Golden hour in Greater Palm Springs
Photo Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
There’s a certain hush that falls over Greater Palm Springs as the sun begins its slow descent — that magical hour when the desert glows, the air cools, and everything seems to exhale. I’ve always believed sunsets have personalities — some tender, some wild, others quietly emotional. Here, in the vast expanse of the California desert, they feel like an experience in themselves — a blend of serenity and wonder that grounds you, even as the sky sets itself ablaze.
Whether you’re chasing colors or moments of stillness, Greater Palm Springs offers some of the most beautiful spots to watch the day give way to night — each one revealing a different side of the desert’s soul.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree has a rhythm of its own — rugged, otherworldly, and spiritual in the most unexpected way. I remember arriving at Keys View just before sunset, the wind carrying that faint desert chill as the sky began to soften into watercolor shades of gold and lilac. From up there, the view stretches endlessly — the Coachella Valley shimmering below, the Salton Sea catching the last rays, and mountain silhouettes fading into the horizon.
If you prefer something more intimate, wander down the Barker Dam Trail. It’s an easy half-hour walk, where boulders glow like embers and reflections ripple across the small reservoir. When the sun slips away, the quiet here feels almost sacred — like nature whispering goodnight.
San Jacinto Mountain
Across the valley, Mount San Jacinto stands tall, its peak touching the skies above Palm Springs. I took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — the world’s largest rotating tram — and as it ascended 8,500 feet, the desert unfolded below like a painting in motion.
Up at the Mountain Station, the air felt crisp, the horizon infinite. Watching the sun melt into the ridges from that height was surreal — the light turned everything gold, then violet, then a deep, velvety blue. If you’re up for a hike, the 5.5-mile trail to the summit rewards you with a panoramic view that feels like the world has momentarily paused just for you.
Indian Canyons
Just ten minutes from downtown Palm Springs, Indian Canyons feels like a retreat from time itself. As I drove along Indian Canyons Drive, the iconic windmills began to rise in the distance — tall, graceful, and almost meditative as they turned against the pastel sky.
When the sun began to sink, the desert grasses shimmered gold, the air grew still, and the whole scene took on an ethereal calm. It’s one of those simple moments that somehow stays with you — where doing nothing feels like doing everything.
High Bar at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
And then, there’s High Bar, perched on the rooftop of the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel — where desert sophistication meets effortless ease. By day, it’s all blue skies, sleek loungers, and the gentle hum of conversation. But come sunset, the entire space transforms.
The mountains glow in the distance, cocktails sparkle in the fading light, and the air fills with a mellow kind of magic. Whether you’re lounging by the rooftop pool or tucked into a corner with a glass of rosé, it feels like being suspended between the desert and the stars.
Vista Point, Palm Desert
For a quiet, romantic finale, drive up Highway 74 to Vista Point in Palm Desert. The road winds upward, revealing one breathtaking turn after another, until suddenly the whole Coachella Valley opens up beneath you.
Bring a picnic or just sit back on the cliff’s edge and watch as the world below shifts from sunlit gold to the glitter of city lights. It’s peaceful, humbling, and impossibly beautiful — the kind of place that reminds you why sunsets never get old.
Every evening in Greater Palm Springs feels like an invitation — to pause, to breathe, and to simply be. Here, as day fades into night, the desert doesn’t just show you a sunset — it lets you feel it.
