Where to Catch the Best Sunrises and Sunsets in Mesa

Nothing beats Arizona's radiant sunrise at the break of dawn followed by our cotton-candy skies in the late evening. We don't want you to miss the beauty of our striking skies so we provided you with a list of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunsets Mesa!

Early morning sunrises

The early bird catches the best sunrise. For early risers, there are many spots in Mesa and its surrounding areas to enjoy the first light.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Start your day with the iconic beauty of the Superstition Mountains bathed in the morning glow. The landscape at Lost Dutchman State Park is especially magical at sunrise.

Rio Salado Pathway

Catch the sunrise while strolling or biking along this desert-river corridor. The shifting light dances over the water and wetlands, creating a peaceful start to the day with birdsong as your soundtrack.

Bush Highway & Saguaro Lake

Drive along Bush Highway to find your ideal sunrise viewing point, or stop at Saguaro Lake to watch the sun rise over the water—an enchanting way to start the day.

Rose Garden at Mesa Community College

Wake up with thousands of blooms as the morning sun spills across one of the largest rose gardens in the Southwest. Sunrise here feels like walking through a canvas painted in light and color.

Spook Hill (Las Sendas)

Early birds and hikers, rejoice. Head to the Las Sendas trail that leads to Spook Hill’s peak, where you’ll get panoramic views of Mesa waking up—worth every early step.

Picture-perfect Sunsets

The golden hour belongs to dreamers. As the sun sinks over the desert, Mesa offers countless vantage points where the sky ignites in shades of orange, pink, and violet — the perfect way to end the day.

Granite Reef Recreation Site

Watch the last rays of sunlight glisten on the Salt River. Granite Reef is a perfect spot to experience nature heading to bed, surrounded by the serenity of water and wildlife.

Broadway Cave

Embark on a moderate four-mile hike to Broadway Cave for breathtaking sunset views. It’s the perfect place to witness the sky light up in hues of orange, pink and purple over the desert landscape.

Brown Road Peak

For a quick in-town adventure, Brown Road Peak offers a short hike with excellent views all around. During the day, you can see all the way to Phoenix, and at sunset, enjoy the stunning sight of the Superstition Mountains framed against a colorful sky.

Las Sendas Patio

For a blend of dining and desert beauty, head to Las Sendas Patio. They offer breathtaking views of the mountains, city lights and those iconic cotton-candy skies—ideal for that perfect sunset photo.

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