements to add depth.

4. Adjust White Balance

Set your camera to “Cloudy” or “Shade” mode to enhance those warm sunset tones.

5. Shoot in RAW

RAW files hold more detail, giving you flexibility in post-processing to bring out the perfect color balance.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Golden hour photography is all about patience, timing, and being in the right place when nature decides to put on a show. Whether you're driving along a rugged coastline, through towering mountains, or across vast deserts, chasing sunsets is more than just a hobby—it’s an experience.

So, grab your camera, pack your bags, and hit the road. The perfect sunset is waiting for you.