where to shoot sunrise / sunset at Grand Canyon south rim?

[jason_chen3]

Hello,

 

I'm going to the Grand Canyon in two weeks. I'll be there for 2 days.

I'd like to take some sunset and sunrise pictures at the canyon, and

wonder which is the best spot on the south rim? Besides the Desert

View Drive, From what I read, the Hermit Road will be open to private

cars at this time of the year. I will have to stay on the rim for

this trip. (bringing my 18-month-old who is not ready for hiking on

the trail yet ;) ) are the different overlook spots close enough that

I would have time to go from one to the other during a sunrise or

sunset? If not, I imagine I will have to stay at one spot, and wait

for the best time to shoot sunrise and sunset. Then I have 2

opportunities for sunrise and 2 for sunset, so I have to choose them

wisely, hence the question - which are the best spots along the south

rim for sunrise and sunset?

 

thank you,

 

Jason

[alex_lofquist]

Pima Point, about 1 mile east of Hermit's Rest, is a good sunset location. Also Mohave Point and Hopi Point are good spots. All of these are on the West Rim Road, and served by the free park bus. I have never been there at sunrise, so I can only speculate that Grandview Point, on the East Rim Road would be ideally located for the winter solstice sunrises. I wouldn't attempt to travel between sites during one sunset/sunrise. Nor can I see any reason to do so. All views are good. Bring your tripod.

[david_a._wong]

Directly outside the visitor center (located beside the first viewpoint on the rim) there is a very good display which explains each viewpoint and gives recommendations on where to be at sunset and sunrise.

 

Hope this helps.

[stephen_w.]

Been there, done that. Sure, look at the post card shots for ideas, but try something completely different from the same vantage point.

[keith_van_hulle1]

There also used to be a guided tour for the sunrise group. You sign up for it at the main tourist lodge. Don't know if they still do it and have never been on it but it's something to check out.