How do you take something as beautiful as the Grand Canyon and make it more more stunning? See it during sunrise or sunset. Here are some tips on how to see both them best:
Best Views
The best for sunrise (and the most accessible from Grand Canyon Village) are Mather and Yaki Points. For sunset, it & # 39; s Hopi Point, but be prepared for crowds and full shuttle buses during summer. Other Great east - west panoramas can be had at Mojave, Navajo, and Desert View.
When to Arrive
Remember, too, that Arizona is. First, make sure to pick up a copy of the guide newspaper. Published by the National Park, it 's the best accurate sunrise and sunset times. on Mountain Standard Time (MST), so set your watches accordingly.
For sunrise, arrive 30 minutes before the sunset, plus a while after. Also, dress warmly, even during summer, as dawns are chilly at the Canyon. For sunset, be at your perspective 90 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon and stay 10 minutes after
Which is Better?
It 's a coin toss. Here are a few key points that might help you decide:
- Pay attention to the weather. If the night before has calmed and clear, you can expect a sunrise of great clarity before breezes stir up dust into the skies.
- Colder weather and making the effort to rise early nearly guarantees fewer people at sunrise viewpoints.
- Thunderstorms add extra drama. The summer monsoon season runs from July to September in the late afternoon, bringing with it big thunderheads and lighting.
- Dust and smoke peak in the evening. Combined, they can intensify a sunset.
- Stargazing is best right after sunset. The night skies above the Grand Canyon are some of the darkest in the US
Getting to the Viewpoints
The free shuttle bus system is the best way to get to the South Rim & # 39; s viewpoints. Buses run one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. Route maps are included in The Guide.
Use the shuttle stop outside Bright Angel Lodge in Grand Canyon Village as your starting point. Take the Red Line, which goes west, for points along Hermit Road (including Maricopa, Hopi, and Pima Points). To go east, start with the Blue Transfer to the Green Line to reach Yaki Point.
Accessibility
For windshield For further information on how to park a lot of stretch. Such as imperative, such as Pipe Creek Vista, just east of the South Kaibab Trailhead. Also consider getting an accessibility pass from any of the Park & # 39; s visitor centers that will let you use Hermit Road and Yaki Point Road year round.
Extras
Feeling energetic? Here & # 39; s two ways to make your sunrise / sunset viewings extra special:
- Walk the Rim Trail. This is a paved, level path that goes from Maricopa Point to Pipe Creek Vista. It can be accessed from many roads along the road, and is perfect for strolls of various lengths.
- To get there, start with the Blue Line, transfer to the Green Line, and get off at the South Kaibab Trail stop.
The most easily accessed sunrise viewpoints are Mather and Yaki Points. For sunset, Hopi Point. Keep an eye on anticipating weather conditions. Clear nights signify Spectacular sunrises; during summer, thunderstorms add extra intensity to sunsets. Pick up a free copy of the guide for accurate sunset / sunrise times. Now get ready to experience the canyon at its most poignant.
