Top 10 most beautiful sunsets in the American West
There's something magical about a sunset. There's no denying it, you just never get tired of them.
Whether travelling or at home, it's the type of moment that fills our hearts with gratitude.
Discover 10 sunset spots you won't want to miss if you're planning a road trip in the American West.
#1. Monument Valley
Without a doubt, Monument Valley has the most beautiful sunsets in all of the American West.
Its mythical landscapes of impressive sandstone buttes are bathed in the most sublime reddish hues at the end of the day.
With its scenery reminiscent of scenes from famous American westerns, Monument Valley will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Lookout (Visitor Center)
Located just in front of the Visitor Center, the Lookout is the ideal vantage point from which to watch the sun set over Monument Valley.
As it's easily accessible by car, tourists flock here to enjoy the spectacle.
Don't hesitate to move a little further away if you want to get some great photos without strangers in them.
#2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Characterized by its amphitheatre filled with orange rocky turrets and spires, Bryce Canyon can boast of being a true geological masterpiece formed by erosion.
The views here are larger than life, so vast that no photograph can truly do them justice.
BRYCE POINT
This overlook is the most southernmost in the amphitheatre, and at an altitude of 2,528 m, it is also by far the most impressive.
It offers breathtaking views of the canyon, at any time of day.
As the name suggests, Sunset Point is also highly recommended at the end of the day.
However, it's somewhat less spectacular, as the sun's dying rays illuminate only the horizon rather than the rocky formations.
#3. Arches National Park
The name of this park was certainly not chosen at random, as it boasts the largest concentration of natural arches... on the planet!
In fact, over 2,000 arches formed by erosion and the whims of Mother Nature are scattered across an area of 296 km2.
A 35-km scenic road traverses the park, providing access to spectacular viewpoints and the starting points for a number of hikes.
Delicate Arch
The famous Delicate Arch is the most photographed (and most beautiful) arch in the park. It's a Utah icon, and people come from all over to see it.
The end of the day is definitely the best time to pay it a visit.
The light is at its best as the sun starts to go down. The scenery here is truly picture perfect!
In high season, it's not uncommon to come across a hundred tourists standing near the arch, waiting for the perfect moment to take a photo.
But be warned, it's not that easy to get close to it.
To reach the arch, you'll have to walk 5 km round trip on an intermediate-level trail. Make sure you bring plenty of water.
#4. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is the second most visited national park in the United States, and it's the South Rim that receives the most visitors.
Much more accessible than the canyon's North Rim, the South Rim offers a wealth of breathtaking, even surreal, views.
Desert View
Accessible by car via Desert Drive, this is the highest point on the South Rim.
The Desert View Watch Tower, a stone tower built on the edge of the cliff, offers a 360-degree view.
As the sun sets, it's simply magical.
If you're near the Visitor Center and don't want to go far, you might prefer the Mather Point lookout.
#5. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a luxurious seaside resort town near Los Angeles.
Visitors come here for its bustling downtown, its huge beach, and its famous seaside amusement park.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is extremely popular with tourists, as it is home to the sign marking the end of the legendary Route 66, which connects Chicago to Los Angeles.
Make yourself comfortable on the edge of the beach and enjoy the view.
Be sure to get decked out in your best pareos and Speedos, because this is the perfect spot for a photo shoot with the Ferris wheel as a backdrop.
#6. Dead Horse Point State Park
The landscapes of Dead Horse Park are often mistaken for those of the Grand Canyon, such as in the film "Thelma and Louise".
Though much less touristy than the Grand Canyon, it is no less impressive.
Perched at an altitude of 1,830 m, Dead Horse Point overlooks the Colorado River from a height of more than 600 m.
Dead Horse Point Overlook
This overlook offers an incredible view of the meanders of the Colorado River, and is well worth the entrance fee to the park.
When the sun sets, the colours of the canyon are particularly breathtaking.
#7. Lake Powell
Lake Powell was formed by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.
It is the second-largest artificial body of water in North America, but above all it offers astonishing panoramic views, with almost 3,200 km of shoreline bordered by immense sandstone walls.
Wahweap Overlook
Also called Scenic View, this overlook offers a panoramic view of the lake.
At sunset, the colour of the sandstone cliffs is naturally accentuated, to the delight of onlookers.
It's the perfect way to end a day spent exploring Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
#8. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is renowned for the immensity, beauty and diversity of its landscapes: dizzying cliffs, impressive and powerful waterfalls, giant sequoias, and more.
It's the third-largest American national park, and its main attractions can be found in the Yosemite Valley area of the park.
Glacier Point
Take the winding Glacier Point Road to the lookout of the same name.
Here you will enjoy what many consider to be the most spectacular view in the park.
At the end of the day, the sun's rays bring out the pink hues of the famous sandstone monolith, Half Dome.
#9. The Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire State Park is located near Las Vegas. It's a magnificent excursion to make if you're spending a few days in the City of Sin.
Little-known to tourists, its vibrant reddish landscapes are much appreciated by those who venture there.
Fire Wave
This multicoloured wave is accessible via a marked 2.6-km round trip trail.
It's one of the park's most popular attractions, and is particularly stunning at sunset as it faces west.
#10. Canyonlands National Park
This immense wilderness area covering 1,366 km2 is located right in the heart of the Colorado Plateau.
Desert landscapes, rocky spires, canyons, mesas... All the iconic features of the Wild West can be found here.
If the park's name doesn't ring a bell, its star attraction probably does: it was one of the desktop backgrounds in Windows 7.
While Mesa Arch is the most photographed spot in Canyonlands, it's not the best vantage point at sunset. On the contrary, it's best seen at sunrise.
Grandview Point Overlook
This viewpoint overlooks the reddish canyons, which are accentuated by the sun's rays at the end of the day.
To get there, you'll have to follow an easy 3.2-km round trip trail.
The vastness of the landscape is sure to take your breath away.
And there you go!
What other American West location would you add to this top 10?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!
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