You can buy a digital entrance pass here

I highly recommend the American The Beautiful Pass if you are going to more than one National Park this year!

 

Best Sunrise Spots At The Grand Canyon

Sunrise at the Grand Canyon is a truly unforgettable experience. I went in January and if you are visiting during the winter, I highly recommend you bundle up for sunrise.

You’ll be struck by the beautiful pinks, purple, and oranges as the sun rise over the seemingly neverending horizon. Don’t be discouraged if there are clouds in the sky during your visit, this just makes for an, even more, epic sunrise.

As you approach South Rim you’ll notice that the sun will rise to your right. You need to find a spot that opens up the Grand Canyon to your left so you can watch as majestic cliffs illuminate, but where you can see the sun as it appears on the horizon.

 

Mather Point – For The Best View

 

You’ll find Mather Point right at the Visitors Center. This easily accessible overlook has a large parking lot and plenty of room for everyone! The sunrise views from Mather Point are truly epic and worth the early morning wake up – trust me!

I only had time for one sunrise during my trip and Mather Point is where I wanted to take it all in. I visited in January and it was insanely cold during sunrise, so if you’re visiting during the winter months I highly recommend you bundle up and have a warm drink.

 

Hopi Point – Great View But Crowded

Hopi Point is another great place to take in a sunrise at the Grand Canyon, but it’s also incredibly popular and will be crowded. You’ll still have amazing views, but you’ll have to contend with more people to get a prime sunrise viewing spot.

 

Desert View Watch Tower – Different View

For a different sunrise view head to the Desert View Watch Tower! If you are entering the park through the East entrance this will be your very first stop. You won’t find crowds here, and you may even be lucky enough to have the watch power completely to yourself.

 

Other great sunrise locations: Maricopa, Yaki Point, Navajo Point, and Lipan Point.

 

Best Sunset Locations

 

If watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon is on your to-do list then these locations are sure to blow you away! There are so many great sunset locations on the South Rim that you really can’t go wrong. In fact, the National Park Service says, “there is no one best place for watching sunrise or sunset, just good places, and better places.”

 

Hopi Point – Crowded, Epic Views

Hopi Point is popular for both sunrise and sunset, but it makes this overlook incredibly crowded. If you’re wanting to avoid crowds consider checking out one of the other viewpoints on Hermit Road.

 

Mohave Point – Amazing Views

My favorite sunset location at the Grand Canyon is hands down Mohave Point. This overlook gives you several great views of the sunset and as a bonus includes views of the Colorado River.

 

 

Pima Point – Less Crowded, Great Views

Pima Point is the least crowded overlook for sunset along the South Rims, Hermit Road. It’s got fantastic views and you can see the Colorado River from here as well.

Other epic places to watch the sunset: Yavapai Point, Lipan Point

Tip: It’s easier to catch sunset during a winter visit when the sun sets earlier in the day. During the summer months, the sun sets late (9 pm or later) making for a really long day.

 

How Long Do Sunrise and Sunset Take?

 

Pack your patience when it comes to sunrise and sunset, it’s not about how long it takes but about taking in all the epic beauty that’s going on around you. You’ll want to get to your epic sunrise or sunset spot 45 minutes before the estimated sunrise or sunset.

If you want a prime spot for sunset it’s best to shoot for an hour before the predicted time.

Make sure to stay after the sunrise or sunset because that’s when the magic happens.

Check out 5 Things Not To Miss On Your First Visit To The Grand Canyon, The Best Sunset Spots In Sedona, and One Day In Sedona, Arizona.

No matter where you take in sunrise or sunset at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim it will be epically beautiful! You don’t want to miss at least one sunrise or sunset while visiting the park.

 

 

In A Hurry? Pin This Post For Later!