Sometimes the best escapes don’t take all day, and the Sunset Trail off Catalina Highway proves it. In just over a mile, the path climbs into pine forest, opens onto stone ridges, and frames wide views toward Sabino Canyon.
I walked it under a shifting sky, where clouds from summer monsoons painted the horizon and light kept changing the mood. The mix of elevation, scent of high-country pines, and sweep of desert below makes the trail feel far bigger than its length.
Whether you move fast or linger, every turn offers a reminder of Arizona’s contrasts. Carry some water, step past the trailhead, and watch as the landscape turns into its own evening performance.
Trailhead Access
Right off Catalina Highway, the pullout feels unassuming, yet the moment you step out, crisp mountain air hits with a refreshing clarity. Pines frame the edge, giving the spot a welcoming, natural border…