Best Sunset Spots in Sedona: 10 Views You Can't Miss

Quick Answer: The best sunset spots in Sedona are Airport Mesa Overlook (no hike, best all-around view), Cathedral Rock saddle (iconic but strenuous), Red Rock Crossing (flat walk, Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek), and Doe Mountain (short hike, minimal crowds). Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset to park and hike in.

Sedona at sunset is the reason people fall in love with the town. The red rocks glow crimson, the sky often turns violet and gold, and if you time it right, the "afterglow" 15 minutes past sunset delivers pastel colors that don't exist anywhere else. This guide covers the 10 best spots, from zero-hike overlooks to summits worth the climb.

What Time Does the Sun Set in Sedona?

• Winter (Dec–Feb): ~5:20–5:45 p.m.
• Spring (Mar–May): ~6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): ~7:30–7:50 p.m.
• Fall (Sep–Nov): ~5:20–6:45 p.m.

Use the US Naval Observatory sun calculator or a weather app for the exact time. Plan to be on-site 45–60 minutes before sunset and stay 20–30 minutes after — the afterglow is often better than the sunset itself.

The 10 Best Sunset Spots in Sedona

1. Airport Mesa Overlook — Best No-Hike View

• Coordinates: 34.8471° N, 111.7907° W
• Open in Google Maps
• Address: 500 Airport Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
• Parking: $3 attendant fee, cash preferred
• Hike: None — walk from your car
• Crowds: Heavy; violinists often perform here

The single best sunset view in Sedona for people who don't want to hike. You get a 180° panorama including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Twin Buttes. Arrive at least an hour early on weekends to secure a spot. Stay after dark — the Milky Way is often visible.

2. Cathedral Rock Saddle — Best Iconic Sunset Hike

• Coordinates: 34.8252° N, 111.7884° W
• Open in Google Maps
• Hike: 1.2 miles round-trip, 750 ft gain, moderate–strenuous
• Trailhead access: Back O' Beyond Road (Mon–Wed) or Sedona Shuttle (Thu–Sun)

The postcard shot. The saddle between Cathedral Rock's spires opens west, and the sun sets right into your frame. Bring a headlamp — the descent involves rock scrambling that's dangerous in the dark. Start hiking 90 minutes before sunset.

3. Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon Picnic Site) — Cathedral Reflected in Oak Creek

• Coordinates: 34.8256° N, 111.8250° W
• Open in Google Maps
• Address: Crescent Moon Picnic Site, Red Rock Crossing Road
• Parking Fee: $12 per vehicle (day use)
• Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip on a paved path
• Best for: Photographers, seniors, wheelchair access with assistance

The most famous "reflection" shot of Cathedral Rock. Oak Creek runs across smooth red sandstone here, and on a still evening, Cathedral Rock mirrors perfectly on the water. Gates close 30 minutes after sunset — check exact closing time on arrival.

4. Doe Mountain Summit — Short Hike, No Crowds

• Coordinates: 34.9128° N, 111.8611° W
• Open in Google Maps
• Hike: 1.6 miles round-trip, 400 ft gain, moderate
• Best for: People who want Cathedral Rock–quality views without Cathedral Rock crowds

The broad summit plateau gives you 360° views. Walk to the west edge for the sunset. Bring a headlamp for the descent.

5. Airport Mesa Loop Trail — Continuous Sunset Views

• Coordinates: 34.8483° N, 111.7899° W
• Open in Google Maps
• Hike: 3.3 miles loop, 400 ft gain, moderate
• Best for: Active travelers who want to earn the view

The trail wraps around Table Top Mountain (which the airport sits on top of), giving constantly changing red-rock views. The west side of the loop hits its highlight at sunset.

6. Chapel of the Holy Cross — Sunset Behind the Chapel

• Coordinates: 34.8322° N, 111.7660° W
• Open in Google Maps
• Address: 780 Chapel Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
• Hours: Open until 5 p.m. daily (chapel closes; the outside viewpoint stays accessible after)
• Hike: None

Walk to the ramp above the parking lot for a west-facing view. The chapel itself is best photographed from the pullout on Chapel Road (34.8286° N, 111.7680° W). Combine with a stop at nearby Coffee Pot Cafe (a Sedona breakfast institution) for a slow evening plan.

7. Sedona View Trail (Vortex Knob) — Vortex Plus View

• Coordinates: 34.8497° N, 111.7905° W
• Hike: 0.4 miles from Airport Mesa Overlook down and around
• Best for: Combining a vortex visit with sunset

The vortex site itself, on a small twisted-juniper hill, catches the last light beautifully. Fewer people know about this specific spot than the main overlook.

8. Schnebly Hill Vista — Backcountry Sunset (4×4 or Jeep Tour Only)

• Coordinates: 34.8791° N, 111.7346° W
• Access: Schnebly Hill Road (high-clearance 4×4 required; road can be closed after rain)
• Best for: Adventurous travelers with a rental Jeep, or via Pink Jeep Tour sunset trip

Elevation gains to 6,300 feet giving a rare aerial-style view of Sedona. Book the Pink Jeep or Barlow Jeep sunset tour if you don't have a 4×4.

9. Bell Rock Pathway (Courthouse Vista) — Family-Friendly Sunset

• Coordinates: 34.8102° N, 111.7657° W
• Open in Google Maps
• Hike: Optional 0.5–3 miles
• Best for: Families with young kids, dog owners

The easiest sunset walk in Sedona. Walk 10 minutes down the paved-ish pathway, find a bench or flat rock, and watch Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte light up. Great alternative if Cathedral Rock is too crowded.

10. Uptown Sedona Rooftops & Patios — Sunset With a Cocktail

• Coordinates: 34.8697° N, 111.7610° W (approximate area)
• Best spots:
  • Mariposa Latin-Inspired Grill — Chef Lisa Dahl's flagship; the terrace faces west
  • Hudson Restaurant — Rooftop with cocktails and views over Uptown
  • Sound Bites Grill — Rooftop lounge, live music some nights

Book a table for 45 minutes before sunset. Great option if you're worn out from hiking.

Sunset Photography Tips

• Shoot in RAW — the color range of Sedona sunsets goes far beyond JPEG.
• Bring a wide-angle (16–35mm equivalent) for landscapes and a portrait lens (85mm+) for isolating spires against the sky.
• Golden hour starts about 60 minutes before sunset. Blue hour starts about 20 minutes after — often the best light.
• Use a tripod and 2-second timer for sharp low-light shots.
• Filters: A polarizer deepens the red rock; a graduated ND filter balances the sky.

What to Bring for a Sunset Hike

• Headlamp (not just a phone flashlight — you'll need hands free)
• Layers — Sedona drops 20–30°F after sunset
• Water and a light snack
• Wind layer (mesas get gusty at sunset)
• Downloaded offline trail map (cell service dies in canyons)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sunset spot in Sedona without hiking? The Airport Mesa Overlook ($3 parking, no hike). Runners-up: Red Rock Crossing (0.5 mile flat walk from Crescent Moon Picnic Site) and the Chapel of the Holy Cross exterior viewing area.

How early should I arrive for sunset at Cathedral Rock? Start hiking 90 minutes before sunset to reach the saddle 15–20 minutes early, secure a spot to sit, and be settled for the light show.

Is Airport Mesa Overlook or the Vortex hilltop better for sunset? The Overlook has the wider view and more space. The Vortex hilltop is a shorter walk from your car but limited in space and photo angles. Overlook for first-timers; Vortex for those who've seen Sedona before.

Do I need a Red Rock Pass for sunset viewing? Yes for any Forest Service trailhead (Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock Pathway, Airport Mesa). No for the Chapel or Airport Mesa Overlook parking (which has its own $3 fee).

Can I fly a drone at sunset? No — drones are prohibited in Sedona's wilderness areas (which cover most vortex sites) and near the airport. Very few legal locations exist. See our Sedona drone guide for details.

Related Guides

• Best Photography Spots in Sedona (Golden Hour Guide)
• Best Hikes in Sedona: Complete Trail Guide
• Sedona Vortex Sites: What They Are & Where to Find Them
• Stargazing in Sedona: Dark Sky Sites & Night Activities

Plan Your Trip

Get insider access to Sedona's best viewpoints, sunset dining reservations, and guided sunset tours at SedonaPassport.com.