Opinion
How to Build a Backyard Space to View the Utah Sky
There are sunsets, and then there are Utah sunsets. It isn’t just the sun dipping below the horizon; it’s a geological light show. The mountains turn that impossible shade of violet, the sandstone glows like burning embers, and the clouds stretch out across the high desert sky in long ribbons of pink and gold.
Yet, it is surprising how many homeowners here treat their outdoor spaces as an afterthought. They throw a couple of plastic chairs on a concrete slab and call it a day. But if you are lucky enough to live in this landscape, your patio shouldn’t just be a place to store the grill. It should be an observatory.
Creating a space that truly captures this daily phenomenon requires more than just good furniture; it requires intentional backyard design. You have to work with the unique angles of the sun, the harshness of the high-altitude light, and the dramatic temperature swings of the desert.
Here is how to curate an outdoor living area specifically crafted for the magic hour.
1. Master the Angles
The biggest mistake people make when designing for sunsets is facing their furniture directly west.
It sounds counterintuitive, right? If you want to watch the sunset, shouldn’t you look at the sun? In theory, yes. In practice, the Utah sun is incredibly intense. If your seating area points straight West, you will spend the Golden Hour squinting, sweating, and holding a hand up to block the glare. You won’t be able to see your friends’ faces, and you certainly won’t relax.
The trick is to orient your space slightly off-axis—Northwest or Southwest. This allows you to view the color washing over the landscape without the direct assault on your retinas.In valleys like Salt Lake or Utah Valley, the best show often isn’t the sun itself, but what the sun does to the mountains in the East. Watching the light crawl up the face of Mount Olympus or Timpanogos is often more spectacular than the sunset itself. Before you pour concrete, spend a few evenings in your yard with a folding chair. Move around. Find the spot where the light is beautiful, not blinding.
2. Playing with Backlight
Landscaping in Utah is often defined by xeriscaping—drought-tolerant plants that can survive the arid climate. Luckily, these plants are also the best tools for catching sunset light.
When the sun is low on the horizon, it creates “backlighting.” If you plant solid, dense shrubs (like boxwoods), they just turn into dark silhouettes. They look like black blobs against the light.
However, if you plant ornamental grasses—like Feather Reed Grass, Blue Fescue, or Maiden Grass—the sunlight passes through them. The seed heads catch the light and glow as if they are electrified. It turns the edges of your patio into a halo of gold. Placing these grasses on the western edge of your patio creates a natural, glowing filter that softens the harsh sun and turns it into ambiance.
3. Shelter from the High-Desert Heat
We can’t talk about Utah evenings without talking about the heat that precedes them. In July and August, that late-afternoon sun can be brutal. You want to be outside at 7:00 PM, but if your patio has been baking in 100-degree heat all day, the radiant heat coming off the pavers will be unbearable.
You need a structure that provides shade before the sunset, but doesn’t block the view during the sunset.
- The Pergola with a Retractable Canopy: This is the MVP of versatility. Keep the canopy closed during the heat of the day to keep the stone cool. Open it up as the sun drops to reveal the sky.
- Louvered Roofs: These aluminum structures allow you to tilt the slats. You can angle them to block the sun while still allowing airflow and a view of the ridgeline.
4. Fire: The Necessary Transition
One of the defining features of the high desert is how fast the temperature drops. As soon as the sun slips behind the Oquirrhs or the red rocks, the air gets crisp instantly.
A sunset viewing space needs to transition seamlessly into a night space. A fire feature is the anchor for this. But be careful with placement. You don’t want a tall stone fireplace blocking your view of the valley.
Opt for a low-profile, linear gas fire pit. These sit below eye level, keeping your sightlines open while providing a horizontal strip of warmth. Gas is generally preferred over wood for this specific purpose because it is instant (no waiting for logs to catch) and smoke-free (no haze obscuring the view of the stars that appear shortly after).
5. Color Palettes that Mirror the Landscape
When choosing cushions, rugs, and throw pillows, look at the horizon. Utah’s palette is distinct: terracotta reds, sage greens, slate greys, and wheaty browns.
If you use stark, bright colors (like tropical turquoise or Miami pink), the furniture will feel like it is fighting the landscape. Instead, lean into “earth tones” that harmonize with the sunset. Deep burnt orange cushions will look incredibly rich when the warm sunset light hits them. Warm greys and creams act as a neutral canvas that reflects the changing colors of the sky.
6. The Infinity Effect
If your property has any elevation change—a common trait in the foothills—use it. Glass railings are becoming the gold standard for decks in scenic areas. Traditional wood or iron balusters slice up the view. A seamless glass railing (or a cable rail system) makes the barrier disappear. When you are sitting down with a drink in hand, you want the deck to feel like it is floating over the valley floor. It removes the visual clutter between you and the horizon.
Designing a space for sunsets is about slowing down. It’s about recognizing that the transition from day to night is the best part of the day.
It doesn’t require a massive budget or a sprawling estate. It just requires a bit of observation. Where does the light go? Where does the wind come from? What is in the way? By answering these questions, you can turn a patch of grass into a front-row seat for one of nature’s best daily performances. So pour a drink, grab a blanket, and look West. The show is about to start.
