Sunset and Steak in Phoenix

Question

Just curious as to what time is optimal for viewing the sunset in Phoenix? I'll be staying in downtown Phoenix in two weeks, and I know Arizona doesn't observe daylight savings time, so it shouldn't have any affect on the sunset time of 6:28 pm? I would like to take some photography at "Hole in the Rock" and then go to the Dessert Botanical Gardens in time for the light bloom. What time would be ideal to purchase my ticket for?

I have dinner reservations at Rough Rider but was hoping for any other recommendations that I may have overlooked. Durant's is temporarily closed, would Arrogant Butcher or Stockyard or any other restaurants be a better option?

Answer

For photography and sightseeing in Phoenix, planning around sunset is key. Since Arizona doesn’t observe daylight saving time, the sunset time of 6:28 pm in two weeks should be accurate. For optimal photos at "Hole in the Rock," you’ll want to arrive at least 30–45 minutes beforehand to set up and catch the golden hour light. This means aiming to be there around 5:45–5:50 pm. The golden hour, when the sun is low and the lighting is warm and soft, generally lasts about an hour before sunset, which is ideal for landscape and cityscape photography.

For the Desert Botanical Garden, late afternoon visits allow you to enjoy softer lighting and less harsh shadows. A ticket purchased for around 4:30–5:00 pm would give you time to stroll the gardens in natural light, catch some late bloom photography, and finish before the garden closes.

Regarding dinner options, since you already have reservations at Rough Rider, here are some additional suggestions for classic steak and upscale American cuisine in downtown Phoenix or nearby that are well-regarded:

Arrogant Butcher – Modern American cuisine with a lively atmosphere and good steak options.
Stockyard – Traditional steakhouse experience, known for quality cuts and a casual yet refined setting.
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails – Slightly more contemporary, with excellent steak and seafood options.
Durant’s (currently closed) – Usually a classic choice, but since it’s unavailable, these alternatives maintain the high-quality experience.
The Capital Grille – High-end steakhouse chain with a polished atmosphere and extensive wine list.

Timing your photography, botanical garden visit, and dinner is straightforward: start with Hole in the Rock around 5:45 pm, enjoy the sunset at 6:28 pm, then drive or walk to the Desert Botanical Garden for tickets around 4:30–5:00 pm if visiting before sunset (or adjust if visiting after). After finishing the photography and garden stroll, head to your dinner reservation at Rough Rider or one of the alternatives mentioned above.

In summary, plan to arrive at scenic spots before golden hour, schedule botanical garden tickets for late afternoon, and enjoy a classic steakhouse experience downtown for a well-rounded evening in Phoenix.

Sunset and Steak in Phoenix

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