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11 Breathtaking Views that Capture the Phoenix Skyline
Phoenix is a city known for its beautiful natural surroundings and stunning skyline, which is a sight to behold. But where can you find the best views of the city’s modern architecture and sprawling landscape?
In this article, you will discover 11 breathtaking viewpoints that perfectly capture the essence of the Phoenix skyline. Keep reading to learn about these stunning locations.
1. Camelback Mountain
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/camelback-mountain
Address: 6131 Phoenix, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, United States
Contact details: +16025345867
With a summit reaching 2,704 feet, Camelback Mountain offers a dramatic elevation advantage over Phoenix. Its red sandstone formations create a stunning contrast with the cityscape.
You’ll encounter various viewpoints depending on which trail you choose to hike, whether Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail. Each viewpoint offers a slightly different perspective of the Phoenix skyline, allowing you to capture a variety of iconic compositions.
| Pro tip: Echo Canyon is slightly more manageable, while Cholla offers steeper climbs and more technical sections. Both trails lead to the summit, but research difficulty levels and choose the one that best suits your fitness level. |
2. Hole-in-the-Rock in Papago Park
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park
Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Contact details: +16024955458
Operating hours: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The Hole-in-the-Rock in Papago Park provides a natural frame for the city, with the cutout in the rock formation serving as a giant window. This framing effect helps compose a balanced and visually interesting photo.
The elevation from the short hike to the Hole-in-the-Rock offers a panoramic perspective. You’ll see the sprawl of the cityscape before you, taking in critical landmarks and mountain ranges.
| Pro tip: When you arrive at the Hole-in-the-Rock, stand facing the city and slightly adjust your position to find the perfect composition within the natural frame. Look for exciting foreground elements like cacti or desert vegetation to add depth to your photo. |
3. Dobbins Lookout on South Mountain
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain
Address: Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States
Operating hours: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Dobbins Lookout, at an elevation of 2,330 feet, offers a sweeping panoramic vista encompassing the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. The Lookout is a historic structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
On a clear day, you can see as far as the McDowell Mountains to the east, the Superstition Mountains to the northeast, and Camelback Mountain to the north. Westward, watch planes take off from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
| Pro tip: For the most spectacular views, visit Dobbins Lookout at sunrise or sunset. The golden light paints the mountains and cityscapes in a magical glow, making for an unforgettable experience. |
4. Piestewa Peak
Address: 2701 Piestewa Peak Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States
Operating hours: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Reaching the summit of Piestewa Peak rewards you with a breathtaking panorama. The sprawling cityscape of Phoenix stretches before you, framed by the McDowell Mountains in the distance.
Landmarks like Camelback Mountain and Chase Field Stadium stand out from the urban grid. On a clear day, the views can extend for miles, showcasing the vastness of the Sonoran Desert.
| Pro tip: To avoid the midday heat, aim for an early or late afternoon hike. Bring more water than you need, and wear sunscreen and a hat. |
5. Pinnacle Peak
Address: Pinnacle Peak, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, United States
At Pinnacle Peak, the cityscape stretches out before you, framed by the McDowell Mountains. The rugged, natural scenery of Pinnacle Peak itself stands in stark contrast to the modern metropolis below.
At night, the twinkling lights of Phoenix create a magical panorama. To witness this iconic view, you’ll need to hike the Pinnacle Peak Trail, which is moderately challenging and has a round trip distance of about 3.5 miles.
| Pro tip: The trail is a beautiful exploration of the Sonoran Desert’s flora and fauna. Look for cacti and wildflowers, and spot some desert wildlife. |
6. Different Pointe of View
Website: http://www.tapatiocliffshilton.com/dining/different-pointe-of-view/
Address: 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, United States
Contact details: +16028666350
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Perched atop the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Different Pointe of View is a scenic spot that offers a breathtaking panorama of the Phoenix skyline.
From Different Pointe of View’s vantage point, you get unobstructed views of Phoenix’s iconic buildings, Camelback Mountain as a dramatic backdrop, and the McDowell Mountains framing the horizon.
| Pro tip: Make a reservation beforehand, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours or on weekends. To fully experience the magic, plan your visit for sunset. |
7. Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
Website: http://wrigleymansion.com/christophers/
Address: 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States
Contact details: +16025222344
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Perched high above the Arizona Biltmore Estates, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion offers expansive views of the Phoenix Valley, allowing you to take in the entire cityscape.
The McDowell Mountains frame the city, creating a stunning backdrop. The nighttime cityscape sparkling with lights is undeniably more dramatic than the daytime view, so plan your visit for dinner to get the full effect.
| Pro tip: If you can’t snag a window table, arrive early for drinks in the bar area. While you sip your cocktails, you can still enjoy the view before being seated for your meal. |
8. Rustler’s Rooste
Website: http://www.rustlersrooste.com/
Address: 8383 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044, United States
Contact details: +16024316474
Operating hours: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Perched atop a butte in the South Mountain foothills, Rustler’s Rooste offers a panoramic vista of the city lights stretching out below. This elevated perspective allows you to take in the skyscrapers of downtown Phoenix to the twinkling neighborhoods.
Try to snag a table by the large windows on the restaurant’s north side, either upstairs in the Saloon or downstairs in the main dining area. These windows provide unobstructed city views, perfect for capturing stunning photos.
| Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance, especially if visiting on a weekend or during peak season. For an authentic taste of the West, try some of their unique appetizers, like rattlesnake. |
9. The Compass Grill
Website: https://www.compassarizona.com/
Address: 122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Contact details: +16024403166
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The Compass Grill Arizona is a revolving restaurant, which means as you dine, the entire panorama of Phoenix slowly unfolds before you. This gives you a constantly changing perspective and ensures you see everything the cityscape offers.
The restaurant’s positioning makes it perfect for catching the Phoenix sunset. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while the desert sky explodes with vibrant colors, casting a magical glow on the city skyline below.
| Pro tip: The Compass Grill isn’t just about the views. To complement the unforgettable visual experience, make sure to try some of their signature dishes. |
10. Eden Rooftop Bar
Website: https://edenbarphoenix.com/
Address: 2 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Contact details: +16022580231
Operating hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Perched atop the Kimpton Palomar Hotel, Eden Rooftop Bar offers unobstructed vistas of the Phoenix skyline. Modern skyscrapers pierce the golden light, and Camelback Mountain stands sentinel in the distance.
Watch the transformation into a dazzling display of twinkling lights as twilight descends. Eden also offers a relaxed atmosphere, so sink into a plush couch, feel the cool desert breeze, and soak in the view at your own pace.
| Pro tip: No visit to Eden is complete without indulging in their signature cocktails. While admiring the cityscape, sip on a drink that complements the desert ambiance, like the prickly pear margarita or a saguaro sunrise. |
11. From the Rooftop at Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix
Website: https://www.ftrphx.com/
Address: 222 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Contact details: +16026753500
Operating hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
From the Rooftop at Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix offers stunning 360-degree views of the Phoenix skyline. From this vantage point, you can take in all of Phoenix’s most recognizable landmarks, from the skyscrapers to the rolling Camelback Mountain.
The rooftop is usually open to the public, though there may be a cover charge on certain nights. Once up there, find a comfortable spot to take in the panorama.
| Pro tip: For the best views, visit the rooftop during sunset. Enjoy a meal or drink at the rooftop restaurant while enjoying the views. |
