21 BEST Sedona Sunset Spots & Sunset Hikes

Average Sedona Sunset Time by Month

January	5:26pm -5:54pm
February	5:55pm – 6:21pm
March	6:22pm – 6:47pm
April	6:48pm – 7:11pm
May	7:12pm- 7:34pm
June	7:35pm – 7:44pm
July	7:44pm – 7:30pm
August	7:29pm – 6:55pm
September	6:53pm – 6:12pm
October	6:11pm- 5:34pm
November	5:33pm – 5:15pm
December	5:15pm – 5:25pm

Best Sunset in Sedona Spots

Below are some of the very best places to watch the sunset in Sedona that are easily reachable for those who don’t want to embark on a hike. These all can be seen either from the car or from a very short walk.

2. Cathedral Rock

Another of Sedona’s vortex areas is Cathedral Rock trail, and it’s also one of the best places to see sunset in Sedona.

This natural sandstone bluff juts out of the grounds and creates one of the most beautiful overlooks of the canyons and valleys that surround Sedona.

To reach the top of Cathedral Rock for sunset, where you’ll find the best sunset views, you’ll need to take the difficult 1.2-mile hike. You’ll need to scramble in a few spots, so be ready to use your hands.

Otherwise, you can also choose to watch the Sedona, Arizona sunset from the trailhead, where there are still amazing views.

You won’t have the same vantage point, but it’s still a great option for those who don’t want to hike.

3. Bell Rock

Watching a Bell Rock sunset is a must while you’re in Sedona, as it’s one of the most popular places to visit.

Bell Rock can be seen from all sorts of different places around the city, and it’s one of the most recognizable points in the area. And watching the sunset on Bell Rock in Sedona is one of the best ways to experience it.

There are three places you can park for the Bell Rock loop, including the Bell Rock North and South Trailheads, or at the Yavapai Vista Point.

Any of these make for a great spot to watch the sunset at Bell Rock Sedona, but the most common is the Bell Rock Trailhead North.

You can also plan to hike to the top of Bell Rock, which is just about 1-mile roundtrip, but it can be a tricky climb. But once you’ve made it, you’ll be met with amazing Sedona views.

4. State Route 89A

While not the traditional place to see the sunset in Sedona, State Route 89A is a great place to escape some of the crowds and watch as the colors fill the sky.

State Route 89A is a long stretch of road that winds between Prescott and Flagstaff. It goes right through Sedona and makes for a nice spot to park and watch the sunset.

One untraditional spot to watch the sunset along 89A is the Oak Creek Vista overlook. When we stopped off to see the overlook we really wished we had seen it at sunset, it would be amazing to watch here.

This area is also where our favorite Sedona campground is located, it’s such a beautiful area!

5. Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Ranch

Red Rock Crossing is a popular spot for lots of things in Sedona, from eloping to hiking to, of course, watching the sunset. 

It’s situated right on Oak Creek near Crescent Moon Ranch, and a trail runs right along the water. You can take the short walk from the parking area onto the trail for the best sunset views in Sedona.

You’ll also be able to see Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing, and when colors start to fill the sky as the sun goes down, it will turn an even brighter shade of red.

We loved watching the sunset at Red Rock Crossing on our recent visit because it gives you the chance to see a Cathedral Rock sunset without having to embark on the strenuous hike.

6. Slide Rock State Park

As one of Sedona’s two state parks, Slide Rock State Park is a must-see during your visit to this small Arizona town. The park has a popular swimming hole found in the sliding rock along Oak Creek.

There are several trails around the park that wind along Oak Creek and through the towering red rocks. You can see the Sedona sunset from many of these trails and watch as the sun goes beyond the towering rocks.

The Pendley Homestead Trail is just a short 1-mile roundtrip and is perfect for watching the sunset.

There are also some awesome Sedona waterfalls here, which aren’t common in Sedona as it’s a very arid climate, so be sure to check them out when in the area!

7. Red Rock Scenic Byway

The Red Rock Scenic Byway winds through Arizona from Interstate 17 to Sedona.

It’s known as the Gateway to Sedona, and the best stretch is from the Village of Oak Creek to Sedona, about 8 miles.

Along the road, you’ll find amazing views of the towering red rocks and multiple spots to stop and watch the sunset. Or, you can watch the Sedona sunset by car and just drive down the road as you admire the mesmerizing colors.

When we visited Sedona last, we loved seeing the fantastic views from this scenic drive in Sedona. We loved it because we had been hiking all day and were tired, but we still got to see an incredible sunset without more hiking!

8. Little Sugarloaf Mountain

Another of Sedona’s mountains is named Little Sugarloaf. It can be seen from the trailhead, so if you aren’t up for a hike, you can still watch as the sun sets behind it. Based on our recent visit to Sedona, we recommend parking in the Thunder Mountain Trailhead to watch. 

If you’re feeling up for it, you can head out on the Lower Chimney Rock Trail and make your way to the 4,649-foot summit of Little Sugarloaf. The hike is only 1 mile long and can be a little strenuous at the end, but it totally pays off with the view.

From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of all of Sedona, Chimney Rock, and Capitol Butte in the distance. This would also be a great spot to watch an incredible Sedona sunrise if you’re an early riser.

9. Schnebly Hill Vista

If you have a vehicle that can do some offroading, then a trip to Schnebly Hill Vista for this sunset overlook in Sedona is a must.

There are a few different ways to get here, but the most popular is down Schnebly Hill Road from I-17.

The vista point here is amazing and gives one of the best vantage points to watch as the sun sinks down. Plus, you’ll likely have much of the place to yourself since it’s so hard to reach.

In saying that, you shouldn’t attempt this drive unless you have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. The road is very rough and there are a lot of rocks to climb over. Use caution!

Another way to access these awesome spots if you don’t have an off-road vehicle is to go on a Sedona Jeep tour, we absolutely loved our experience doing this!

10. Arabella Hotel Sunset Vista

If you’ve booked a stay at the Arabella Hotel, you’re in luck, because they have their very own sunset vista for guests.

Their vista overlooks the city of Sedona with the towering red rock formations in the background. It’s the perfect relaxing spot to sit back and enjoy the views.

Since you really won’t have to drive anywhere or put in any effort, this viewpoint allows you to enjoy some of the best sunsets in Sedona.

11. Red Rock Loop Road

This long scenic drive stretches throughout Sedona and connects I-17 to the popular city in Central Arizona.

Along the road, you’ll find trailheads for some of the most popular Sedona hikes like Cathedral Rock, and you’ll also find endless viewpoints of the beautiful red Sedona rocks.

The road is a little over 13 miles long and gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful Sedona sunsets either from the car or by stopping off at viewpoints to take it all in.

12. Cultural Park Trailhead

This large, open trailhead area offers the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset in Sedona without hiking to a viewpoint or driving very far from town.

It’s the starting point for some popular trails, so you might see others headed out for a hike, but you can watch the sunset from the trailhead.

This is a pretty large area, so you won’t need to worry as much about parking as you do at other sunset spots in Sedona. It also isn’t as busy, so if you’re looking for a more secluded spot, we recommend visiting Cultural Park Trailhead for sunset!

13. The Hudson Restaurant

A more unique place to catch a sunset in Sedona, AZ is at The Hudson Restaurant. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat as you watch the sky fill with mesmerizing colors.

The Hudson is found at the top of Hillside Shopping Plaza and features some of the most phenomenal views in Sedona.

They offer high-quality foods like prime-cut steaks, house specialties, and a large selection of drinks. You can eat outside on their patio and enjoy the views, or watch the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows in their dining room.

Best Sunset Sedona Hikes

If you’re up for a hike, then these beautiful Sedona sunset hikes are going to be the best places for you to watch the sun sink beyond the horizon.

14. Oak Creek Canyon

If you love Zion National Park, then you’ll likely love a visit to Oak Creek Canyon! This towering canyon makes for the perfect spot to catch a sunset. 

The scenic drive is about 19 miles in length and winds through the stunning red rocks that make up all of Sedona.

There are several vista points along the way, like Oak Creek Vista and Slide Rock State Park that are perfect spots to witness a magical Sedona sunset.

There are also many great spots to pull off along the way and enjoy a dip in a Sedona swimming hole.

15. Devil’s Bridge

One of the most recognizable locations in Sedona is Devil’s Bridge since you can walk over the massive arch. The hike is moderately challenging at just over 4 miles roundtrip. 

If you can make it out on this epic trail, you’ll have completed the best sunset hike in Sedona. With views all around you of iconic Sedona landmarks like Capitol Butte and Chimney Rock, you really can’t go wrong with this trail.

From our recent visit to Sedona, we recommend arriving at the trailhead earlier than you think you should since this is a very popular trail. The parking lot fills quickly and you don’t want to miss a spot!

This stunning trail is short and easy, and you can reach it in just under 1-mile roundtrip. Secret Slickrock Trail is popular and for good reason.

The amazing views of Cathedral Rock reflecting into the pools of water at the end of the trail are phenomenal. It’s the perfect spot to watch as the sun goes down beyond the horizon and bright colors fill the sky.

And when the colors reflect off of Cathedral Rock, it’ll make you feel like you’re on another planet. 

We recommend getting to the parking lot with plenty of time to spare before sunset because it is small and many people love this location.

17. Pyramid Mountain Loop Trail

This scenic hiking trail is just over 2 miles in length and leads you around the base of Pyramid Mountain. 

Enjoy scenic views of the iconic Sedona red rocks along the way, including famous ones like Cathedral Rock. During golden hour, the red rocks light up and become even more magical. 

This is the perfect hike for kids or beginner hikers since it has minimal elevation change!

We’d recommend hiking this trail counterclockwise because you’ll have some of the best views of Cathedral Rock as you make your way back to the trailhead. 

18. Boynton Vista Trail

Another hike in the Coconino National Forest is the Boynton Vista Trail. Take this short out-and-back hike for amazing scenic views of the surrounding Sedona Valley.

As the sun goes down, you’ll also get views of the city all lit up, which contrasts beautifully against the red rocks in the distance.

This area is another of Sedona’s vortexes, so you might feel the spiritual energy surrounding you as you enjoy the beautiful Sedona sunset point.

19. Red Rock State Park

The city’s other state park is Red Rock State Park, which is well known for having some of the best sunset hikes in Sedona.

The park is home to nearly 300 acres of scenic beauty. There are all sorts of trails to check out, all of which are short and great for sunsets.

The most popular is the Eagle’s Nest trail, which is just short of 3 miles and brings you up to the highest point in the park. Since it’s so high up, Eagle’s Nest gives you a great vantage point for enjoying a Sedona, Arizona sunset.

Red Rock State Park is also really close to some of the best spots to go kayaking in Sedona, so you could kayak in the afternoon and stop by here to watch the sunset on your way back to Sedona.

20. Doe Mountain

The short 1.5-mile hike to the top of Doe Mountain is a great choice for those who don’t mind a slightly difficult trail.

Doe Mountain stands at 5,099 feet tall and allows you to enjoy views of Sedona’s valleys and canyons for miles. At sunset, it’s particularly special with the sky filling with bright shades of pink.

The trailhead is the same for Bear Mountain, so be sure to arrive early to guarantee yourself a parking spot! But if you’re looking for where to watch the sunset in Sedona, this is a great choice!

21. Bear Mountain Trail

The Bear Mountain Trail is the longest hike on this list of best sunset hikes in Sedona, but that shouldn’t scare you off!

Since it’s a bit longer, coming in at 5 miles roundtrip, there will be far fewer people here and you’ll get to enjoy some seclusion.

It is a tricky climb to the top of Bear Mountain, which stands at 6,506 feet, but once you’ve made it to the top, you’ll have incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

We recommend leaving at least 2 hours before sunset to ensure you can make it to the top. There are 3 false summits, so be ready to tackle them!