7 Hikes With the Best Sunset Views in Arizona

I feel so lucky to live in a state like Arizona. Even in the cities of Scottsdale and Phoenix, one is never too far away from an excellent hiking trail or a sunset view. I may be a little biased, but I believe Arizona sunsets are among the best in our country! If you love a great hike for some of the best sunset views in Arizona, try one of the following trails:

1. Elliott Ramada Loop - Papago Park, Phoenix

Not too long ago, I went on a sunset hike with a friend of mine at Papago Park. We parked at the golf club and headed into the park along the Elliott Ramada Loop. As dusk settled, we stopped to look west at the sunset as it settled over downtown Phoenix and its twinkling lights in the distance. The orange and gold hues were spectacular! While we did trek along the east Elliott Ramada Loop, any trail you take within the park, like the Hole in the Rock Trail, will lead to sunset views like the one pictured above.

2. Dutchman's Trail and Bluff Springs Loop - Superstition Wilderness, Gold Canyon

Located near Gold Canyon in the Superstition Wilderness, time your hike along the 8.9-mile Dutchman's Trail and Bluff Springs Loop, and you may see silhouettes of cacti against a colorful sunset backdrop. This trail is moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 feet, but the views are worth it. Just come prepared, as the trail is rocky. You should also take a flashlight or headlamp with you if you can't make it off the trail by dark.

3. Horseshoe Bend Trail - Page, AZ

I've only seen Horseshoe Bend in all its majestic glory during the daytime, so I can only imagine how much more incredible it looks as the sun sets. This natural wonder, a bend in the Colorado River, is stunning any time of the day but even more so at dusk. Take the super easy 1.5-mile, out-and-back Horseshoe Bend Trail for some of the most iconic views in Arizona!

4. Sedona Airport Loop Trail - Coconino National Forest, Sedona

If you've never witnessed a sunset from Sedona's Airport Mesa, you're missing out on one of the best sunset views in Arizona. Perfect for anyone, Airport Mesa looks out over Sedona and some of its most iconic rock formations, like Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte. However, you can also embark on a moderate 3.3-mile hike around Airport Mesa via the Sedona Airport Loop Trail for exercise, views, and a sunset. After your hike, stay on the mesa and grab dinner at Mesa Grill Sedona.

5. Elden Lookout Trail - Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff

Located in Flagstaff, the Elden Lookout Trail is the most challenging trek on this list but the views are worth the climb, right? This trail up Mount Elden is 5.3 miles with a heart-pumping elevation gain of nearly 2,400 feet. While being in good health and physical shape is necessary for a trek like this, you should also be prepared with hiking gear and AllTrails+. Time the hike just right; perhaps you'll catch the sunset from the top. Believe me, it's worth it just for the sunset views!

6. Mica View and Cactus Forest Loop - Saguaro National Park, Tucson

There's something magical about Saguaro National Park. I remember visiting years ago and was enchanted by its desert landscape and the millions of saguaro cacti protected here. If you're in the mood for a leisurely evening hike to catch the sunset at this national park, the Mica View and Cactus Forest Loop Trail is relatively flat and kid-friendly. Plus, seeing the sunset over the desert with silhouettes of saguaros is awe-inspiring.

7. Water Ranch Lake Loop - Riparian Preserve, Gilbert

For a quick and easy family-friendly sunset hike, there's perhaps no place better than the Water Ranch Lake Loop at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve. This 0.5-mile easy loop trail circumnavigates Water Ranch Lake, which looks so pretty as the sun sets, especially with silhouettes of ducks and geese on the water.

I don't know about you, but I love seeing a gorgeous Arizona sunset! Where have you seen some of the best sunset views in Arizona? If you have any other suggestions, feel free to send us a message through our nomination page.