Keys View is at the end of the appropraitely named Keys View Road and it offers an unforgettable view, especially at sunset. From the summit you can see San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, the Salton Sea, and so much more. It is absolutely worth the fun and twisty drive. The only problem is parking. It’s obviously a popular spot so finding a place to lawfully park your car without being inconsiderate can be difficult. I have been to Keys View 5 times but only once was I able to see the sunset from the actual spot. But it was absolutely worth it.

I definitely suggest getting there quite early if you’re in the park during the popular and crowded cooler months. The only time my wife and I made it to the viewpoint for sunset was in July and even at 8pm it was hovering around the 100s. At least the wind made it a little cooler. Oh yeah, it’s always very breezy.

If the parking lot’s full, there’s a little extremely short hike to a lookout point with some parking spots just down the mountain that affords an incredible view to the south while the sun is setting. You can see San Jacinto Peak and the entire Basin laid out before you with Joshua Trees by your side for some company. It is an unforgettable place to see that cotton candy sunset of the southwest.