Dobbins Lookout at Sunset - tsb photo - Portfolio - Tina Stevens-Brown Photography

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Copyright © 2026 Tina Stevens-Brown

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Copyright © 2026 Tina Stevens-Brown
The goal was set - we were going to drive up South Mountain to Dobbins Lookout, park for the afternoon, take a short hike around the mountain, and then perch ourselves close by the tower to watch the sun set over the desert mountains to the west. While the sunset itself was stunning with its blue, orange and pink hues against a cloudless sky, I was more mesmerized by how the sinking sun cast a spectacular highlight on the stone structure that overlooks Phoenix from about 2300 feet. The structure itself was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It provides shade on those scorching hot summer days here in the desert and enhances the scene surrounding it with its rustic and historic charm. It's a very popular place for locals, but continues to remain a little under-the-radar for those coming from out of town. Reaching the summit can be via various hiking trails in the area or by driving up to the structure itself, though I will say that it is not an easy road to reach by car with several miles of winding, narrow roads.
Arizona,South,Mountain,stone,building,lookout,Dobbins,twilight,sunset,moon,in,sky,city,lights,travel
A man-made stone building named Dobbins Lookout stands at the top of a South Mountain peak in Phoenix, Arizona, with twilight highlighting its architecture beautifully.
The goal was set - we were going to drive up South Mountain to Dobbins Lookout, park for the afternoon, take a short hike around the mountain, and then perch ourselves close by the tower to watch the sun set over the desert mountains to the west. While the sunset itself was stunning with its blue, orange and pink hues against a cloudless sky, I was more mesmerized by how the sinking sun cast a spectacular highlight on the stone structure that overlooks Phoenix from about 2300 feet. The structure itself was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It provides shade on those scorching hot summer days here in the desert and enhances the scene surrounding it with its rustic and historic charm. It's a very popular place for locals, but continues to remain a little under-the-radar for those coming from out of town. Reaching the summit can be via various hiking trails in the area or by driving up to the structure itself, though I will say that it is not an easy road to reach by car with several miles of winding, narrow roads.