Desert sunsets are on another level and with so many scenic spots throughout Arizona, you can catch some incredible skies! Plus, watching sunsets is an activity to enjoy with the whole family, a group of friends, or on a solo trip. No matter if you’re on a hike, at a scenic campsite, or even just driving through town, you’re bound to catch a beautiful sunset while in Arizona!
In this post, we’re highlighting three can’t miss sunset spots in Arizona –
You can easily hit all three of these can’t miss sunset spots on a road trip throughout northern Arizona, all within a few hours of driving! Whether you’re camping or staying in hotels, you won’t regret catching the sunset at any of these spots!
- If you are looking to hit all 3 of these spots from Phoenix it’s about 2 hours to Sedona and then another 2 hours up to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. From the Grand Canyon it’s about 3.5 hours up to Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend – Page, AZ
Horseshoe Bend is located in Page, AZ all the way on the Arizona and Utah border. It’s known for its unique horseshoe shaped portion of the Colorado River and is definitely worth a visit! It’s a great stop to add if you’re doing a road trip through Arizona and Utah. Plus one of the best parts is that it’s very accessible to visit with only a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the main viewpoint area.
Parking costs $10 per vehicle and then you can stay for as long as you want!
Catching a sunset at Horseshoe Bend is absolutely beautiful and is worth making the trip for! The sun sets behind the horseshoe (the direction you face from the main viewing area) and once the sun dips below the horizon it lights up the entire sky with colors! Make sure to bring your camera and get there a little before sunset to enjoy the show! Even though it can be crowded, the viewpoint area is very open so it’s easy to find an empty spot to stand or sit.
Cathedral Rock – Sedona, AZ
Cathedral Rock is an extremely popular hike in Sedona, and is another amazing spot for sunset! Parking is very limited at the trailhead so make sure to get there early or you can take the Cathedral Rock/Little Horse line of the Sedona Shuttle as well.
The hike up is only 0.6 miles, however, it’s pretty steep in certain sections so it’s best to wear sturdy hiking shoes. BUT – the views at the top are well worth the hike! As the sun sets lower, the red rocks light up and it looks like they are glowing.
You’ll likely see engagement or wedding photos being taken at the top of Cathedral Rock because it’s that picturesque of a place! If you do hike up for sunset make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight as it will likely be dark by the time you hike back down.
Mather Point – Grand Canyon National Park
Mather Point is another can’t miss sunset spot in Arizona! Located in Grand Canyon National Park along the South Rim, this spot is well known and easy to find from the Grand Canyon Visitors Center. At the visitors center you can find plenty of parking, restrooms, and other services.
Mather Point is located along the Rim Trail and will give you beautiful views as the sun goes down lighting up the Grand Canyon in shades of yellow and red.
From Mather Point you can walk in either direction along the Rim Trail to find secluded spots or different perspectives. The paved trail is very accessible and is a great way to leisurely explore the area finding different views of the Grand Canyon.
If you only have one day in the Grand Canyon, we would recommend starting with the Desert View Drive and ending the day by catching a sunset at Mather Point and walking along the Rim Trail.
Our favorite way to end a busy day of exploring is by settling in for the night at our campsite and cracking open a Bivouac cider. You can find Bivouac at a variety of locations throughout Arizona including Total Wine & More and Whole Foods so make sure to grab some to enjoy while watching your next Arizona sunset!
Written by Anywhere Outdoors Media.
