Tag Archives: utah

The 8 Best Sunset Spots in the Southwest US

The American Southwest is a sprawling amalgamation of desert and mountainous landscapes, with large swaths of uninhabited land that serve as wonderful viewing points for stunning sunsets. Whether you’re in Colorado or California, here are some of the best sunset spots in the American Southwest.

Yavapai Point, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Sunset at Yavapai Point
Sunset at Yavapai Point

The Grand Canyon is the Crown Jewel of the USA’s Southwest, and for good reason. Whether you’re taking 4 days to hike down to the Colorado River and back or just driving around the Rim to take in the beautiful vistas, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone. Skip the crowds and head to the lesser-known Yavapai Point along the South Entrance Road at sunset for a dazzling view over the canyon.

Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Sunset from Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park
Sunset from Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park

The name speaks for itself, but even in high season, Bryce Canyon National Park doesn’t get too crowded. Watch the sun rise or set over the park’s characteristic rock formations, called Hoodoos from Sunset Point. Be sure to take your camera to capture the vibrant purple light cast across the canyon at dusk.

Keys View, Joshua Tree National Park, California

shutterstock_25792180
Sunset from Keys View in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Trees are known to grow in only two places in the entire world, the Mojave Desert, in Joshua Tree National Park and Jerusalem, Israel. If you’re near the park, take this rare opportunity to see the sunset over a landscape populated with such unique and rare trees. Climb to Keys View for the most spectacular views.

Airport Mesa, Sedona, Arizona

View from Airport Mesa in Sedona at sunset
Sunset from Airport Mesa in Sedona

Sedona is a desert town in northern Arizona with red, rocky views in every direction. Though largely a destination for tourists just passing through, there is plenty to see and do in the quaint little town. The best view for sunset is near the airport and lends itself to gorgeous golden vistas over the whole valley.

Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Sunset at Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado Canyon
Sunset at Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado Canyon

Here, the Colorado Rivers meanders around a bend in the shape of a horseshoe, creating a strange and unique scene. The cliff above the river where you can watch the sunset reaches a tall 4,200 feet above sea level with the river rushing by 1,000 feet below. The hike is an easy 1.5 miles off the highway but be careful not to get to close to the edge.

Torrey Pines, San Diego, CA

Sunset from Torrey Pines National Park, San Diego, CA
Sunset from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego, CA

There are few things more beautiful than watching the sunset over the ocean. The aqua blue color and often rough seas of the Pacific Ocean make it an especially wonderful view. Catch the sunset from the ledge at Torrey Pines and watch the waves crash below or climb down the steep cliffs and view from the beach.

Red Rocks Amphitheater, Colorado

Early sunset at historic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado
Early sunset at historic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado

Attending a concert or even a yoga class at Red Rocks Amphitheater is an experience in itself, but catching the sunset while you’re there as well… get ready for a breathtaking evening. The rock formation is naturally formed and has made a world famous venue that attracts top performing artists across all genres. Get yourself a drink and watch the scene unfold before you.

Moab, Utah

Sunset in Arches National Park in Moab Utah
Sunset in Arches National Park in Moab Utah

Moab is a small town in southeast Utah that sits on the Colorado Plateau over 4,000 feet above sea level and has an amazing rocky, desert landscape. From Moab you can explore Arches National Park or catch the sunset from the drive on 191, each will give you vibrant orange and gold scenery at dusk.

 

Whether you’re just in the area for a few days or are taking an epic road trip through the American Southwest, you’ll not be short of beautiful places to catch the sunset.

Take a Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is a sprawling National Park in southern Utah featuring unique rock formations called Hoodoos and a beautiful ombre of red, orange, and white panoramic views. The park itself is actually a collection of naturally occurring amphitheaters with the highest rim sitting at 9,105 feet and the lowest point at 6,620 feet, resulting in a change in elevation of 2,485 feet.

bryce canyon utah

Because the elevation is higher, Bryce Canyon National Park stays much cooler than nearby Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks, so it’s still nice to visit even in the hottest months.

 

The park boasts trails of all levels, from easy to strenuous, and also accommodates backcountry camping for those seeking a bit more adventure. There are tons of choices if you’re planning to hike in Bryce Canyon.

 

Queens Garden Trail

The Queens Garden trail is only 1.8 miles long but goes right into the canyon and offers a great option for grandparents and kids alike, or, if you only have a short amount of time to see the sights. Use your imagination and you might even spot Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail.

Queens Garden Trail at sunrise
Queens Garden Trail at sunrise

Rim Trail

A longer but still easy trail is the Rim Trail, taking you the full 11 miles around the rim of the canyon and visiting the four main viewpoints, including Sunset Point, where you’ll get the best vista for observing sunset. The trail is paved and fairly level the whole way around.

View from Rim Trail Bryce Canyon
View from Rim Trail

Navajo Trail

A slightly more difficult and popular trail is the Navajo Trail. The loop begins at Sunset Point and takes you down into the main amphitheater through a slot canyon, where you can see Douglas Fir trees reaching high into the sky. The trail is short at only 1.3 miles round trip but you’ll want good closed-toed shoes to make the trip.

navajo trail bryce canyon
Navajo Trail loop

Fairyland Loop

If you have all day to spend hiking and are ready to dive in head first, the Fairyland Loop is a great trail to take you all through the park and offers the most diverse landscapes and vistas. It’s a fairly long trail at 8 miles and has multiple elevation changes. Plan on 4-5 hours on this hike, take plenty of water, and watch out for snakes!

Tower Bridge on the Fairyland Loop Trail
Tower Bridge on the Fairyland Loop Trail

Camping

Backcountry camping is also allowed in the park, if you’re looking for a more off the beaten trail experience and an incredible view of the night skies. There are 8 campsites on the Under the Rim Trail and 4 on the Riggs Spring Loop trail. Backcountry camping is $5 per person and requires a permit.

Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park
Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park

As with all hiking experiences, safety should be your number one concern. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, like hiking boots or tennis shoes that have thick soles and come up above your ankles. Carry at least one liter of water per person for every 3 hours of hiking, and always purify water found in the backcountry. Bring snacks as well, like protein bars or trail mix to keep you energized throughout the day.

Stargazing from Bryce Canyon National Park
Stargazing from Bryce Canyon National Park

Be sure not to miss the Astronomy Festival if you’re in the area, as you’re able to gaze on some of the darkest night skies in the country from a well-equipped telescope field.

If you have some time to explore the southwest, don’t miss Bryce Canyon National Park. The vibrant colors and endless vistas makes for a completely unique experience you’ll always remember.