Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty.

-John Ruskin

During my last year in Arizona, I had an inkling to get back out on the mountain trails and had the perfect hiking buddy (my Kelpie Mix pup Raven) to join me. I am so glad I made that decision, not knowing this would be one of my last times to experience and capture the beauty in this state. Phoenix may be a desert valley that gets hotter than an oven in the summer, but one of its best features are the beautiful sunsets. And the perfect place to view them? On the mountains, of course! One of my favorite spots to go that was close to home. South Mountain Park and Preserve consists of over 16,000 acres, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the country. There are more than 51 miles of trails, many of which lead to spectacular views. Most of the sunsets featured here were captured from this expansive place. The colors some days were unbelievable and there’s nothing like the feeling of standing beneath an open sky that transforms into so many colors, literally like a painting unfolding and ever-changing on the world’s biggest canvas. It’s been noted to be one of the best places in Phoenix to watch the sunset and there’s a reason why! Please enjoy these favorites of mine and if you are in, or planning to visit Arizona in the future, check out the website/info at the bottom of my post for more info on South Mountain and places to watch the sun in its glory moment!