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From mountaintop views and desert canyons to rooftop cocktails, discover the most breathtaking spots to watch the sun set over Greater Palm Springs.
News18
Sunsets evoke a range of emotions, from romance and intimacy to nostalgia, change, and new beginnings. Sunbathing in skies lit up by changing colours make it an experience no less than spectacular and grounded. Greater Palm Springs, with its vivid blue sky and stunning desert landscapes, offers some of the best places to catch nature’s breathtaking hues that create a beautiful artwork across the evening sky.
Joshua Tree National Park
Travellers from all around the world flock to Joshua Tree to explore its intriguing desert ecosystems, climb its towering boulders, and, of course, see its unique Joshua trees. But the park located just a short drive from Palm Springs also boasts countless breathtaking sunset spots. Among the most popular is Keys View, a drive-up trail where you can get a birds-eye view of Greater Palm Springs, the Salton Sea salt flats, and the Coachella Valley. Because it is so popular, it is recommended to arrive early, as parking right before sunset can fill up quickly.
You can also take a sunset hike at Barker Dam, a quick half-hour trail where you can spot wildlife, walk amongst the boulders, and watch the sunset serenely over the water at the reservoir halfway through the trail.
San Jacinto Mountain
Across the valley from Joshua Tree is Mount San Jacinto. As Southern California’s second-highest peak, you can catch a panoramic view of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, the San Bernardino Mountains, the Santa Ana Mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, and Joshua Tree, all from one place!
For the best sunset views, you can take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you 8,516 feet up the mountain, where you can take in the breathtaking landscapes from its Mountain Station. If you are looking for more of a challenge, you hike 5.5 miles to the summit just make sure to bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes.
Indian Canyons
Located just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Palm Springs, Indian Canyons offers an ideal spot to catch a stunning sunset while staying close to the city. The iconic windmills, set against a backdrop of wild grasses and desert landscape, create a picturesque scene that is perfect for sunset viewing. Simply drive along Indian Canyons Drive and pull over when you reach the windmills to enjoy the breathtaking view as the sun dips below the horizon.
High Bar at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
Perched seven stories high, High Bar at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel offers one of the most sophisticated sunset experiences in the heart of the desert. This chic rooftop oasis invites guests to sip on classic cocktails, crisp wines, and craft beers while taking in sweeping views of the Palm Springs landscape. By day, the setting feels refreshing with cool tones of blue, grey, and white complementing the warmth of natural wood. As the sun dips below the horizon, the mood shifts to something more sultry and intimate, with the stars twinkling above and the glow of the city lights below. Whether you are lounging by the rooftop pool or cosying up at the bar, High Bar guarantees a sunset experience that is as memorable as it is picturesque.
Vista Point in Palm Desert
Tucked away along Highway 74 in Palm Desert, Vista Point is a cliff-side turnout offering a stunning vantage point to take in the desert’s beauty. Located just five miles up the winding road from the valley floor, this spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful place to watch the sunset. Bring along a picnic dinner and enjoy the colours as they fade across the horizon, or drive up after dark to experience a panoramic view of the Greater Palm Springs illuminated by the lights below.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
October 19, 2025, 00:35 IST
