Sunrise / Sunset, Grand Canyon

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Our first view of the canyon at the South Rim was at Mather Point. We checked into our hotel and drove into the park for sunset. 

The colours and peace of the canyon were breathtaking and so we stopped for a while and just enjoyed the show. 

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It was a little cloudy the evening we went to Hopi Point to catch sunset, but we still managed to get some good pictures.

Plan your sunset stop carefully, as after sunset you can't go any further west on the shuttle - all shuttle buses head back to the village after sunset. That was a disappointment to us, as we had planned to go all the way to Hermit's Rest on our evening there.

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For great views resulting from the play of light on the Canyon walls, watching the dawn sunrise is a worthwhile venture. From the Maswick lodge head to the Rim trail and head West about a mile or so to Hopi Point.

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No visit to Grand Canyon is complete unless you stayed for the sunset show. The whole canyon gets a reddish color and the show of color-light-shadows that the canyon is revealing in front of your eyes is just amazing. No pictures and no words can describe the beauty of the sunsets here!

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One big advantage of camping at the canyon is that you see the sunrise and sunset. At this time there aren't that many people in the canyon, because the buses usually arrive between 9 and 17. Be sure to dress warm and find a good spot at an overlook.

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*yawn* - this was (obviously) a very early morning, but so worth it. Dare I say the best sunrise I've ever seen?? We did a little (off road) rock climb to get out on a limb - naughty! But it managed to get us away from the many people gathering on the recommended ledge. Obviously be careful if you are doing this, there are plenty of horror stories about falling into the canyon. Despite this I think you'll agree that these photos are priceless.

As difficult as it may be, it's worth the effort to raise your weary bones and catch a Sunrise at the Grand Canyon. The best vantage poiints are those that face east, such as Yavaupi Point, where you can see the sky gradually brighten and then the sun peak over the horizon. Then, as the air warms and the sun ascends, it gradually illuminates the previously-hidden features of the Canyon below. You may be cold watching this -- even in summer the desert air can be chilly -- but you will never forget the experience.

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Hopi Point is about 7000 feet over sea level. This is for many the best place to watch the sunset. For one reaso, at Hopi Point you get a great view of both rims, south and west. Hopi Point is also where the free red bus shuttle has a return bus stop, and restrooms, very important for you to know.