Entry No. 22 — the Phoenix file — filed under: giant-sculpture
Carefree Sundial
A 62-foot copper-clad sundial with a 35-foot gnomon aimed at the North Star anchors the tiny desert town's Desert Gardens — built in 1959 by solar engineer John I. Yellott and architect Joe Wong, and long touted (and disputed) as one of the largest functioning sundials on Earth.
The story
When plans laid out the town of Carefree in 1959 with whimsical street names like Easy Street and Ho Hum Way, solar engineer John I. Yellott and architect Joe Wong decided the community center needed a serious focal point. They constructed a 62-foot copper-clad sundial right in the center of Sundial Circle, angling its 35-foot metal gnomon directly at the North Star so it would reliably cast the sun's shadow across the plaza.
Carefree immediately touted the structure as one of the largest functioning sundials on Earth—a claim that has sparked quiet disputes with other massive dial installations worldwide, though you didn't hear that from us. Title arguments aside, the site stands as a genuine, functioning piece of mid-century solar engineering anchored in the middle of a desert botanical park.
What it's like
Drive up Sundial Circle on Easy Street and park near the Carefree Desert Gardens. The dial is outdoors, completely free, and accessible on foot. You can walk right up to the base, inspect the copper skin, and read the descriptive plaque explaining how the math works. If you arrive near solar noon, you can watch the gnomon's shadow line up across the ground markers—just keep in mind that true solar time drifts off standard clock time depending on the month, so your watch and the sun won't match down to the exact minute without a quick calculation.
The move: Time your visit near solar noon, stand in the gnomon's shadow to check whether it actually tells correct time, then wander the free surrounding cactus gardens along walkable Easy Street before lunch in downtown Carefree.
- 📍 Carefree Desert Gardens, Carefree
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Sundial Circle, Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377
Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Maricopa Mine — Trade 1950s solar engineering in Carefree for 1890s gold mining history just four miles away in Cave Creek.
- Cosanti — Pair this mid-century solar centerpiece with Paolo Soleri's earth-molded windbell foundry in Paradise Valley.
- Fantasia Crystals & School of Magickal Arts (SOMA) — Swap solar timekeeping for candle magick and crystal supplies a short drive south.
Good to know
How big is the Carefree Sundial?
The copper-clad dial spans 62 feet across and features a 35-foot gnomon aimed straight at the North Star.
Is there an admission fee?
No, it is located in a open-air public garden area and is free to visit.
Does the sundial actually tell correct time?
It accurately measures local solar time, which naturally varies by a few minutes from standard clock time throughout the year due to Earth's orbit.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Wikipedia · Atlas Obscura
last checked: 2026-07-19