Lover’s Knoll Sunrise in Sedona, Arizona: Is It Worth Visiting?

Note to my fellow wanderers: This guide was written from my first-hand experiences. I try my best not to over-glamorize any location I travel to because I want HappyWander’s content to be as authentic as possible. My goal is to provide you real information so that you can have the best possible adventures wandering the world. Enjoy!

If you’re like me, you’re researching the best sunrise spots before your big trip to Sedona—and for good reason. Sedona’s red rocks glow differently in the early morning light, and choosing the right viewpoint can make or break the experience. In this resource, I highlight everything you need to know about planning a sunrise at Lover’s Knoll in Sedona, from what makes it special to what kind of experience you can expect. Get ready for quiet moments, wide-open views, and a peaceful start to the day that feels worlds away from the crowds.

About Lover’s Knoll

So, what’s the big deal with Lover’s Knoll? Lover’s Knoll is a lesser-known scenic overlook tucked just off Highway 179, offering expansive views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations. Unlike many popular sunrise spots that require a hike or attract large groups, Lover’s Knoll is easily accessible and often surprisingly calm in the early morning hours. That combination of convenience and solitude is what makes it stand out.

The viewpoint faces east and southeast, making it ideal for sunrise as the first light spills over the rocks and gradually illuminates formations like Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. As the sun rises, the colors shift from soft purples and deep reds to warm oranges and golds, creating a dramatic but tranquil scene.

What truly sets Lover’s Knoll apart is the atmosphere. There’s no long trail, no crowded overlook platform, and no rush. It’s a place where you can slow down, sit quietly, and take in the landscape without distractions—perfect for travelers who want a more intimate Sedona sunrise experience rather than a busy photo hotspot.

Planning Your Lover’s Knoll Sunrise Adventure – FAQs

Here are some FAQs answered for you about catching a sunrise at Lover’s Knoll:

Where Should I Park?

For Monday through Wednesday, you can park directly at the trailhead. This is very limited, especially during peak seasons. When I visited in December, I went on a Tuesday around 4 PM and found parking no problem. If you park directly at the trailhead (off Back O’ Beyond Road), you need a Red Rock Pass (or an annual pass such as America the Beautiful Pass).

Here’s the address: 1891-, 1893 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

Here’s the Google map:

How Much Does It Cost?

As of December 2025, parking at Lover’s Knoll is free! The best kind of adventure.

What Time of Year Is Best for a Sunrise at Lover’s Knoll?

According to experts, the best time of year to catch a sunrise at Lover’s Knoll is

What Day Should I Go?

In my limited experience of visiting Lover’s Knoll in December, it was very empty. there was only one other vehicle in the lot at sunrise. I imagine in peak seasons it might be a little busier though, so plan accordingly.

What Time Should I Arrive?

I arrived at the parking lot 40 minutes before the official sunrise time. There are plenty of cool spots near the parking lot, so you won’t have to go too far to settle in for a great sunrise. I think arriving 40 minutes early was perfect.

Can I Use My Phone to Take Photos?

Absolutely. Modern phones capture the colors of a Lover’s Knoll sunrise beautifully, though a DSLR or mirrorless camera will enhance the details and reflections even more. I will note that I also used my new DJI Osmo Action Camera, which is freaking awesome for filming 4k videos!

Is It Crowded During Sunrise?

It really depends on what time of year you go. I can imagine during peak seasons, it could be busier. In December, I saw one other car in the parking lot, and I never saw that person anywhere. It was pretty much just me and the sunrise at Lover’s Knoll.

What’s the Best Spot to Watch the Sunrise?

Lover’s Knoll is a fairly large spot with a few options to choose from. You could spend 10 minutes walking up the big hill to the right of your viewpoint, or choose a spot somewhere down the hill after the parking lot. I wanted to make sure I was far enough from any potential sunrise watchers, so I went about 100 feet down the hill out of sight.

The Play By Play: Watching the Lover’s Knoll Sunrise in Sedona

In this section, I’ll highlight my experience watching the Sunrise at Lover’s Knoll in Sedona.

Parking

If you go in the off-season, parking is a breeze. It’s also free and doesn’t require any pass to park. It’s a dirt parking lot, so it’s a bit bumpy. Still, a regular car can navigate this parking lot in most conditions.

Choosing a Spot

There are a few options where to watch a Lover’s Knoll Sunrise. Here are the two options:

1. Up The Hill

The furthest spot away is up the hill, which might take you 10-15 minutes to walk up. See below image for a visual.

2. Down The Hill

I chose the down the hill option right after the parking lot. There are tons of different trees, flowers, and interesting landscapes you can set up a camera behind. I walked about 100 feet from the top of the parking lot to a more secluded spot so that I could watch the sunrise in peace. See below image for a visual:

Taking the Sunrise In

Sit back, relax, and take in this epic sunrise with views of Cathedral Rock off in the distance. I found a spot with some lovely yellow flowers in front, creating an even more beautiful view.

I also filmed this sunrise with my DJI Osmo Action Camera, as seen here:

Walking Back to Your Car

Fortunately, this sunrise spot is one of the easiest to access in all of Sedona. Literally, you can walk a few dozen feet and find a great sunrise spot.

Is a Lover’s Knoll Sunrise in Sedona Worth It? Here’s My Overall Score

Is it worth it? Absolutely! This is one of the most beautiful, easy to access sunrises in Sedona. You’ll have an awesome view of Cathedral Rock off in the distance with the sun coming up behind it.

My overall score for this beautiful sunrise is a 9.3 / 10.

Sunrise at Lover’s Knoll After the Fact Recommendations

Having watched the Lover’s Knoll sunrise, here are my after the fact recommendations:

1. Wear layers if you go in the winter off-season. Its cold before the sun rises.
2. It’s a good idea to bring a flashlight out if you arrive earlier than 40 minutes before the sun rises.
3. Bring up a good camera. A newer smart phone will do the job, or a professional camera will really be useful on this adventure.
4. I recommend walking away from the parking lot if you’re looking for an unbothered viewing place of the sunrise. It’s likely someone will show up 5 minutes before the sun rises and watch from the top of the parking lot.
5. Pro tip: Bring a cup of coffee out to enjoy watching the sunrise and wake up at the same time.

Final Thoughts on Watching the Sunrise at Lover’s Knoll in Sedona, Arizona

Thank you for reading through my adventure of watching the Lover’s Knoll sunrise in Sedona! If you’re looking for literally the easiest spot to view a sunrise in Sedona (okay, that’s debatable), Lover’s Knoll is a fantastic option. Lover’s Knoll is also super close to the city of Sedona, around a 5-7 minute drive from most places in Sedona. I highly recommend going to Lover’s Knoll for a sunrise, you won’t be disappointed!

Happy wandering to you!

Author: Anthony Bart

Hello! Welcome to HappyWanders! My name is Anthony, I'm on a mission to live a life full of adventure and to help you to do the same. I share authentic travel insights from my firsthand experiences, guiding adventure lovers to explore the great outdoors and plan unforgettable trips. No exaggerated hype—just honest perspectives on real adventures, dining, and stays. If you're ready for an adventure, you're my type of person!