Sedona Sunset
Sedona really is one of the best places on Earth to watch the sunset. The combination of dramatic red rock formations, clean air, great weather, and many vantage points give visitors and locals almost daily opportunities to view a beautiful sky and glowing red rocks. This article highlights 7 places in Sedona that are easy to get to and are not too far away from your parked car. Bring your camera and your soccer chairs!
Sedona Sunsets
Sunsets in Sedona are unique in one amazing way… You can actually watch the sun setting in the western horizon somewhere over Mingus Mountain, or you can watch the reflection of warm light as it hits the red rocks. So, sometimes you are actually facing opposite the sunset to see the glowing sandstone and red rock formations.
We chose the following locations for 2 reasons: the red rock views are expansive and they are easy to get to. It gets dark fast after the sun sets. You need to be able to drive out, back into town or wherever you are headed next safely and easily. To us, it doesn’t make sense to drive miles on a dark, dirt road after your sunset hike. This can be dangerous and you could get lost. Trails that are further into the forest are awesome but should hiked and completed when there is still plenty of daylight.
1) Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
Probably the most famous place in Sedona to watch the sunset… You get the sun setting towards the west and the reflecting warm light on the rock formations to the north, including the Cockscomb, Chimney Rock, Thunder Mountain, Coffee Pot Rock, the Fin, and Wilson Mountain. This location has a decent-sized parking lot close to the overlook.
READ: Sedona Arizona Weather – What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip
READ: Sunrise in Sedona – Where to Go, What to Do. Vortex Hikes, Meditations and other Early Morning Activities to Start Your Day
2) Airport Mesa (Vortex)
This viewing spot is popular with the metaphysical crowd and is also known as the Airport Vortex. It includes a bit of climbing, so keep that in mind as you are heading back down the trail after the sun sets. Hiking boots recommended. If the small parking lot is full, keep going up the hill towards the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout (#1).
3) Lover’s Knoll
Lover’s Knoll Scenic Viewpoint is a popular outdoor wedding destination. Take 89A to Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. Drive slowly down the switchbacks a little over 1 mile and the viewpoint in on the left. This location does not face the sunset, but you will have a glorious view of Cathedral Rock and much of Sedona glowing with the late afternoon/early evening light of the setting sun. It is a treat. If there is a private ceremony happening there, just continue on down the road until you get to the intersection with Chavez Ranch Rd. Instead of turning left, turn right into the Pyramid Mountain Trailhead (#4) parking lot. Hiking boots recommended.
4) Pyramid Mountain
Pyramid Mountain Trail is an easy hike with an elevation climb. Wear hiking boots! You don’t have to go very far to get excellent views of Cathedral Rock in the setting sun. Some of the most famous images of Cathedral Rock are taken from this small mountain. Make sure you get safely back down to your car before it gets too dark.
SECRET TIP! In June, if you are at just the right spot on the trail at just the right time, you will see the moon rise between the inner spires of Cathedral Rock.
Sedona sunset and moonrise at Red Rock Crossing & Cathedral Rock during the summer… Stay at the Sedona Cathedral Hideaway Bed & Breakfast and Luxury Casita to enjoy this beautiful area nearby. It’s within walking distance!
5) Cultural Park Trailhead
This is a lovely, quiet place to view the sunset. It’s not very well-known. You can hike a bit or sit in your car to watch Long Canyon, Boynton Canyon, and the Cockscomb light up. This is also a fun place to view the sunrise since this is where many of the local hot air balloon companies take off and land.
Sedona Sunset Times
| Month | Sunset |
|---|---|
| January 1st | 5:27 pm |
| February 1st | 5:56 pm |
| March 1st | 6:23 pm |
| April 1st | 6:48 pm |
| May 1st | 7:12 pm |
| June 1st | 7:35 pm |
| July 1st | 7:44 pm |
| August 1st | 7:29 pm |
| September 1st | 6:53 pm |
| October 1st | 6:10 pm |
| November 1st | 5:32 pm |
| December 1st | 5:15 pm |
View daily sunset times for Sedona here ⇒
READ: Sedona Mind Body and Soul – Taking Care of Yourself in Red Rock Country
6) Posse Grounds Park
Posse Grounds Park is where the locals go for fitness, soccer games, softball, baseball, swimming, hiking, tennis, and cultural events. Enjoy a sandy volleyball court, a lovely playground, a skate park and hiking trails. You will be surrounded in red rock glory towards dusk. Bring a picnic dinner and a frisbee and enjoy a family-friendly sunset destination in Sedona.
Read about one of Sedona’s best family-friendly hikes: Enjoy West Fork Trail Sedona with Your Kids – An Unforgettable Hike in Oak Creek Canyon
7) 89A Scenic Viewpoint
This Scenic Viewpoint is about 9 miles southwest of West Sedona on State Route 89A. If you are heading into Sedona from Cottonwood as the sun is setting behind you, pull into this parking lot and enjoy the red rocks of Sedona and the various crimson canyons to the north lighting up in the distance.
READ: Directions to Sedona – Driving to Sedona 9 Different Ways with Maps
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