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8 Unique Places in Arizona to Watch the Sunset

If there’s one thing that the great state of Arizona has mastered, it’s offering amazing sunsets at the end of the day. Due to the endless mountain ranges and gigantic cacti, the dusk hours provide plenty of opportunities for capturing that perfect photograph or simply allowing a few minutes to reflect on the good things in life after enjoying a day of outdoor adventures and admiring Arizona’s natural wonders. Here are some of the best places in the Grand Canyon State to witness one of these beautiful shows for yourself!

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Monument Valley
Credit: Monument Valley by bigstock.com

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Nothing says “Arizona” quite like the iconic rock formations in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This is a supreme spot for photographing both sunrises and sunsets, as the desert colors are absolutely breathtaking during those times of the day there.

Gates Pass, Tucson Gates Pass in Tucson
Credit: Gates Pass in Tucson by Bill Morrow via Flickr

Gates Pass, Tucson

On the west side of town is this lovely little nook that rests at the edge of the Tucson Mountain range. Ideal for taking sunset photos, Gates Pass overlooks Old Tucson studios from high above and thousands of saguaro cacti.

Hole in the Rock, Phoenix Hole in the Rock, Phoenix
Credit: Hole in the Rock, Phoenix by Joe Flood via Flickr

Hole in the Rock, Phoenix

Inside of Phoenix’s Papago Park is a location so perfect for sunset viewing that it would be hard for anyone to pass up. Hole in the Rock is a local favorite for catching some of those famous Arizona dusk rays.

Airport Mesa, Sedona View from the Airport Mesa trail, Sedona, Arizona
Credit: View from the Airport Mesa trail, Sedona, Arizona by K.C. Dermody

Airport Mesa, Sedona

This is one of Sedona’s most popular viewpoints, as the mountains in the distance look like something out of an oil painting. Take a short walk to the top of the mesa for spectacular sights of the sun going down!

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Tucson Sunset at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Credit: Sunset at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa by marriott.com

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Tucson

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa in the Tucson Mountains has something very unique and special- an outdoor patio that overlooks the magnificent desert landscape. It’s an amazing and romantic location to watch the sun go down, especially with a drink in hand.

Grand Canyon National Park grand canyon
Credit: grand canyon by bigstock.com

Grand Canyon National Park

Just by itself, the Grand Canyon is a jaw-dropping sight and natives of the state are very proud of it. However, to up the ante, try visiting the park at the end of the day to get the ultimate Arizona sunset.

Lake Havasu Lake Havasu
Credit: Lake Havasu by bigstock.com

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is one of the state’s finest and most scenic bodies of water, which makes it a spectacular choice for viewing sunsets. The way the colorful rays hit the water at dusk is sure to leave a lasting memory!

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, Phoenix Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Credit: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix by hotelpalomar-phoenix.com

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, Phoenix

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is situated right in downtown Phoenix, and its rooftop Lustre Bar has marvelous views of the city. Not only that, but their outdoor seating by the pool is great for some top-notch sunset viewing.

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