Grand Canyon a good spot to watch the sunset/sunrise

[juliab]

Hi, we are planning 1 night at the Grand canyon, South Rim. We have not been before so would be grateful for suggestions as to where to go to watch the sunset and sunrise. Don't want it to be too busy. We go this August.

Thank you

[Mary A]

We stayed at El Tovar hotel so watched close to there. Not many people about at either time, particularly quiet at sunrise

[juliab]

Originally Posted by Mary A

We stayed at El Tovar hotel so watched close to there. Not many people about at either time, particularly quiet at sunrise

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That's good to hear that it wasn't too busy, thank you. We're staying at the Maswik so we'll be able to walk over hopefully.

[400ixl]

We went out to Moran Point. You can go out and sit right on the edge of the canyon if you want and the views are spectacular.

Its out to the east of the national park and away from the main bus loop where it gets very busy. Some of the tour operators in the Jeeps etc do use it as well.

[juliab]

Originally Posted by 400ixl

We went out to Moran Point. You can go out and sit right on the edge of the canyon if you want and the views are spectacular.

Its out to the east of the national park and away from the main bus loop where it gets very busy. Some of the tour operators in the Jeeps etc do use it as well.

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Thank you.

[fiona88]

You need to be pointing the opposite direction to the way you'd think, you want to see the colours on the canyon walls not the sunrise/sunset itself. So, for sunrise you want to be facing west and vice versa.
We went to Yaki Point for sunrise it's on the orange bus route.
Yavapai point is good for either as it sticks out a bit and supposedly desert view would be good for either but it's a long drive, think its about an hour from the village and no busses.
Here's a map of the south rim which will help, we also asked the bus driver and the information lady at our hotel.
images.saymedia-content/...im-map_nps.pdf



edit: we also stayed at Maswick, everything says it's a 15min walk to the rim just outside, its about a 5min walk, but that's not really near anything else, just the bus stop and not too far from bright angel lodge. I'd recommend using the busses if you're going anywhere for sunrise/sunset as you'll be setting off in the dark. Thats a mistake we made, take over an hour off the official sunrise time then there's your journey time on top of that.

[juliab]

Originally Posted by fiona88

You need to be pointing the opposite direction to the way you'd think, you want to see the colours on the canyon walls not the sunrise/sunset itself. So, for sunrise you want to be facing west and vice versa.
We went to Yaki Point for sunrise it's on the orange bus route.
Yavapai point is good for either as it sticks out a bit and supposedly desert view would be good for either but it's a long drive, think its about an hour from the village and no busses.
Here's a map of the south rim which will help, we also asked the bus driver and the information lady at our hotel.
images.saymedia-content/...im-map_nps.pdf



edit: we also stayed at Maswick, everything says it's a 15min walk to the rim just outside, its about a 5min walk, but that's not really near anything else, just the bus stop and not too far from bright angel lodge. I'd recommend using the busses if you're going anywhere for sunrise/sunset as you'll be setting off in the dark. Thats a mistake we made, take over an hour off the official sunrise time then there's your journey time on top of that.

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I wouldn't have realised this so thanks for the tip about looking in the opposite direction.

I doubt we will want a long drive so will look at the points on the bus routes. Thanks for the link, we shall ask the rangers and bus drivers

[arhclo]

During Easter holidays canyon was jam packed but went for sunrise at viewpoint by visitors centre and not busy at all. Fewer people want to get up at 4am for sunrise than stay out for sunset!

[juliab]

Originally Posted by arhclo

During Easter holidays canyon was jam packed but went for sunrise at viewpoint by visitors centre and not busy at all. Fewer people want to get up at 4am for sunrise than stay out for sunset!

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We might look at this option as I'm thinking it will be a lot quieter for sunrise.
Thank you

[Sew109]

We stayed at Maswick last time our fave hotel we have stayed at there as others have said it’s 5 minutes walk to the canyon not the 15 might take 7 if you have to wait for a train to go past.

There are numerous places 10 mins walk where you will have space and a great view. We only watch sunset now it’s not much different and bed is usually more appealing at that point in our trip.

However going 8n winter when snow is there is a different ball game truly awe inspiring