My favorite time to hike is just after dawn because I usually have the trail to myself, but since I saw those tracks and felt that mountain lion watching me, I make sure to meet a neighbor on the trail-better safe than dinner...
Would a 6 AM meal be dinner for an all-night cat? Or is that breakfast?
Know what you mean about dawn...you have trails to yourself, get to see wonderful sunrises, air is fresh and clean, day hasn’t become scorching hot yet. It’s my favorite time, too, unfortunately, some of the wild parks in the San Fran area don’t open until 8 AM, so you need to camp if you want to get out early. I’d much rather spend the night in my bed and hit the road at 5 AM to be there at 6.