How to Get the Most Out of Your First Time at the South Rim
If you’re planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, be prepared to have your mind blown! This iconic landmark is a geological masterpiece carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Seeing the Grand Canyon in person is completely different from looking at photos and videos. In every season and from every vantage point, the Grand Canyon fails to disappoint.
So, what’s the best way to be introduced to the Grand Canyon? In my humble opinion (however, this is widely agreed upon in the hiking community), it’s best to visit for sunrise, with one twist… keep your eyes down until you’re on the trail!
How to Experience Sunrise at the Grand Canyon
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your first time visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, whether at the north or south rim, for sunrise.
- Get to the park well before sunrise time. This may mean waking up at 4 a.m. or earlier depending on how far your travel time may be to the park entrance and the season.
- Park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and walk to the shuttle bus station to go eastbound on the Kaibab Rim Route (or the Orange Route). The road to South Kaibab Trailhead is closed to private vehicles, so you will have to take the shuttle bus.
- Take one of the first park buses to the trailhead. Bus service is free and starts between 4 and 5 a.m. depending on the season. It’ll likely still be semi-dark for a ranging amount of time before the sun rises.
- Don’t peek out of the bus window on the way to the trailhead! Just keep your eyes slightly down. It’ll be more rewarding if you save this moment for later. It takes less than 10 minutes for the bus to drive from the Visitor Center to the South Kaibab Trail, so you won’t have to wait long.
- Once you’ve reached the trailhead, still avoid looking over the canyon but take a picture of the trail map sign and start your hike once you’re ready. Let the sunrise gradually unveil the incredible views of the Grand Canyon all around you.
- Continue hiking down into the canyon for as long as you wish, keeping top of mind that what goes down must come back up!
Photos of Sunrise Along South Kaibab Trail
Wearing breathable layers with SPF is key whenever hiking in Arizona!
South Rim Sunrise Surprise
The Grand Canyon is a labyrinth of deep, multi-hued chasms of rock that chronicle Earth’s history. As the sun casts its light upon the canyon walls, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, and purple colors.
Saving the moment of seeing this geologic wonder until you’re actually on the trail was one of the most rewarding ways to experience this National Park. I’m so thankful that I did this my first time and I think it’s potentially a great idea for other parks.
Waking up this early may be easier for those coming from the east coast! Also, don’t be nervous that you’ll be alone as this is the most popular time for thru hikers and trail runners to start their day.
Keep in mind, these tips are for hikers starting at South Kaibab Trail as this is the route I recommend. However, you can adjust the starting point to Bright Angel Trail with a different bus route if you prefer. Also, note that the shuttle bus route times change depending on the season. Check the National Park Service for bus route times before arriving at the park.
Sunrise Times by Season at the Grand Canyon
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the sun clears the horizon. Dress warmly in layers, even in the summer, as temperatures can be brisk during early hours along the rim.
- Summer sunrise (June through August): 5:10 – 5:50 a.m.
- Fall sunrise (September through November): 6 – 7:10 a.m.
- Winter sunrise (December through February): 7:20 – 7:10 a.m.
- Spring sunrise (March through May): 6:55 – 5:20 a.m.
Sunrise is also a great time to visit the Grand Canyon if you are okay with an early alarm because less people and families are motivated enough to make it to the trailhead. Therefore, it is likely a quieter time at the park as compared to sunset. Later in the day clouds and thunderstorms may stir, especially in the summer, and impact the quality of sunset views.
