Timeline
15:57
Grab a drink or appetizer at Red Mesa Grill. The extensive tequila list and warm interior are perfect for settling in before the evening air turns cold.
16:57
Walk to Reffitt Nature Preserve. The 63-minute walk from the anchor is long, so take your time. Arrive just as the golden light begins to fade, positioning yourself to watch the sun dip toward the WSW.
17:27
Watch the sunset. The sky will shift from gold to blue as the day ends over the preserve.
18:12
Head back to Red Mesa Grill for dinner. It is still open until 22:00 on Sundays, or 23:00 on weekdays, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a full meal after the walk.
Local tip
The walk from Centre Ice Arena to Reffitt Nature Preserve is nearly an hour. Plan your transport carefully or start earlier if you are coming from the arena.
Check before you go
- Red Mesa Grill is open Mo-Sa 11:00-23:00 and Su 11:00-22:00.
- Sunset on 15 January is at 17:27 local time.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Traverse City (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).