By local contributor
Taryn Shorr-Mckee
It’s no secret that both sunrises and sunsets in Scottsdale are spectacular. Our “golden hour” is more like “magic hour,” with the entire sky either glowing bright orange and pink or transforming into perfect cotton candy watercolors.
Sure, you can catch a glimpse of Mother Nature’s incredible twice-daily show from just about anywhere, but there are certain hotspots that allow you to really experience the magic. Whether you prefer to enjoy it from a mountain summit or on a shaded patio with a cocktail in hand, we’ve got the insider info on where to find the best sunsets and sunrises in Scottsdale.
With 30,580 acres and more than 230 miles of shared-use trails, Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve has several prime spots for photographing those golden moments of light right after sunrise or leading up to sunset in Scottsdale.
Since the overnight hours are reserved for the Preserve’s crepuscular and nocturnal animals, it’s important to note that trailhead gates open right around sunrise and close promptly at sunset. But not to worry! You’ll still be able to catch the magical desert light with these vantage points in close proximity to trailhead parking:
Use this handy chart of open and close times to plan your “golden hour” photo ops in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve! And for information on guided hikes and mountain bike rides, educational walks and naturalist lectures in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, click here.
When the sun sets, Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains take on a magical mauve and purple glow. Take in this daily light show from the patio of the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort’s Grand Vista Lounge. This modern, minimalist bar boasts a selection of craft cocktails, refined American spirits and an expansive whiskey collection, complemented by indulgent dishes like carne asada, nachos with house-made queso and fry bread tacos. Live Music on Friday and Saturday nights adds to the upscale ambiance.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is perhaps best known for its divine spa and for having one of the best pools in the valley, but it also tops the list for where to watch the sunset in Scottsdale. Specifically, you’ll want to head to the patio at jade bar, which is ideally positioned to take in the sun setting behind Camelback Mountain. As an added bonus, jade bar runs a perfectly timed happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Orange Sky continuously reminds us of how the chic rooftop bar and restaurant got its name. Perched on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and 360-degree views, but the best seats in the house are on the building’s west side, where you can take in panoramic sunsets that seem to linger for hours. Dinner reservations are highly recommended, as is arriving early to enjoy a cocktail or two on the open-air patio.
Another one of Scottsdale’s best rooftop bars, Outrider sits atop the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town hotel. It faces Camelback Mountain and has unobstructed views to the north and south, offering larger-than-life sunsets over the sparkling city below. If you’re wondering where to watch sunsets in Scottsdale in the heart of Old Town, this is the perfect choice! Outrider offers an evening small bites menu along with cocktails and local craft beer, but does not accept reservations.