7 Secret Spots for Capturing Sedona’s Red Rocks at Sunrise
Sunrise is one of the best times of the day to do a photoshoot. But some locations simply take that fresh morning light to the next level—and sunny Sedona is one of them! Arizona is home to some of the most glorious mountainscapes in the world. It’s well known for its warm-toned red rocks, which dapple many trails and hikes throughout the state.
But Sedona, in particular, is heralded for its unique coppery glow and rustic landscapes, which are perfect for photoshoots, especially at dawn. Sedona natives know how beautiful the environment is and what makes it such a special location for family and senior photos as well as intimate elopements.
Shooting in this spot is a dream come true for anyone who loves rich, warm, golden light and mesmerizing red rocks. That’s why I’m going to share some hidden gem locations for you to explore with your camera!
Where are the best spots for capturing Sedona’s red rocks at sunrise?
Sedona is jam-packed with photo opportunities, from canyons to plateaus to the vast red desert. You won’t need to look long to find a prime sunrise shoot spot. However, being in the loop about those extra-special locations can inspire you next time you want to get some beautiful photos taken.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is easily one of the most underrated red rock photoshoot locations in Sedona. In addition to having an adorable name, this mountain range offers 360-degree stunning views that are surprisingly quiet considering its vast beauty.
I recommend going down the Sugarloaf Loop trail, which will take you past Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Wilson Mountain, all of which are stunning at dawn.
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge may not be “secret” per se, but it is too beautiful to leave off of this list. Known as one of the best sunrise spots in the US, Devil’s Bridge features an iconic natural rock formation in the shape of a bridge—one that gets angelically illuminated an hour or two after sunrise.
Due to its popularity, you may want to head out a little earlier than usual to avoid crowds. This incredible spot is equally well suited to hazy sunset photoshoots.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is an unmissable sunrise photography location in Sedona. At the center of Sedona’s natural mountain landscape, these rocky turrets stretch upwards like the pillars of an incredible outdoor church. It will draw your eye in from a mile away.
If you explore Cathedral Rock, don’t stop when you get to the natural turrets—going until you find a second, more hidden location called the Courthouse Butte. It’s a smaller but more complex nook of red rocks that capture the sunrise light in an exquisite way.
Please be aware: hiking up to Cathedral Rock does take some scrambling to get up to the top so you’ll want to pack your photo-ready clothes into a backpack to carry. Due to its terrain, this location is not ideal for the elderly or young children.
Soldier Pass Trail
The Soldier Pass trail has oodles of variety, making it perfect for shoots that focus on outdoor activities. With caves, pools, and all sorts of natural nooks and crannies, it’s a great trail to explore if you want a lot of sunrise perspective options.
Further along the Soldier Pass trail are the Seven Sacred Pools and the Devil’s Sinkhole, both of which are gorgeous places to take a sunrise dip (if you’re brave enough!) and capture that essential morning light along some natural bodies of water.
Just a side note: The Soldier Pass trail can be a little tricky to access as there aren’t any nearby parking spots and the ones that are there are often already taken. This means it’s not always ideal for seniors or families with small children. If you do choose this option, you’ll need sturdy hiking boots and a determined attitude to get those pictures you want.
Doe Mountain
Doe Mountain may require a bit of a hike to get there, but the panoramic views it offers are well worth the extra effort. Follow a zig-zag hiking trail that is intense but brief until you reach an incredible southeast-facing plateau that gives you a perfect view of the golden sunrise.
This is a very quiet mountain trail that is great for when you want to take your time with a photoshoot. It also has a lot of uniquely shaped rock formations that can be fun to play around with.
Bell Rock
Just a little further ahead from Cathedral Rock’s Courthouse Butte is Bell Rock, a much more accessible photoshoot location that is every bit as rapturous as the more popular spots. It offers a flat viewpoint and an incredible skyline perspective of the surrounding red rock formations. This is my personal favorite spot, not only because of how versatile it is, but it’s very easy to find and doesn’t require a lot of hiking to get amazing views.
Bell Rock is considered one of the main energy vortex sites in Arizona. Some scientists believe that these spots emit electromagnetic energy and that spending time at these sites can help people experience a deeper connection to the earth. Whether that is true or not, spending time at this beautiful location is certainly going to result in some stunning sunrise photographs!
Mystic Vista
The best for last! Mystic Vista is probably one of the most exquisite secret sunrise locations in Arizona. In fact, you won’t even be able to find it on Google Maps or even popular hiking trail apps. It is a prime spot for those who want a truly one-of-a-kind location.
You can find Mystic Vista by starting at the Fay Canyon trailhead and making your way towards the Forest Service Road at 9587. Some of the rocky areas may require a 4X4 to cross, so be prepared.
The best part? At sunrise, Mystic Vista gives you a clear perspective of the hot air balloons that are often released in the fields down below. This can make for magical photo opportunities alongside the ochre-rich red rocks of Sedona.
A Sunrise Shoot to Remember
Finding the right spot for a sunrise Sedona photoshoot can be a challenge, but mostly because there are so many good options to choose from! Whether you’re taking photos just for fun, to build up your portfolio, or as a pro, this special part of Arizona is overflowing with magical opportunities that celebrate its rugged red rocks and gorgeous morning light.
Because these are lesser-known trails, remember to keep your wits about you while exploring and travel in a vehicle that can cope with the rocky terrain. Happy hiking!
