Easy hikes in Arizona have their time and place, but if you’re looking to conquer a trail rather than just enjoy a leisurely stroll, I strongly believe the Sunset Vista Trail at Picacho Peak State Park belongs on your hiking bucket list. It’s five miles long with an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet, promising to test your resolve in more ways than one. Plus, as the trail’s name suggests, it offers breathtaking sunset views that will make you forget all about the grueling journey it took to witness them.

The first two miles of the trail are relatively flat, traversing a gravel path on the desert floor. You’ll be surrounded by majestic Saguaro cacti as you make your way towards the mountain, where the real adventure begins. You’ll have some assistance (from cables) climbing the mountain, but you’ll still want to wear high-quality hiking shoes because there is a decent amount of rock scrambling involved.

It’s recommended that you get started either early in the day (preferably at or just before sunrise) or in the late afternoon (this option is most realistic in the fall and winter) because the heat can get pretty intense. While there is some shade on the way up the mountain, the descent offers little to no reprieve from the desert sun. You should also bring lots of water (more than you think you need!) plus a few snacks and additional electrolytes.

The views at the peak are, in my opinion, so worth the sweat and aching muscles it takes to get there. Like a painting, the panoramic scene before you features distinct layers that bleed into each other like watercolors. From the multihued sky above to the sprawling city with its perfect edges and utopian design to the rugged mountain landscape in the foreground, it’s almost too picturesque to be real. If you happen to visit at sunset, the views are even more impressive.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Sunset Vista Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you’re an avid hiker. Cell service can be spotty in the remote desert, so offline map access is always good to have. You can also visit the website for Picacho Peak State Park to learn more about the park as a whole.

Have you ever hiked the Sunset Vista Trail? If so, do you think it’s one of the best hikes in Arizona? Let us know in the comments!