January 11, 2000 - Grand Canyon Sunrise

The previous evening, I asked the hotel concierge what time sunrise was at the Grand Canyon -7:39am. So, I got up in time to travel to the  Canyon Rim, and purchase my park pass (US$20 for a car - good for 7 days, or buy a National Parks Pass for $50 - good for the whole year) at the gate. My first stop was Mather Point, where I found a couple who were also waiting for the sun to rise. They were nearly half frozen, since they had been waiting there for almost an hour!  Question: why wouldn't you find out the time for sunrise, rather than just "wing it"?

Sunrise is a slow affair at the Grand Canyon.  I expected to be rushing around, but there was plenty of time to see the Canyon in a variety of light. It is quite dramatic - from dusky rose colours all the way from fiery yellows to brilliant azure and in-your-face crimson.  It is important to research the best perspectives for both sunrise and sunset, since certain rock faces and canyon features light up only at sunrise, while others only light up at sunset.

I decide to drive the short distance to Yaki Point, since the morning light was still excellent. The online advice is correct - Yaki Point is the best morning viewpoint.

I still had an hour before my check-in time at Papillon Helicopters, so I reluctantly left for the hotel. The only problem is, I turned the wrong way and drove further down the East Rim for a couple of miles before I realized what had happened. I made my way back to the hotel, and after a quick stop, to the airport.