13 Micro-Adventures for When Time Isn’t on Your Side

2. Instead of Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Try a Sunrise Summit Close to Home

The Inca Trail’s breathtaking views and rewarding physical challenge make it a dream for hikers, but you don’t need to travel to Peru to experience the thrill of an epic trek. Instead, seek out a nearby peak or trail with an epic view and hike it before sunrise for a similar sense of wonder. Look for scenic summits, ridgeline trails, or high viewpoints within driving distance. The key to making this micro-adventure feel special is timing—arriving at the summit just before sunrise will reward you with golden light, cool air, and fewer people. Bonus tip: If you want the multi-day trekking feel, try backpacking overnight and camping at a summit, so you wake up already at the top for sunrise.