Is there any more soothing sight in the world than the evening sun casting its brilliant glow over the horizon? For Arizonans looking to add a bit of majestic magic to their evenings, the Copper State delivers with a host of locations just waiting to be the backdrop of your next sunset selfie.
As the Arizona Republic reports, Arizona sunsets are particularly striking because of the state’s dry, desert climate and atmosphere. Pushed around by the wind, tiny dust particles and molecules refract and scatter sunlight throughout the day, leading to brilliant shades at sunset.
From remote desert locales to a large lake right in the center of town, here are our picks for Arizona’s most scenic sunset viewing spots:
Lost Dutchman State Park
Only 40 miles east of Phoenix lies an enchanting landscape perfect for catching fiery displays of sun and sky. Located near the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park offers jaw-dropping sunsets precisely due to its dramatic landscape. As the sun sets onto the horizon, its light lends the surrounding mountain tops an otherworldly glow.
To view Lost Dutchman in all its evening glory, set out along the Treasure Loop Trail, a moderately difficult, 2.4-mile loop that traverses rocky terrain to reach 500 feet of elevation. After taking in sweeping views that include the distant Phoenix skyline, reward yourself with a nourishing break at one of the park’s several picnic and rest areas. Here you may even spot some of the park’s resident wildlife, which include coyotes, javelinas, and jackrabbits.
Picacho Peak State Park
Less than an hour’s drive from Tucson, Picacho Peak State Park is the ideal place to experience a peaceful sunset in the Sonoran Desert. With its distinctive, eponymous peak, this park has a centuries-old history that includes serving as a landmark for travelers dating back to prehistoric times, not to mention it’s the site of Arizona’s largest Civil War battle. These days, it’s a tranquil scene: Often blanketed in Mexican gold poppies, this peak was formed by a partially eroded volcanic flow.
View this unique geological site against the backdrop of the setting sun via the Sunset Vista Trail. This challenging, nearly six-mile hike includes a steep cable climb, and dogs are outright banned from areas of the park, so it’s probably best to leave your four-legged friends at home.
Slide Rock State Park
The sunsets at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona are so brilliant, you might have to wear shades. When the sunlight hits the rust-colored rocks just right, every nook and cranny seems to glow from within, an orange light that sharply contrasts the green-dotted hillsides that surround.
View this majestic scene from the Pendley Homestead Trail or the Clifftop Nature Trail, each a relatively easy, quarter-mile trek. Note that the park typically closes in early evening, so while you’ll be able to drink in golden hour glows from inside the park, you’ll need to exit before the sun truly sets.
There’s no shortage of adventure at this site, though: Sitting on a historic homestead apple farm, Slide Rock will impress history buffs with its full schedule of programming that includes historic cabin tours and invitations into the apple packing shed that whirred with activity nearly a century ago.
Oracle State Park
About an hour’s drive northeast from Tucson, this 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary in the northern foothills of the Catalina Mountains is home to scores of trails leading to remote destinations offering unspoiled views of the sky.
Popular routes like the all-ages friendly Oracle Nature Trail Loop, the short yet steep Granite Overlook Trail, and the easy, four-mile Wildlife Corridor Trail each offer Instagram-worthy sunset views, but if you’re in a pinch or unable to make the trek, you can always catch the time-honored views from the porch of the Kannally Ranch House, the spot where Arizona ranchers used to watch the sky over a century ago. With its bold Mediterranean Revival-style architectural accents, including a red-tiled roof and turquoise shutters, the ranch house at Oracle State Park itself becomes a wonder to witness during sunset.
Tempe Town Lake
City slickers, rejoice: There’s no need to trek to some remote location to view Arizona’s magical sunsets. Located in the heart of Tempe, Tempe Town Lake is a two-mile-long body of water that boasts some of the Copper State’s most jaw-dropping sky views.
Catch the sun dipping below the scenic, nearly century-old Mill Avenue Bridge from a romantic, swan-shaped boat, or opt for a group cruise with all your loved ones in a pedal-powered boat. No matter which vessel you choose, you’ll have the best seat in the house to drink in expansive views of sky and water.
Red Rock State Park
At Red Rock State Park in Sedona, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained as you wait for the sky to begin its brilliant show. In the afternoon, drop by the Miller Visitor Center to peruse its gift shop, view educational exhibits, and even catch a flick about the Sedona area’s natural beauty in the park’s own movie theater.
As the sun begins its glorious descent, set out on the park’s five miles of interconnecting trails to view the famed red rocks in all their sunlit glory. Photographers may want to try the Eagle’s Nest Loop, which climbs 300 feet to reach the park’s highest point, while families with children may opt for the easy Apache Fire Loop or Coyote Ridge Trail.
Note that pets are not allowed at Red Rock State Park under any circumstances.
Catalina State Park
Resting at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Catalina State Park attracts desert seekers and sunset aficionados who hike, bike, horseback ride, and camp here year-round.
During the summer months, the park hosts a series of Sonoran Sunset Strolls, volunteer-led excursions that educate participants about the many ways the Sonoran Desert provides critical sustenance and shelter for its wildlife.
Of course, the park’s 11 trails offer even more opportunities to view Catalina’s saguaro-dotted canyons and shaded, mesquite forests at sunset. Dogs are welcome at Catalina on most trails, and they must be kept on a leash with a maximum length of six feet at all times.
Papago Park
Phoenix’s Papago Park is an absolute must-visit at sunset. While the park is known for its beloved Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, its famed Hole in the Rock marks the perfect spot for viewing red sandstone formations, the desert floor, and even the Phoenix skyline in brilliant shades.
To reach the Hole in the Rock, embark on an easy, 0.3-mile trail that climbs 45 feet in elevation to greet this opening in the red rock butte. Note that this spot is very popular for those hoping to catch a sunset view, so arrive during golden hour to secure a comfortable spot to sit.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
