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Finding the best sunsets in Sedona is a mighty task. With so many gorgeous red rock views and multiple iconic landscapes, choosing the best sunsets in Sedona is challenging.
While we have a separate post on 30+ sunsets in Sedona locations, this post is dedicated to the best of the best. Ones where the views truly take your breath away. Places where even when there are other people around, you’ll feel like the only one in the area. And locations that with or without a colorful sunset, the hike to them is still worthwhile.
Before we dive into the BEST sunsets in Sedona, don’t forget we also have this post on 10 Airport Mesa Sunset locations, including the famous Airport Mesa Vortex and 9 spots that are better than the ever popular Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout!
The 5 Best Sunsets in Sedona
Secret Slick Rock | Best Sunset in Sedona With Easy Hike
Location | 34.827656, -111.804155
Parking | Free at Secret Slick Rock Trailhead | 34.8300784, -111.7994043
Duration | 1.16 miles round trip
Elevation | 93 feet
Terrain | rocky trail with one downhill to slick rock
Jason did a ton of research for finding the best places for sunset in Sedona. He was particularly keen on finding places for sunset photography.
After reading about Secret Slick Rock and having a ton of rain in Sedona for a couple of days, he knew we had to go there.
And holy smokes.. this place did not disappoint. Secret Slick Rock after a heavy rain is hands down the best place for sunset in Sedona with minimal hiking required.
When it rains in Sedona, the water pools on the slick red rock here, creating outstanding reflections of Cathedral Rock, or shoot even of people standing near the pools.
The best part about Secret Slick Rock is that although it’s best after heavy rain, the views are also really great without the water. You’ll have both views of Cathedral Rock and any clouds around Cathedral Rock changing colors, as well as a direct view of the actual sun setting behind the mountains in the west.
Hiking to Secret Slick Rock
To get to Secret Slick Rock, you park at the free Secret Slick Rock trailhead (coordinates above) and then cross the road, and walk down along the (mostly) flat trail, away from the parking lot.
You’ll be walking with Cathedral Rock in the distance to your left, and after about .4 miles, the slick rock area will be in front of you.
At this point, it’s a short but steep walk down to the slick rock. Once on the slick rock, just find wherever you fancy the view the most, and relax on the rock while the sun goes down!
We will say, if there is rain prior to heading here, you’ll want to get here extra early, as you’ll likely run into a handful of professional photographers there. Share the pools for reflection shots of Cathedral Rock and you’ll be set… Trust us, it’s intimidating to ask to share a pool, but you’ll be glad you did!
Standing on Secret Slick Rock, and facing Cathedral Rock, you are technically in an area where you can fly a drone… only if you fly forward, not back. If you have one, these are some great shots! Just be sure to not go too close to Cathedral Rock, as the noise can be annoying and ruin a relaxing sunset for those up on Cathedral Rock for the night.
Return to the parking lot the same way you came, but don’t forget a flashlight to light the way!
As a side note, this is a higher view of Cathedral Rock than you get from Red Rock Crossing. In our opinion, we like this view better. Red Rock Crossing is accessible down the road from this parking lot, but honestly, it’s better up here!
Altar Cave | Best Place to Watch Sunset in Sedona
Location | 34.905894, -111.840728
Parking | $5 at Boynton Canyon Trailhead | 34.907356, -111.848582
Duration | 2.63 miles
Elevation | 839 feet
Terrain | on well maintained trail until the red rock scramble at end
Oh my goodness.. This may just be one of my favorite hikes in Sedona. It’s short, but the views are incredible, and there is not one, but FIVE CAVES on this one hike.
We went to Altar Cave after reading it was good for sunset, and along the way were just shocked at how many more caves are right in the same area.
And shoot.. while the views from the actual cave were incredible, the views from the flat slick rock above Mescal Trail were great too.
Hiking to Altar Cave was one of the last things we did in Sedona, and when we got to the cave for sunset, we knew we would be updating this post to include this cave in the best sunsets in Sedona locations!
Hiking to Altar Cave
To get to Altar Cave, you need to park at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead lot. This parking lot costs $5, and is typically full during the day, but was nearly empty when we got there for this sunset hike.
If you don’t want to pay for parking or don’t have a National Parks Pass, you can park along the road just past the stop sign junction.
From the parking lot, take Boynton Canyon Trail until it T’s. At the t, go to the right. If you go to the left, you go into the canyon, this is not where you want to go!
Heading right, you’ll be on Deadman’s Pass Trail. Stay on this trail, until you see Mescal Trail peeling off to the right. The coordinates for this junction are, 34.905337, -111.840788.
Hike along Mescal’s Trail until you see massive boulders are both sides of the trail. This is where the trail takes a sharp turn to the left, and if you start going left, you’ve gone too far. (Check the image above for these boulders along the trail).
At the boulders, peel off of Mescal’s Trail and start your scramble up the wash of the red rock. There is a little climbing involved, but nothing too difficult or scary!
Once you reach the top of the red rock shelf, Altar Cave is to the left along the red rock wall. You’ll see a couple of caves in the area, and to the right are great sunset views too!
Cathedral Rock Saddle | Steepest of the Best Sunsets in Sedona
Location | 34.818815, -111.792184
Parking | $5 on Back O Beyond Trailhead Only Open Monday – Wednesday | 34.825141, -111.788297
Duration | 2.39 miles
Elevation | 1,259 feet
Terrain | scrambling up red rock with rock climbing sections
Cathedral Rock is an amazing place for sunset. While you don’t really get views of the actual sunset or even views of multiple red rock formations, this is by far one of the best places for sunset in Sedona.
The Cathedral Rock Saddle is the area of Cathedral Rock you can hike up to and sit in while the light does a magic show, changing the walls of Cathedral Rock to all different shades of orange and yellow.
While Cathedral Rock could be filled with loads of other people watching the sunset, and to get the iconic shot on Cathedral Rock, you’ll almost surely have to wait, it can also be a totally individual and spiritual experience.
We hiked Cathedral Rock on a weekday and got one of the last parking spots at the trailhead lot just before sunset. And while we shared the saddle with multiple other people, by the time the sun was actually setting, it was just the two of us and maybe five others!
The secret to avoiding the crowds at Cathedral Rock for sunset is to hang out up there more than just for five minutes. You’ll likely get the place almost to yourself if you are up there to really enjoy the entire sunset show.
Do note, the closest parking area is only open Monday – Wednesday. Thursday – Sunday there is a new Sedona Shuttle that operates during the day, and the road to Cathedral Rock Trail is blocked off with a guard to anyone that doesn’t live on the road.
Check current shuttle times here. Unfortunately, the last we checked the final shuttle leaving Cathedral Rock was just after 5:00, making this trail only accessible for sunset Monday through Wednesday.
Merry Go Round Rock Cave | Most Strenuous Sunset in Sedona Hike
Location | 34.873969, -111.708453
Parking | $5 at Hukaby Trailhead | 34.866512, -111.74869
Duration | 7.8 miles out and back
Elevation | 1,079 feet
Terrain | multiple creek crossing, muddy and icy in winter
Merry Go Round Rock is a trek to get to, but the views and photo opportunities are well worth it. The rock itself isn’t what’s to freaking die for.. it’s the cave photo at sunset that’s absolutely amazing.
The views from Merry Go Round Rock and the trail all the way there and back are stunning. Now, the trail itself (Munds Wagon Trail) parallels a road that’s accessible for 4×4 high clearance vehicles. However, the road was closed when we were there in February due to snow and ice.
If the road is open, and you have a high-clearance vehicle, there really isn’t much hiking involved. And, even more, if you have a mountain bike, we’d actually suggest riding up to Merry Go Round Rock instead of hiking. After all, it is 4 miles uphill one way!
All that to say, again, the views are incredible. This may end up being, not just the best sunsets in Sedona location, but a top hike too, if you can push through the length of the trail!
Riding To Merry Go Round Rock + Cave
From the Hukaby Trailhead, if the road is closed to vehicles, we suggest riding up the road. There are massive rocks to maneuver around, but it’s not as technical as the actual trail.
It’s going to be a slow and absolutely grueling 4 miles uphill. Yes, the entire way!
Right at 4 miles, you’ll find see a parking area to leave your bikes to then go and explore Merry Go Round Rock and find the cave. If you don’t want to explore the actual rock, and instead are only interested in the cave, just before reaching the parking area, you’ll pass a pretty beat-up bridge at the following coordinates, 34.874295, -111.706872.
At the bridge, swing a left, and connect to Munds Wagon Trail.
You’ll be walking right towards Merry Go Round Rock at this point. Once you reach Munds Wagon Trail, go left again, and continue until the trail starts curving around Merry Go Round Rock.
On the left side of the trail, you’ll see a bunch of trees knocked over, with a couple of trails leading toward the cliff. (Picture below)
Walk to the cliff, and you’ll see the cave and rock to stand on to get the iconic sunset shots. The cave is at the following coordinates, 34.873969, -111.708453.
Hiking to Merry Go Round Rock Cave
Reaching Merry Go Round Rock hiking, you’ll take the Munds Wagon Trail from Hukaby Trailhead. This trail is 4 miles long one way, and ends at Merry Go Round Rock.
While we didn’t take the trail, because we rode, we could see the trail often. The trail follows the creek, with some pretty swimming holes, and crosses back and forth over both the creek and the road as it climbs the mountain.
Don’t underestimate the elevation gain and length of the trail when taking this trek on!
Coming up Munds Wagon Trail, Merry Go Rock Rock will be on the left side of the trail at the top. When you get to the following coordinates, 34.874295, -111.706872, you’ll know you’ve reached the cave!
The cave is actually below the ledge of the trail, and is to the right, right along the cliff. It’s a pretty well traveled path with a lot of downed trees to reach the cave and viewpoint.
Again, if you have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle, you can shorten the length of this hike, by driving to Merry Go Round Rock.
Nolan Campground on 525 | Best Sunsets in Sedona Without Hiking
Location | 34.882953, -111.910255
Parking | Free at Campground | 34.882953, -111.910255
Hike | no
Even if you don’t plan on camping in Sedona, heading out to Nolan Campground is a fantastic spot to watch the actual sun setting in Sedona.
Nolan Campground is at the top fork of Forest Road 525, about 2.5 miles down a pretty rough dirt road. However, we drove this in our two-wheel drive van multiple times, and while it’s slow going, it’s definitely doable.
From Nolan Campground, you’ll get killer views of the sun setting to the west over Cottonwood. While turning to the north you’ll be in awe of the red rock changing colors right before your eyes.
Facing east, you’ll see the city of Sedona start to glow as the sun goes down, and if you’re lucky and there are clouds in the sky, the sunset painting over Sedona is one to die for!
READ MORE | Where to Camp for FREE in Sedona, Arizona
The best way to get to Nolan Campground is by going out Boynton Pass Road, past the Bear Mountain / Doe Mountain trailhead, and continuing until the road becomes a dirt road. From there, you’ll have 2.5 miles of slow driving along the dirt road.
**As a side note, if you plan on camping for free in Sedona, Forest Road 525 is the closest legal place to camp. With that being said, there are only a handful of campgrounds now on 525 that you have to stay in, or you run the chance of a hefty fine. Find legal campsites here.
Nolan Campground is the closest one to all the major hiking areas of Sedona West, so it fills up quickly. However, we were always able to find a secluded spot, even on Christmas Day!
Don’t have a van or RV yourself, you can rent one here! Find the Best RV Rental Specials with this link through RV Share!
Quick Tips on Finding the Best Sunsets in Sedona
Arrive Early
Plan on arriving to each of these locations around 20-30 minutes prior to sunset. Obviously, if there is a hike involved, arrive even earlier.
Oftentimes, the sunset colors are better just before sunset because the sun sets behind mountains in the west.
Stay Late
Staying just after sunset can also provide some really nice colors in the sky. While the red rocks will no longer be illuminated, the clouds in the sky can change into some pretty epic colors just after the sun sets.
Bring Lights
While most of these places for sunset in Sedona don’t require too much of a rock scramble, Cathedral Rock Saddle definitely does. If you choose to hike the Cathedral Rock Trail, you’ll definitely want to pack a headlamp for hiking back down. We didn’t and ended up carrying our flashlights in our mouths all the way down because you really use your hands that much.
Other than the Cathedral Rock Trail, you can return from the sunset locations in this post with a flashlight instead of a headlamp.
Pay Attention To The Clouds
In our five weeks in Sedona, we chose our sunset locations based on the clouds in the sky.
Clouds often offer great texture and color during sunrise and sunset. So we would go where there were some clouds, not heavy coverage, in the sky, so we could have the chance of them lighting up in bright pinks and oranges!
Don’t Trust The Weatherman
More often than not, our weather app said it was going to be straight cloudy during sunset. However, also more often than not, this wasn’t the case. The sky was gorgeous on the days when it was supposed to be straight clouds!
We almost missed a couple of the best sunsets in Sedona due to us thinking there wouldn’t be any sunset at all. Don’t let this happen to you. Just go out and chance catching the sunset, it’s a fun experience regardless!
You Won’t See The Sun Set
Sedona sunsets are funny in the sense that you actually don’t get to see the sun setting on the horizon. There are too many mountains to the west, so you won’t see the sun go down all the way.
Likewise, watching the sunset in Sedona is better looking away from where the sun sets. This way you can watch the red rock change to gorgeous colors as the sky changes colors behind it.
Check Sunset Times
Before heading out for sunset, check when the sun actually sets by simply googling “sunset in Sedona times”. Google will show you not only the time of sunset, but where the sun is going to set as well.
You can also look on the weather app on your phone to see when the sun sets in Sedona while you’re there.
More On Sedona!
We spent a month in Sedona finding the best hikes, sunset locations, sunrise spots, and more. We even made complete guides for each trail that wasn’t so easy to find.
Sedona Sunset Locations | 31 Places to Catch the Iconic Sedona Sunset
Sedona Instagram Captions | 70+ Sedona Captions To Take Away The Thinking Behind Posting
Sedona Arches | 4 Arches in Sedona + Guides to Finding Each
Sedona Vortexes | 7 Vortexes in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona Itinerary | One Freaking EPIC Day Itinerary For One Day in Sedona
Recommended Gear For Sedona
Find Our Complete Packing List + Best Hiking Shoes For Sedona Here
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