Sunset Yoga at McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The park and trailhead are free to enter with plenty of parking. (Weekends will definitely be pretty full.) 

The park is open from sunrise to sunset but be sure you're out of the park within 30-45 minutes after the sun has set because they will close the gate and if it doesn't open you'll have to contact scottsdale police to let you out... 

For the views pictured you'll want to follow the trail for Tom's Thumb it's 2.4 miles one way to Tom's Thumb (the big rock with the pink clouds pictured) but for the perfect sunset spot and relaxation area you'll want to follow the trail about a tenth of a mile to the west (towards the sunset) past Tom's Thumb. You'll know when you've reached the "spot" when  the mountains open up and reveal a 180 degree view of Phoenix, Scottsdale and The White Tank Mountains off in the distance! It'll take about 1.5 - 2 hours to hike to the top and about 30 minutes to hike back down.

If you stay for sunset be sure to head back down right after the sun disappears behind the mountains to give yourself enough daylight to reach the parking lot safely.

WATER is an absolute must! There is no water available at the park (not even restroom sinks) and with the low humidity in Phoenix you often don't even realize you're sweating so be sure to pack plenty of water! It's a moderate hike with loose gravel and switchbacks so don't forget good hiking shoes too! Be sure to bring a yoga mat if you plan on being on the ground, its mostly dirt and small rocks at the top. Definitely don't forget the camera or cell phone it's profile picture worthy ;)