Latitudes with Lucy

Arizona has the best sunsets, so I try to catch as many as possible. Unfortunately, some of Phoenix’s parks and preserves close at sunset, and it’s hard to enjoy the view when you’re hurrying back to the car. The following are some of my favorite sunset hikes near Phoenix, trailhead hours considered:

1. Piestewa Peak, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
2. North Mountain and Shaw Butte, North Mountain Preserve
3. Tom’s Thumb, McDowell Sonoran Preserve
4. Black Mountain, Black Mountain Preserve
5. Lookout Mountain, Lookout Mountain Park

The wide open spaces and lack of trees in the desert mean the afterglow lingers awhile after sundown. Cotton candy skies and cooler temperatures make dusk one of my favorite times to be on the trail. Bring a flashlight or headlamp!

Piestewa Peak, Phoenix Mountain Preserve

2 miles, 1100 ft elevation

Piestewa Peak is the highest point in Phoenix Mountain Preserve and the most popular sunset hike in Phoenix. If you prefer to avoid crowds or the strenuous climb to the peak, you can still catch a great sunset almost anywhere in Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Phoenix Mountain Preserve parking entrances close at 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer), but the preserve is open until 11 p.m. If the exit is gated, a sensor will open it for exiting cars.

North Mountain and Shaw Butte, North Mountain Preserve

North Mountain: 1.5 miles, 700 ft elevation

Shaw Butte via Shaw Butte Trailhead: 3 miles, 800 ft elevation

North Mountain and Shaw Butte are two different peaks in North Mountain Preserve. North Mountain is far more popular. I prefer Shaw Butte because the trail is never crowded, and there’s always plenty of parking. The views are about the same at each peak. 

North Mountain Preserve parking entrances close at 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer), but the preserve is open until 11 p.m. If the exit is gated, a sensor will open it for exiting cars.

Tom’s Thumb, McDowell Sonoran Preserve

4 miles, 1200 ft elevation

Tom’s Thumb is a local favorite sunset hike. The trail is well-maintained and beautiful. The boulder landscape atop the ridge is unique to this area and glows red at sunset.

McDowell Preserve closes at sunset, with specified times that the automatic gates close. The gates have a sensor that allows cars to exit past close, so hikers shouldn’t be punished if a sunset hike goes longer than planned. (Note that you have to pull up quite close to trigger the sensor.) However, I would advise attempting to exit before close, as the rule could be enforced any time.

Black Mountain, Black Mountain Preserve

2.5 miles, 1200 ft elevation

Black Mountain is my favorite sunset hike in the valley. It’s uncrowded and beautiful. The cholla cacti on the ridge glow at golden hour. The trail is very steep and rocky, comparable to Piestewa Peak in difficulty.

The Black Mountain trail is open 24 hours; it’s a popular night hike to beat the summer heat. There’s no official parking area. Turn left on Military Rd as you approach the trailhead, and there’s a gravel shoulder where you may park.

Lookout Mountain, Lookout Mountain Park

1 mile, 500 ft elevation

Lookout Mountain is a quick summit, but it’s rocky enough to still feel like an adventure. I’ve never seen it get crowded, so it feels like a little hidden gem.

Lookout Mountain Trailhead closes at “7 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first.” Unfortunately, that means it closes before sunset during summer months.