Best Sunset Spots in Sedona: Airport Mesa + Hidden Gems

Updated October 2026

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 Old Town, and they all suggested the same spot. Of course, you’ll need to be ready for crowds because it’s widely known as the best place to take in an epically orange and pink Sedona sunset. As the sun begins to descend, it casts a beautiful orange glow on all 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?

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I’d actually tell a friend to do.

Where Is The Best Sunset Spot In Sedona?

The short answer: Airport Mesa is the best all-around sunset spot in Sedona, and it’s my favorite. But if you want something different (or just fewer people), here are the best sunset spots in Sedona:

• Airport Mesa Overlook: no hike, $3 parking, the classic view (my favorite)
• Red Rock Crossing at Crescent Moon: Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek, with a flat walk
• Cathedral Rock / Baldwin Trail: the iconic formation lit up at golden hour
• Bell Rock & Courthouse Vista: easy, family-friendly, and dog-friendly
• Lover’s Knoll (hidden gem): a free, unmarked pullout with Cathedral Rock views
• Yavapai Vista (hidden gem): a short walk off SR 179 with benches
• Doe Mountain (hidden gem): a short, steep climb to a flat mesa with 360-degree views
• Sugarloaf Loop (hidden gem): an easy West Sedona walk with Coffeepot Rock glowing
• Merry-Go-Round Rock (hidden gem): a rough, high-clearance road to one of Sedona’s most dramatic views

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: in Sedona, you’re not really watching the sun dip into the horizon like you would at the beach. The sun usually drops behind a ridge before official sunset. The real show is the red rocks lighting up in front of you, and then the sky going pastel afterward. So pick a spot that faces the rocks you want to see glow.

My Favorite Sedona Sunset Spot: 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 rest of the day, 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!

This is the best Sedona sunset spot if you don’t want to hike. The lookout sits right across Airport Road from the paid lot, with the town spread out below and the big red rock formations behind it. There’s not much seating beyond a few rocks, so a camp chair is a smart move.

Find out more about visiting Sedona at this time of year with Visiting Sedona In Winter.

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 (about 0.7 miles each way). 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 trail 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 probably the most directionally challenged person you’ve ever encountered. Anyway, this ended up being 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.

Good to know: leashed dogs are allowed on the Airport Loop Trail, but there’s no shade. If your pups run hot (hi, Huskies), save it for sunset instead of the middle of the day.

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 descends because that’s when the pastel magic happens.

After Sunset

Keep in mind that you have to hike the Sedona View Trail down to the summit then you will need to hike about 0.7 miles 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 (haha)

Things You’ll Need For These Hikes In Winter:

• Hiking Boots
• Fleece – trust me, it gets cold quickly
• Jacket – Once the sun goes down the temprature drops quicky
• Beanie
• Microspikes if there is ice
• Water
• Camera
• Wide Angle Lens

More Of The Best Sunset Spots In Sedona

Red Rock Crossing At Crescent Moon Picnic Site

This is the postcard shot: Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek, with the rock going fiery red in the last light. It’s a flat, easy walk from the parking area to the creek, so it’s great for photographers, families, and anyone who isn’t in the mood to hike.

• Fee: $15 per vehicle, or $4 per person if you walk in. It’s run by a concessionaire, so your Red Rock Pass and America the Beautiful pass don’t work here.
• Hours (this matters for sunset): 7 am – 7 pm April through September, 8 am–6 pm in October and November, and 9 am – 5 pm December through March. You can stay until dusk once you’re in, but you have to get through the gate before entry closes. In winter, that means arriving before 5 pm.
• Dogs: Welcome on a leash.
• Heads up: No RVs or trailers, and vehicles max out at 24 feet. If you’re towing, drop the trailer first.

Cathedral Rock (And The Baldwin Trail Workaround)

Cathedral Rock is the formation everyone wants at golden hour. The Forest Service rates the Cathedral Rock Trail as strenuous and calls it “more of a rock climb than a hike.” It’s a 1.5-mile round trip with slickrock scrambling where you’ll be using your hands, and coming down it in the dark is not the move.

There’s also a parking catch: the Cathedral Rock trailhead lot is closed to cars whenever the Sedona Shuttle is running (Thursday through Sunday, about 7 am–5:30 pm, plus extra dates for holidays and spring break). The shuttle stops before sunset, so it won’t help you here. The lot reopens once the shuttles are done for the day, and you’ll need a Red Rock Pass.

The better sunset move is the Baldwin Trail. It starts across the road from the Crescent Moon area and wraps around the west side of Cathedral Rock, which is exactly the side that lights up in the late afternoon. It’s mostly flat, dogs are fine on a leash, and you get all the glow without the scramble. You’ll need a Red Rock Pass here.

Bell Rock & Courthouse Vista

For an easy sunset with big formations right in front of you, park at Courthouse Vista off SR 179 (Red Rock Pass required) and wander down the wide Bell Rock Pathway as far as you like. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte both glow at sunset. It’s flat, family-friendly, and one of the easiest dog-friendly sunset walks in Sedona.

Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is a stunner at sunset, but it’s a longer outing than anything else in this section. If you go, plan on a real hike out in the dark with a headlamp.

Hidden Gem Sunset Spots In Sedona

For when Airport Mesa feels like a concert crowd. “Hidden” is relative in Sedona, but these spots get a fraction of the people.

Hidden Gem: Lover’s Knoll

On Upper Red Rock Loop Road, on the way to Crescent Moon, there’s a small, unmarked dirt pullout called Lover’s Knoll. Walk a short way up the knoll for a wide-open view of Cathedral Rock, with a twisty juniper or two in the foreground. It’s free, there’s no real trail, and it’s a great backup when the Crescent Moon gate has already closed. A little farther up the road, a tiny pullout on a bend sits higher, so you can fit more formations in the frame.

• Best for: No-hike sunsets, photographers, couples
• Heads up: The dirt lot is uneven with some drop-offs, so pull in slowly. Parking is limited.

Hidden Gem: Yavapai Vista

Just south of the roundabouts on SR 179, Yavapai Vista (also called Yavapai Point) has a short, well-groomed trail with benches and interpretive signs. It’s about 0.6 mile round trip with barely any climbing, and it ends at a panoramic viewpoint looking toward Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and part of Cathedral Rock. It’s also the overflow lot when Bell Rock is full.

• Fee: Red Rock Pass
• Best for: Easy walks, families, leashed dogs, a quick sunset on a road trip day

Hidden Gem: Doe Mountain

If you want to earn your sunset without suffering, Doe Mountain is the one. It’s about 1.5 miles round trip with roughly 450 feet of climbing on steady switchbacks, and it ends on a flat-topped mesa you can wander around for 360-degree views. The trailhead is shared with Bear Mountain on Boynton Pass Road, about 20 minutes from Uptown.

• Fee: Red Rock Pass (there’s a machine at the trailhead)
• Dogs: Allowed on a leash, but there are cliff edges up top, so keep them close
• Timing: Start 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset if you want time to explore the rim, and bring a headlamp for the rocky steps on the way down

Hidden Gem: Sugarloaf Loop

The Sugarloaf Loop, off Buena Vista Drive in West Sedona, is mostly flat and just under 2 miles. Take the optional short climb up Sugarloaf for views of Coffeepot Rock, Capitol Butte, and Chimney Rock catching the last light. It’s one of the closest trailheads to town and it’s dog-friendly on a leash, with poop bag stations at the trailhead (but no bathrooms).

• Parking: A small lot that fills up. Check the sign when you park to see whether a Red Rock Pass is required.

Hidden Gem: Merry-Go-Round Rock

Merry-Go-Round Rock sits about 4.7 miles up Schnebly Hill Road, looking south over all of Sedona. It’s one of the most dramatic sunset views around. The catch is the road: you need a high-clearance vehicle, or a jeep tour. Schnebly Hill Road is rough and rocky, and it’s a slow crawl back down in the dark. If your vehicle isn’t up for it, let a jeep tour do the driving (see the tours below).

Sedona Sunset Spots At A Glance

Spot	Effort	Fee	Best For	Crowds	Dogs
Airport Mesa Overlook	None	$3 parking	No-hike classic view	Very high	Leashed
Airport Loop / Vortex Summit	Easy–moderate, rocky	Free lower lot or $3 upper	Fewer people (Loop)	High (summit), moderate (Loop)	Leashed
Red Rock Crossing	Flat walk	$15/vehicle, no passes accepted	Cathedral Rock reflections	High	Leashed
Cathedral Rock Trail	Strenuous scramble	Red Rock Pass	Better for sunrise	Very high	Not recommended
Baldwin Trail	Easy	Red Rock Pass	Cathedral Rock glow, no climb	Moderate	Leashed
Bell Rock / Courthouse Vista	Easy, flat	Red Rock Pass	Families, easy walks	Moderate–high	Leashed
Lover’s Knoll ★	Short walk	Free	No-hike Cathedral Rock view	Low	Leashed
Yavapai Vista ★	Easy (0.6 mi)	Red Rock Pass	Quick sunset, benches	Low–moderate	Leashed
Doe Mountain ★	Moderate (1.5 mi)	Red Rock Pass	360-degree mesa views	Low–moderate	Leashed, cliff edges
Sugarloaf Loop ★	Easy (under 2 mi)	Check the sign	Close to town	Low	Leashed
Merry-Go-Round Rock ★	Easy walk, rough drive	Free (high clearance)	Big panoramic view	Low	Leashed

★ = hidden gem

Sedona Sunset Times By Month

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!

Arizona doesn’t do daylight saving time, so Sedona stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, and sunset times only shift with the seasons. The earliest sunset of the year is in early December (around 5:15 pm) and the latest is in late June (around 7:45 pm).

Month	Approximate Sunset
January	5:25–5:55 pm
February	5:55–6:20 pm
March	6:20–6:40 pm
April	6:40–7:05 pm
May	7:05–7:30 pm
June	7:30–7:45 pm
July	7:45–7:30 pm
August	7:30–7:00 pm
September	6:55–6:15 pm
October	6:15–5:35 pm
November	5:35–5:15 pm
December	5:15–5:25 pm

Times are approximate and shift a minute or two each day, so check a sunset calculator for your exact date.

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

Keep your existing image here (caption: Winter Sunset)

Find out more about visiting Sedona at this time of year with, Visiting Sedona In Winter. Heading north after Sedona? My Ultimate Winter Guide To The Grand Canyon has even more sunset spots.

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 sets anywhere from about 6:20 pm in early March to about 7:30 pm by late May. Spring break is also when the Sedona Shuttle runs every day, so double-check the Cathedral Rock parking rules before you go.

Summer

Summer sunsets in Sedona mean more vivid oranges, purples, and pinks. But it also means insanely warm weather! The sun sets around 7:30–7:45 pm in June and July, then creeps back toward 7:00 pm by the end of August. Monsoon storms can roll in on summer afternoons too, so keep an eye on the sky.

Fall

During the fall months, temperatures begin to drop again and the sun sets anywhere from about 6:55 pm in early September to around 5:15 pm by late November.

Tips For Watching Sunset In Sedona

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 overlook parking area.

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, just in case.

• Know which pass you need. Most Forest Service trailheads need a Red Rock Pass ($5 a day, $15 a week, or $20 a year) or an America the Beautiful pass. Crescent Moon is the exception: it charges its own $15 fee and doesn’t take either one. The Airport Mesa Overlook is its own $3 lot.
• Don’t count on the shuttle for sunset. The Sedona Shuttle stops running around 5:30 pm, which is before sunset most of the year.
• Stay for the afterglow. The best color often shows up 10–20 minutes after the sun drops.
• Headlamp, always. Every hiking spot in this post means walking back in the dark on uneven rock. (Ask me how I know.)
• Bring layers. Even in spring and fall, the temperature drops fast once the sun’s gone.
• Photography: Shoot the rocks during golden hour, then turn around for the sky. A wide-angle lens and a tripod help with the pastel shots after sunset.
• Dogs: Leashes are required on Sedona trails. Bring water for them, and in summer save the hikes for sunset. For more ideas, check out my Top 10 Dog Friendly Destinations.
• Check closures before you go. The 2026 Pocket Fire closed some trails north of Sedona. None of the spots in this post were on the remaining closure list, but it’s always worth a quick look at the Coconino National Forest alerts page before you head out.

Sunset Dinner In Sedona With A View

Not every sunset needs a trailhead. These restaurants are known for their red rock views:

• Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: floor-to-ceiling windows and one of the most famous sunset views in town. Reservations are a must, and weekend sunset tables book up weeks out.
• The Hudson: a big patio with valley views. It’s more casual and walk-in friendly, but expect a wait at sunset.
• Mesa Grill: right on Airport Mesa, so you can catch sunset at the overlook and then walk over for dinner. They also have a pet-friendly patio. Call ahead to confirm hours.
• Cucina Rustica is another great spot with views.

Sedona Sunset Tours

If you’d rather let someone else handle the rough roads (and the dark), these well-reviewed tours are made for golden hour:

• Scenic Rim Pink Jeep Tour: I did this on my last visit to Sedona, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s such a fun way to get a little history and see things you would never have been able to see any other way. This is 2.5 hours of big red rock views. A good way to see the rugged backcountry without risking your own vehicle.
• Red Rock West Private Jeep Tour: 2 hours through the canyons of West Sedona. Book a late-afternoon slot and you’ll get the sunset as part of the ride.
• Red Rock Range Pink Jeep Tour: 2 hours, and the mildest ride of the bunch if you’re not into the bumpy stuff.
• E-Bike Sunset Tour of the Dry Creek Area and Stupa: 2 hours on an e-bike, timed for sunset. Easy legs, big views.
• Sedona Night Hike and Stargazing Tour: a private 4-hour tour that starts with sunset and ends under the stars. Great for a group.
• Stargazing Tour with Telescopes: 1.5 hours after dark. Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community, so it’s the perfect way to end a sunset night.

Sedona Sunset FAQ

What is the best sunset spot in Sedona?

Airport Mesa is the best all-around sunset spot in Sedona. You can watch from the overlook without hiking ($3 parking), walk the Airport Loop Trail for fewer people, or hike down to the Airport Vortex summit.

Where can I watch the sunset in Sedona without hiking?

The Airport Mesa Overlook, Lover’s Knoll on Upper Red Rock Loop Road, and Red Rock Crossing at Crescent Moon (a flat walk) are the easiest. Restaurants like Mariposa and Mesa Grill work too.

What time is sunset in Sedona?

It ranges from about 5:15 pm in early December to about 7:45 pm in late June. Arizona doesn’t use daylight saving time, so Sedona stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round.

How early should I get to Airport Mesa for sunset?

At least an hour early, and earlier on weekends and in spring. The free lower lot only holds about 10 cars, and it was already full when I got there at 4 pm in January.

Do I need a Red Rock Pass to watch the sunset in Sedona?

At most Forest Service trailheads, yes ($5 a day, or an America the Beautiful pass). The Airport Mesa Overlook has its own $3 fee, and Red Rock Crossing at Crescent Moon charges $15 per vehicle and doesn’t accept either pass.

Can I watch sunset from Cathedral Rock?

You can, but it’s a steep scramble that you’d be coming down in the dark, and the trailhead lot is closed during shuttle hours Thursday through Sunday. The Baldwin Trail or Red Rock Crossing gets you Cathedral Rock’s sunset glow much more easily.

What are the best sunset spots in Sedona for dogs?

The Bell Rock Pathway from Courthouse Vista, Yavapai Vista, the Sugarloaf Loop, Red Rock Crossing, and the Airport Loop Trail are all good options. Keep dogs leashed and skip the Cathedral Rock scramble.

Are there sunset tours in Sedona?

Yes. You can book sunset jeep tours, e-bike sunset tours, and stargazing tours that start right after dark.

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Everyone in Sedona will tell you to go to Airport Mesa, and honestly, they’re right. Just get there early, bring a headlamp, and pay attention to which way the sign is pointing (learn from me). Once you’ve done the classic, try one of the quieter spots like Doe Mountain or Lover’s Knoll. Watching those red rocks glow without a crowd around you is a whole different kind of magic.

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