12 Stunning Sunrise and Sunset Spots in the Grand Canyon

Sunrise and sunset are special times in the Grand Canyon. The air is cooler, the animals and birds more active, and as the sky shifts from flaming amber to soft lavender to dusty blue, the iron-rich cliffs are bathed in fiery crimson and burnt orange, making for an incredible contrast of rock and air. This is a light show you won’t want to miss. But how do you decide if sunset or sunrise is right for you? And where are the best spots to view this daily show? Many of the best spots to watch sunrise and sunset in the Grand Canyon are established viewpoints along the South and North rims. These options are easily accessible and quick to get to, either via park shuttle or personal vehicle. Our favorite picks are organized below by location. If you’re looking for something more remote, scroll to the end where we’ve listed three sunset and sunrise hikes of varying difficulty.

1. Mather Point

📍 Location: Grand Canyon Village, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Mather Point is easily accessible from Grand Canyon Village campgrounds and parking lots and offers panoramic views, making it a good spot for both sunset and sunrise. However, it can get crowded so plan to arrive early to stake out a spot. From here you can also walk east on the paved South Rim Trail for different views of the sky and canyon, particularly stunning at sunrise. And stick around after sunset, Mather Point is where dark sky programming takes place.

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2. Yavapai Point

📍 Location: Grand Canyon Village, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Yavapai Point can also be popular because it’s so easy to get to, but is home to the Geology Museum, an enclosed observation station that is especially nice for viewing the sunset if it’s windy. Stay at nearby Yavapai Lodge to get there quickly.

3. Mohave Point

📍 Location: Hermit Road, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Mohave Point is accessible by shuttle and is west facing, making it a great spot for sunset. There are railings and paved trails to the viewpoints, plus views of incredible rock features like “Alligator Rock” and “Tower of Set”.

4. Pima Point

📍 Location: Hermit Road, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Pima Point, which is less crowded than Mohave or Hopi points, is further out Hermit Road, has accessible paved trails and you can sometimes hear the roar of the Colorado River while you watch the sunset.

5. Hopi Point

📍 Location: Hermit Road, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Hopi Point juts further into the canyon than any other viewpoint. This makes it popular for sunrise and sunset, so catch the early shuttle. Restrooms are available.

6. Grandview Point

📍 Location: Desert View Drive, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Grandview Point is a 20-minute drive east of Grand Canyon Village and is the highest point on the South Rim, making it a great spot for panoramic views of sunset and sunrise. There are restrooms here and the overlook is a very short walk from the parking lot, but parking is limited.

7. Lipan Point

📍 Location: Desert View Drive, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Lipan Point is located just west of Desert View Campground, less crowded, and from here you can see the sunset over the longest perspective of the Colorado River visible from the South Rim. On a clear day you can even see the Vermillion Cliffs to the northeast.

8. Desert View

📍 Location: Desert View Drive, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Desert View is the eastern-most developed area on the South Rim and home to the Desert View Watchtower, a recognized National Historic Landmark constructed in 1932. While operating hours won’t allow you to see sunset or sunrise from the watchtower, you can stay nearby in Desert View Campground, making early morning jaunts and late night adventures to Desert View Point easier.

9. Shoshone Point

📍 Location: Desert View Road, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Shoshone Point is a great option if you’re looking for a secluded spot for sunrise that’s easily accessible. Located along Desert View Road, this unmarked trailhead is the start of a 1-mile hike along an old, flat, dirt road to a point with panoramic views.

10. Ooh Aah Point

📍 Location: South Kaibab Trail, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Moderate

Ooh Aah Point, 1 mile down the South Kaibab Trail, lives up to its name. Expansive views to the east make for good sunrise vistas. The point itself is small so plan to get there early. To find it, you’ll have to descend 800 feet into the canyon, so only attempt this in the dark if you’re sure-footed and have a bright headlamp. And remember, what goes down into the canyon must come out. Check out our hiking tips before setting off.

11. Plateau Point

📍 Location: Bright Angel Trail, South Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Strenuous

Plateau Point is by far the hardest way to see sunrise and sunset but could be well worth it, especially if you’re staying overnight at Havasupai Gardens. The point is 6 miles down the Bright Angel Trail and 1.5 miles from Havasupai Gardens. Because it’s challenging to get to, Plateau Point is the perfect option for those seeking solitude. Perched 1,600 feet above the Colorado River, experience how sunlight pours down the canyon walls in the morning or recedes into shadow in the evening, making for a unique and special experience.

Tip: Hiking into the canyon from the South Rim provides excellent views of the sky, but if you’re hiking out, the sky will be at your back, leaving you looking at the canyon walls. Time your hikes appropriately for optimal viewing.

12. Bright Angel Point

📍 Location: North Rim
🏜️ Accessibility: Easy

Bright Angel Point is your go to spot for sunset if you find yourself on the less-crowded North Rim craving an evening adventure. It is a half-mile walk from the Grand Canyon Lodge veranda on a paved trail. From this spot you can see the twinkling lights of the South Rim village across the canyon. The trail was closed for repairs starting in 2024, so remember to always check trail closures as you’re planning your next trip.

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What’s better, sunset or sunrise in the Grand Canyon?

There’s plenty of debate over which is better, sunrise or sunset, in the Grand Canyon. Sunset often boasts skies filled with interesting clouds and vibrant colors, and viewing it doesn’t require waking up early. Sunrise means fewer crowds and a lower chance of thunderstorms and windy conditions. Ultimately both have their pros and cons. When you decide to peep the Grand Canyon’s colorful skies will depend on you. Consider the following:

• Timing: Check the exact time of sunrise and sunset for your viewing day. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to enjoy dawn, when color begins to streak the sky, and stay for an hour after the sun crests the horizon for morning golden hour. In the evening, golden hour takes place 60 to 90 minutes before sunset, so plan accordingly and consider staying for a couple of hours afterwards to witness the stars coming out. The Grand Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best night sky views anywhere in the country. If you aren’t a morning person, visit the park in the fall or winter when sunrise is later.
• Comfort: The dry desert air may be scorching during the day but as soon as the sun goes down, it will get cold quickly. Whether you’re watching sunset or sunrise come prepared with layers, hot beverages and blankets.
• Safety: Don’t forget to pack your headlamp and always bring water with you. For sunrise, make sure you’ve already applied sunscreen. Note that some viewpoints don’t have guard rails. Use caution around cliffs and never throw anything into the canyon. When driving in the dark, go slowly and stay alert for wildlife, which are more active at night than during the day. And remember to avoid exposed, rocky points during thunderstorms, which are common during July, August and September.
• Solitude: If crowds aren’t your thing, consider catching sunrise since less people are willing to wake up early. Additionally, some spots see less traffic or are harder to get to, making them better for peace and quiet.
• Transportation: Always plan ahead and know how you’ll get to your sunrise or sunset destination. Some spots you can walk to within Grand Canyon Village, others you can drive to along Desert View Road (but might have limited parking) and some require a shuttle. Shuttles stop running an hour after sunset and are often available an hour before sunrise, but check current schedules to be sure.

About Lindsey Falkenburg

Lindsey (she/they) was first acquainted with the Grand Canyon in 2011 when they moved to Flagstaff to work for the American Conservation Experience. Since then they have had the pleasure of doing trail work on various park trails and hiking and backpacking within the canyon’s depths. It is their dream to someday raft the Colorado. For now they live in Seattle, Washington and enjoy hiking the mossy trails of the Pacific Northwest, but sneak in trips to the desert whenever they can.