Canyons of the Catalinas put on a sunset light show

Light from the setting sun paints sheer stone walls in canyons of the Catalina Mountains with hues of red and gold at this time of year.

It’s something about the angle of the last rays of day in the months of autumn and early winter, something about the softness of the light, something about the clarity of the air.

Whatever the atmospheric science behind it, the sunset-hour light show is worth at least a short walk in Ventana Canyon, Sabino Canyon, Finger Rock Canyon or almost any rocky defile in the Front Range of the Catalinas north of Tucson.

While rock faces light up with color, platoons of saguaros stand out in silhouette as the sun sets behind ridges.

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GET TO THE CANYONS

• Ventana Canyon — A trailhead is off North Kolb Road near the entrance to Loews Ventana Canyon resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive. Trailhead parking is available at the back of a resort employee parking lot.
• Sabino Canyon — The canyon is at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road. Check maps in the visitor center for trail locations or take a walk up the main canyon road.
• Finger Rock Canyon — Find a trailhead and parking lot at the northern dead-end of Alvernon Way.

Bring a sweater or jacket because temperatures can drop when the sun sinks behind a ridge. And leave enough time to return to the trailhead before darkness falls.