Best Sunset Spots in Phoenix: Catch the Scenic Viewpoints

Editor: Suman Pathak on Jul 30,2025

 

Phoenix, Arizona, is famous for its desert scenery and sunny weather, but the sunsets here are something else. As the sun goes down, the desert transforms into a mix of gold, pink, and red. Whether you're just visiting or call Phoenix home, it's always a pleasure to watch. The good news is that Phoenix has many places where you can enjoy this amazing view.

This blog will share some of the greatest sunset spots in Phoenix, whether you want someplace romantic or just want to take awesome pictures. These spots include some of Arizona's most well-known scenic views.

Great Sunset Spots in Phoenix

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From mountain tops to city views, quiet desert gardens, and hidden trails, you can find a spot to chill out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Southwest:

1. South Mountain Park & Preserve

South Mountain Park is huge, with tons of trails and hills. It’s also a go-to sunset spot in Phoenix because you get a great view of the city and the desert.

Dobbins Lookout is one of the best spots in the park to watch the sunset. It’s a stone building over 2,300 feet high, with a killer view of Phoenix. As the sun goes down, the city lights start to come on, and the sky behind the mountains is amazing.

Why check it out:

  • Easy to get to by car
  • Awesome view in every direction
  • Quiet enough to chill, but with enough people around that you feel safe
  • It’s also a pretty romantic spot, if you're looking for that kind of thing.

2. Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon Trail

If you don’t mind a workout, hiking Camelback Mountain is a fantastic way to see the sunset. The Echo Canyon Trail is tough, but if you time it right and reach the top just before sunset, the view is worth it.

From up there, you can see all of Phoenix and the desert. The way the light hits the red rocks makes it even cooler.

Things to remember:

  • Start early, don’t hike after dark
  • Bring water and a flashlight for the way down
  • Check the weather because the trail can change fast
  • This spot is also great for taking photos.

3. Papago Park: Hole-in-the-Rock

Papago Park is great for families and has the famous Hole-in-the-Rock. This rock formation has a big hole that frames the sky. People love taking photos here, especially when the light is golden.

The walk to the hole is short and easy. Once you’re there, you can sit and watch the sun go down behind the city. You’ll also see the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, and downtown Phoenix.

Great for:

  • Date night Phoenix or quick trips
  • Families watching the sunset
  • Visitors who don’t have much time but want a great view

It’s not just pretty, it’s also easy to get to.

4. Desert Botanical Garden

For a pretty and relaxing sunset, go to the Desert Botanical Garden. It’s next to Papago Park and has tons of cacti, succulents, and desert flowers. When the sun sets, everything lights up, especially when the flowers are blooming.

Evening visits are extra cool during events like “Flashlight Nights” or “Music in the Garden.” It’s a super romantic spot.

What makes it special:

  • Art sometimes makes the sunset even better
  • Great for talking and walking around
  • A cool date spot that mixes nature and culture

Bring your camera because the sunlight shining through the cacti makes for awesome pictures.

5. Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge

Even though it's in Tempe, this spot by the lake is a favorite for watching the sunset, especially if you live in the East Valley. The Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge gives you awesome views of the sun setting over the lake, with the city and mountains in the background.

When the sky turns orange and Tempe's lights come on, the reflections on the water make it feel calm and romantic. You'll often see bikers, joggers, and couples holding hands, chilling out in the evening.

What's cool about it:

  • A nice water view in the middle of the desert.
  • Great for a casual walk or just sitting and people watching.
  • A perfect place for a picnic date.
  • It’s also one of the pretty good photography locations Phoenix, especially if you like skyline shots.

6. Piestewa Peak: Summit Trail

Piestewa Peak, used to be called Squaw Peak, is a super popular hiking spot in Phoenix. The Summit Trail is a tough climb, but it takes you to one of the highest spots in the city. That means awesome sunset views.

On a clear day, you can see the mountains around the city, the skyline downtown, and even planes landing at the airport, all lit up by the sunset.

Tips for visiting:

  • The trail gets crowded, so get there early to find parking.
  • Hiking in the evening is beautiful, but bring a flashlight.
  • The way the desert rocks glow after sunset is perfect for photos.

Lots of couples like this place since it combines a little bit of an outdoor setting with beautiful sights.

7. Wrigley Mansion

William Wrigley Jr., who made chewing gum, built the Wrigley Mansion in the 1930s. It's on top of a hill and has great views of the city. Now it's used for events and fancy dinners, and it's still a great place to watch the sunset.

Having dinner here around sunset is a fancy experience. There are big windows and patios that look out over the city. If you want a nice evening with great views, it's hard to beat the Wrigley Mansion.

Why it's a good choice:

  • It has history, cool buildings, and great views.
  • Perfect for special events or anniversary dinners.
  • Sunset dinners here are pretty romantic.

Make sure you make a reservation, mostly when tourist are most active.

8. Lookout Mountain Preserve

Lookout Mountain is in North Phoenix and doesn't get as crowded as the bigger parks. It's a short, kind of steep hike to the top, and you get a clear view of the valley. Since it's not super popular with tourists, it's a nice quiet place to enjoy the end of the day.

As the sun goes down, the desert colors change, and you can watch the city light up at night from a peaceful spot. It's great if you want scenic viewpoints Arizona without tons of people.

Why you'll like it:

  • Not as many people as on other hikes.
  • Great city views without a bunch of noise.
  • A relaxing choice if you like peace and quiet.
  • This is a great choice for taking pictures and avoiding crowds.

Best Time to See a Phoenix Sunset?

Phoenix sunsets are amazing, especially from October to April. The sky's clear, it's not too hot, and there's just enough dust to make the colors pop. Try to get there half an hour before sunset so you can relax and watch the light change. In the summer, sunsets are later, which is great for those who want to miss the heat of the day.

Whenever you go, the desert sky always puts on a beautiful show at the end of the day. It's something you should definitely take the time to see.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you are in Phoenix, you can always find a cool place to watch the sunset. Whether looking for romantic spots in Phoenix or a new place to take pictures, these viewpoints are awesome for any sunset lover.

From the rugged peaks of Camelback Mountain to the calm Japanese Friendship Garden, the sunset spots in Phoenix show off the city’s awesome natural light and different landscapes. Arizona's known for its great views. You don't have to leave town to find something amazing - just look up at the right moment.


This content was created by AI