Best Places To Watch The Sunrise and Sunset in Scottsdale

May 1, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Scottsdale’s desert terrain and wide-open skies provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
• Camelback Mountain and McDowell Sonoran Preserve are among the top spots for sunrise views, while Papago Park and Scottsdale Waterfront are great choices for watching the sunset.
• Hot air balloon rides from an experienced company like Rainbow Ryders can give you a once-in-a-lifetime aerial experience shortly after sunrises or right before sunsets.
• You should plan your sunrise and sunset adventures during cooler months, pack smart with layered clothing and water, and share your hiking plans with people you trust to promote safety.

Setting the Scene: Scottsdale’s Natural Beauty

All of Arizona is gorgeous, but there is something exceptionally magical about the way the desert glows in Scottsdale. It is home to gorgeous rock formations, cacti-lined trails, and sweeping mountains with great views of the city’s dramatic skies. From fiery sunrises to golden sunsets, Scottsdale’s unique landscape delivers awe-inspiring moments, allowing you to experience nature’s daily light shows like never before.

Still, with all of the options available, from Camelback Mountain to Papago Park, it can be challenging to find the best place to watch the sunrise in Scottsdale or catch the sunset. Maybe you’re interested in taking a peaceful early-morning hike, checking out scenic overlooks in the evening, or going on a bucket-list-worthy hot air balloon ride in Scottsdale that gives you unobstructed aerial views. Regardless, this guide will help you uncover the best Scottsdale sunrise spots and sunset sites to maximize your experience.

Sunrise Adventures

Even if you aren’t typically an early riser, there’s no shortage of Scottsdale sunrise spots worth waking up for. The following locations are some of the best places to watch the sunrise in Scottsdale.

Camelback Mountain

Many early morning adventurers chasing a spectacular view of the sunrise choose to hike up Camelback Mountain. These mountain trails climb over 1,200 feet, making it easy for people to catch the desert sunrise from above. You can either hike up the Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail—both will reward you with sweeping views of Scottsdale and other parts of the greater Phoenix area as the landscapes come alive in the golden light of the morning sun. 

Even if you don’t plan on hiking the entirety of the mountain, the journey can still be arduous, making it essential to prepare in advance. During warm months, start your trek early to avoid the heat; this will also give you the best chance to watch the sky transition from gorgeous shades, such as lavender shifting to bright blue.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

If Camelback Mountain’s high-elevation climb is too physically demanding for your liking, you can find a more serene experience at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This area offers miles of desert trails and a peaceful backdrop that draws in sunrise watchers from near and far.

In particular, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Gateway Loop Trail. It is a manageable hike for most people, regardless of age, and it shows off open views of the rising sun in the morning. If you choose this route, be sure to keep an eye out for early morning wildlife; the desert birds, blooming wildflowers, and occasional jackrabbit sightings may make this experience even more special.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Although you might be able to catch a beautiful sunrise on foot by checking out the areas mentioned above, nothing will beat the views from a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Scottsdale is home to one of the most popular Rainbow Ryders locations. We are a hot air balloon company focused on fun and safety. Even after serving the Southwest region for over 40 years, we have an impressive safety record that gives our flyers comfort as they take to the skies to appreciate the sunrise.

We take flight shortly after sunrise to remain compliant with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines; however, riders will still experience the colorful gradient of the morning sky as the day starts. Each unforgettable flight offers quiet, panoramic views from the sky while the balloon gently drifts over the Sonoran Desert. To ensure they get to experience this fantastic opportunity at a time that fits their schedule, interested parties should book their hot air balloon flight in advance.

Sunset Spectacles

As night falls, the desert cools, and the sky catches fire, displaying flickering shades of orange and red before dimming to reveal a dark, star-speckled backdrop. To see this beautiful scene unravel, check out the best sunset spots in Scottsdale that are listed below.

Papago Park

Famous for its unique red sandstone formations and expansive views of the city, Papago Park is a go-to for many sunset chasers. You should try hiking up the Hole in the Rock Trail—it’s only a 0.2 to 0.3-mile round-trip with a gentle 200-foot elevation gain. This trail leads to a natural sandstone formation featuring a large opening that allows you to climb in and enjoy an unbeatable view of the city and desert landscape.

This spot is a popular destination amongst photographers, but it remains a peaceful spot to wrap up the day and watch the sunset. Still, you should try to arrive early to claim the best perch.

Scottsdale Waterfront

If you prefer to end your day in town, check out the Scottsdale Waterfront. This lively area is filled with restaurants and boutiques, while still offering a clear view of the sky. When it is time for sundown, you can step away from the shops and find a calm, scenic setting along the Arizona Canal, which travels through the Scottsdale Waterfront area. This is a perfect spot to watch the ember-like color of the sunset reflect off the water and disappear behind the mountains. 

Afterward, you can visit some of the spots that are open late, like Olive & Ivy Restaurant and Marketplace, to turn your sunset outing into a whole evening experience comprised of dinner and a stroll.

Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride

As suggested earlier, a calm, obstruction-free view of the sky is best achieved from the safety of a Rainbow Ryders hot air balloon basket. Although both allow you to gaze upon sun-fueled beauty, a sunset hot air balloon flight can look very different from a sunrise one. 

Sunset rides bring a moodier, more dramatic vibe than the calm, golden stillness of sunrise. Plus, sunset hot air balloon rides usually feature warmer colors, more twinkling city lights, giving you a different perspective as the desert cools down.

A sunset hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders will serve as a peaceful finale to the day. To remain compliant with FAA guidelines and ensure complete visibility, flights occur shortly before sunset, but they still give riders a chance to drift through the dim golden glow hanging over the desert. 

Rainbow Ryders only offers sunset hot air balloon rides in Scottsdale seasonally, from November through March, to help riders avoid the desert heat. Regardless of when you plan to try out this breathtaking experience, you should book ahead of time to ensure you get the chance to see one of the best views in all of Arizona.

Scottsdale Safety & Travel Tips

The quick tips and tricks below can help you make the most of your sunrise and sunset adventures, whether you’re hiking or soaring high in the sky.

Best Seasons For Sunrise & Sunset Adventures

Most people consider fall, winter, and spring the best seasons to enjoy Scottsdale’s natural beauty because it allows you to avoid the extreme heat that accompanies summer. To further combat heat, hikers and balloon riders should take advantage of the cooler morning and evening temperatures.

What To Bring To A Sunrise or Sunset Adventure

Some essential items you should pack for any sunrise or sunset activity in Scottsdale are:

• Sunscreen, especially for sunrise experiences
• Layered clothing in case desert temps change fast
• A phone or compact camera
• Lots of water

Specifically for hiking trips, be sure to tell someone you trust where you’re going and when you expect to be back to promote safety.

If you want to go on a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride, you should prep by booking early with a reputable company like Rainbow Ryders and wear comfortable clothes. Lastly, expect an early start for a sunrise flight or a late finish for sunset. According to numerous customers, the ride is gentle, scenic, and totally worth your effort.

Enjoy Stunning Sunrises & Sunsets in Scottsdale, AZ

With options like iconic mountain trails and quiet desert preserves, it can be difficult to choose the best sunrise or sunset spots in Scottsdale. Nevertheless, most of our customers believe a Rainbow Ryders hot air balloon is the best place to watch the sunrise or sunset in Scottsdale.

If you are ready to take your Scottsdale experience to the next level with a reliable, safe company you can trust, consider booking a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders. Our experienced team can help you float into the sky to greet the day or bid it farewell. No matter how you choose to chase the sunlight, Scottsdale is sure to leave you in awe, itching to share your sunrise or sunset adventure stories.

You can visit our website to book your hot air balloon ride effortlessly, or you can contact us, and we will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.