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August 30, 2022

Epic Sunrise and Sunset Spots On The Grand Canyon South Rim

Epic Sunrise and Sunset Spots On The Grand Canyon South Rim

You’ve seen the picture of the epic technicolor sunrises and sunsets over the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, and of course, you want to see one too! But where can you find the best sunrises and sunsets on the South Rim? You’re in the right place, keep reading for all of the best spots to see an epic sunrise and sunset at the Grand Canyon South Rim…

 

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

 

Grand Canyon Mather Point
Mather Point Sunrise

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

 

Grand Canyon Mohave Point
Sunset at Mohave Point

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!

 

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Posted In: Bucketlist Travel, Hiking, National Park Guides, National Park Love, Southwest, United States · Tagged: Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, National Parks, South Rim, Sunrise, Sunset

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Comments

  1. Tianna says

    September 3, 2022 at 7:58 pm

    Beautiful pictures and shots

    • Vanessa says

      April 4, 2023 at 6:47 pm

      Hi Tianna!

      Thank you so much! It’s definitely one of those places where you come home with 10,000 photos!

  2. Liv says

    September 4, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    Loved this blog. The Grand Canyon has always been on my bucket list so glad I have all this new info! Thanks !

    • Vanessa says

      April 4, 2023 at 6:47 pm

      Hi Liv!

      So glad you loved the blog! I hope you make it to the Grand Canyon soon!

Hi! I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. I'm here to inspire you to travel wherever, whenever, and with whoever you can. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. I hope you'll stick around for awhile!

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Shouting 🎉CONGRATULATIONS🎉 to Maine’s newe Shouting 🎉CONGRATULATIONS🎉 to Maine’s newest registered sea kayak guide @that_nomad_brian!

So proud of you 🍻 Cheers to an amazing summer 💚
Some sunsets don’t ask to be photographed—they Some sunsets don’t ask to be photographed—they just ask you to sit still.

I watched this one as we were slowly driving through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains. No filter, no big moment—just colors slowly bleeding across the sky. 

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If you’ve been rushing lately (same), maybe this is your sign to find a sunset, breathe a little slower, and remember how much beauty lives in the in-between.

🌞 Save this for the next time you need a golden hour pause.

💬 What’s a place that made you fall in love with being still?
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“We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness” - That sums it up pretty well 😘

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Wher I know a place…
Where the ground bubbles.
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This place cracked open my sense of wonder and reminded me that magic doesn’t need permission, it just shows up in boiling puddles, neon pools, and elk bugles echoing through the mist.

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