45 minutes of a Tucson, Arizona sunset

Dispersed camping with a view of the city.

In March 2023, Adam and I drove to Tucson, Arizona, during spring break. Despite living in Arizona for three years, we never stayed in Tucson because we were too poor. It sucks that we never visited because Tucson is a gem in the state of Arizona. 

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I wanted to photograph Saguaro National Park at sunrise while in Tucson. Due to its close location, we dispersed camped the previous night on Redington Pass. The road has tight winding curves on washboard dirt, requiring you to drive cautiously and hesitantly around each blind corner. Because the road is on the side of a mountain, it's exposed and windy. Our van rocked throughout the night, keeping us awake to the unnerving tones of the whistling wind. 

Despite the poor night of sleep, this camping location is fantastic. Look at these sunset views…

I don't remember loving sunsets in Iowa because I can't recall any unique, luminous sunsets. Colorful sunsets in Colorado, however, happen more often than you think. Watching a brilliant sunset over Pikes Peak is now one of my favorite things. Needless to say, I’ve become rather fond of sunsets, especially photographing them with my telephoto lens.

Being back in Arizona, I forgot how serene the sunsets are. The pastel colors are enhanced by the dirty wind, causing the colors to slowly fade into each other.

Because Redington Pass is a good 30 minutes outside of Tucson, it's quiet. Silence soothes my mind, allowing me to be mindful and be present in the current moment.

While sitting there, photographing the sunset for some time, I was in awe. It's wonderful how a simple sunset can remind me of the beauty of this world. Sunsets also give me closure. I'm witnessing the conclusion of the present, knowing the sun will rise again in the morning to provide us with a new day, new chances, new possibilities.

How lucky am I to live on a beautiful planet and have the time and opportunity to travel and see these places?

Cheers.