We have been waiting for clouds all week so we could get some nice sunset pictures from the top of South Mountain.  Well we finally got clouds but perhaps a few too many and unfortunately lots of haze (I'm guessing from the pollution in the city).  Still we saw some gorgeous colours once the sun set.  We drove up the very twisty 5 mile road to get to the top at Dobbins lookout which was an elevation of around 2330 feet.    We were careful to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes but fortunately all we saw were field mice.  We enjoyed a picnic dinner while waiting for the sun to set.

Just waiting for sunset.  At the top of the lookout was a structure where people could get away from the sun.  I thought the clouds were very interesting.  You are seeing Phoenix and way in the distance, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve where our friend Doug  volunteers as a park steward.

This shot was taken just after sunset.  You can see how hazy it is in the background of the White Tank Mountains.  You can also see part of the twisty road to the left of the photo.  

This photo was taken at approximately the same time from a different perspective.  You can see Phoenix to the right.  Still a very hazy image.

Now the sky was starting to get very interesting.  

More reddish/orange sky.

Now the sky is a ball of fire and yes the colours really did look like this.

Another beautiful view.  

Here is one of the final shots of the evening showing the lights of Phoenix.  To the left of the photo you can see the lights from the cars as they leave the park.  

Finally the city lights of Phoenix.  The lights went on for ever but of course my lens couldn't show this.