If you visit Sedona and ask anyone where to see the sunset, you’ll undoubtedly get the same answer! My friend and I asked different shop owners as we wandered around the old town area and they all suggested the same spot. Of course, you’ll need to be ready for crowds because it’s widely known that this is the best place to take in an epically orange and pink Sedona sunset. As the sun begins to descend it casts the most beautiful orange glow on all of those red rocks. I’m a sunset person, but this is truly a one-of-a-kind sunset location. Honestly, one of the most magical aspects of enjoying a sunset here is that many of the best spots are connected to vortexes! So, where is the best place to see a Sedona sunset?
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Where Is The Best Sunset Spot In Sedona?
Sedona Sunset Times
The time and direction of sunset depend on the time of year that you visit Sedona. I visited in winter and was very happy about the early sunset!
Winter
During the winter months, the sun goes down around 5:30 pm. It’s best to get to your sunset destination with plenty of time to hike to wherever you need to. Or you could be like me and show up late and end up trail running to a summit juuuuust in time for sunset! haha
Find out more about visiting Sedona at this time of year with, Visiting Sedona In Winter.
Spring
Spring brings warmer temperatures and more crowds to Sedona. But you’ll also get to experience gorgeous desert flowers in bloom! During spring the sun typically sets around 7:30 pm.
Summer
Summer sunsets in Sedona mean more vivid oranges, purples, and pinks. But it also means insanely warm weather! The sunset occurs around 7:45 pm during the summer months.
Fall
During the fall months, temperatures begin to drop again and the sun will set around 6:10 pm.
Seeing A Sunset At Airport Mesa
The first thing to know about sunset at Airport Mesa is that the area gets insanely busy! There are 3 options for taking in the sunset here, you can either watch the gorgeous orange skies from the Airport Mesa Overlook, hike to the Airport Vortex summit, or the Airport Loop Trail.
Airport Mesa Overlook
If you choose the Airport Mesa Overlook simply drive to the top and park for $3. Parking is good for the entire night and the attendant will tell you if the night sky is going to show off. On the night I took in a sunset here, the milky way was out and visible to the naked eye!
Sedona View Trail
If you choose Airport Vortex Summit or Airport Loop Trail it’s ideal to park in the trailhead area below Airport Mesa Overlook. There are only about 10 spots at the trailhead and they fill up insanely quickly. If you find that the spots are filled, you’ll need to head up and park at the overlook for $3.
You’ll need to take a short trail down from the overlook to get to Airport Vortex Summit called the Sedona View Trail. While this trail isn’t difficult there are a lot of rocks along the way so just watch those ankles. During the winter months, the trail may also be icy. There were icy patches during my trip.
Once you reach the bottom you have 2 options: you can head to the Airport Loop Trail to the left or the Vortex Summit trail to the right. However, if you are as directionally confused as I am, you may be wanting the Vortex Summit and instead take the Airport Loop. Haha! That’s right another trial run to the finish line when I realized I had hiked a mile in the wrong direction, but more on that in a bit!
For more great hikes in Sedona check out, 14 Fun Things To Do In Sedona.
Airport Loop Trail -> To The Left
At first, I took the Airport Loop Trail to the left, thinking that I was headed to the summit even though I could clearly see there was no summit. I’m am probably the most directionally challeneged person you’ve ever encountered. Anyway, this ended up beign a happy accident because the views from the Airport Loop Trail were well worth the detour!
As the sun was setting and I realized that I might not make it to the summit I decided to stay put for a few minutes and take it all in. The Airport Loop offers stunning views of the vortexes surrounding it. Everything is awash in beautiful orange light that makes the entire landscape glow. And honestly, it’s not as crowded as the Vortex Summit. So if you are looking for beauty without the crowds then consider the Airport Loop Trail.
Realizing that I had taken the wrong trail I decided to book it and trail run to try to make it to the summit before sunset.
Airport Vortex Summit -> To The Right
The entire loop trail is 3.3 miles, but from the Airport Loop Trail it’s an easy 1 mile run if you are trying to beat the sun! I showed up red faced from running, but I made it just in time to watch the sunset. The summit gives you amazing 180 degree views of Sedona and a beautiful view of the sunset. Prepare yourself for crowds, although they weren’t that bad at the beginning of January. Whatever you do make sure to stay after the sun decends because that’s when the pastel magic happens.
After Sunset
Keep in mind that if you has to hike the Sedona View Trail down to the summit then you will need to hike a mile back up to the overlook to get to your car. Make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight. I got back just before it was completely dark, but as I mentioned above the trail is very rocky in areas and it’s easy to slip once it starts getting dark.
I wasn’t overly prepared for this hike because I didn’t know where I was going to see the sunset just knew that I was going to see at least one sunset in Sedona!
If you don’t have a lot of time in Sedona check out, One Day In Sedona.
Things I Wish I Had:
- Headlamp
- Flashlight
- Camera Tripod
- More Time
Things You Will Need For These Hikes In Winter:
- Hiking Boots
- Jacket – Once the sun goes down the temprature drops quicky
- Beanie
- Water
- Camera
- Wide Angle Lens
Other Great Options For Sunset In Sedona Arizona:
- Bell Rock Vortex
- Cathedral Rock Vortex
- Devils Bridge
- Red Rocks Crossing
Tips:
Make sure to get there early! I arrived at 4 pm and the trailhead parking was already full!
There are port-a-potties at the summit.
If you stay at the Airport Overlook for sunset you may be treated to music! There was someone playing the violin on the night that I was there.
Make sure to have some cash for the $3 parking at the overlook.
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