Grand Canyon Sunrise

Just because I wasn’t getting up early to squeeze in a run didn’t mean I was going to sleep in on our vacation. I even set an alarm to make sure I would catch the Grand Canyon sunrise. My husband thought I was crazy, but he was a good sport and joined me outside at o’dark-thirty every morning.

Grand Canyon Sunrise
The lodging at the South Rim has views looking north or west, so one morning we walked a few miles east to the Yavapai Museum of Geology where people gathered for a better view of the sunrise.

Grand Canyon Sunrise

As the sky lightened gradually, the colors of the canyon came to life.

Grand Canyon Sunrise

Another morning, we watched the sunrise
a few steps outside our lodge, looking north.

Grand Canyon Sunrise

Even though the mornings were cloudy, the views still were spectacular.

Grand Canyon Sunrise

The lush green marks Indian Garden,
the dark beyond is where the Colorado River flows. 

Grand Canyon SunriseAlthough my husband really wanted to stay at Canyon Ranch in the canyon, I was glad to be on the South Rim where we could enjoy the sunrise–and comfortable beds, hot showers, and fresh-brewed coffee!

[Tweet “Enjoying #sunrise at the #GrandCanyon — #nofilter required!”]

We stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge, which is right along the rim, steps from the canyon’s edge. I thought it was the perfect place to stay. The South Rim trail–a paved trail that stretches several miles east and west–was right out the back door, there was free bus service to other areas of the park, and there were several restaurants to choose from, including the Bright Angel Lodge, with the best blueberry pancakes ever–perfect fuel for our epic hike to the Colorado River.

Do you try to see the sunrise when you’re on vacation?

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24 Responses to Grand Canyon Sunrise

  1. Kristin says:

    Wow, these are beautiful!!!

  2. Those are fabulous pictures! Looks like an amazing trip.

  3. Marcia says:

    Spectacular! Heck yeah I get up early for a sunrise. Glad you partook of the beauty!

  4. Whether or not I see the sunrise totally depends on where we are & what the weather is like.

    When we were in Kauia a few yrs back, I saw it every day. Of course you’re adjusting to the time change anyway — even my husband was out there quite a few times!

    • Coco says:

      Since I live on the east coast, the time difference usually works in my favor for the mornings, but even when I’ve gone to Europe, I’m excited to get up!

  5. GiGi Eats says:

    When I am on vacation, I tend to wake up EARLIER than normal because I want to get EVERYTHING IN and I cannot wait to explore!! 🙂 Exploring = Exercise!

  6. HoHo Runs says:

    I usually catch it on an early morning vacation run. These pictures are wonderful! I want to go!!

  7. Kelli says:

    Beautiful!! We drove to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park – the first spot in the US to see the sunrise. It was an early morning and we followed it with a hike and breakfast at the top of another peak. A great vacation memory.

  8. Carla says:

    I SO SO SO HOPE the trip has been as relaxing as it looks.

  9. I’m married to a photographer, so yeah, I see the sunrise when on vacation! 🙂 I also love running early just so I can enjoy the sunrise while out on my run.

    It sounds like you chose the perfect place to stay. My husband and I need to return to visit those beautiful places out west again!

  10. so so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing! This is a total bucket list destination now!

  11. Farrah says:

    So pretty! <3 I haven't been to the Grand Canyon in over a decade! I need to visit it again at some point!

  12. Seriously, I need to get out there and see this. It is so amazing!!

  13. Rising at dark o’clock looks like it was worth it. Gorgeous views. I hope to make it to the Grand Canyon soon. Visiting from #fitnessFriday

  14. Pingback: Clouds Make The Best Sunrises - Got2Run4Me

  15. Clarinda says:

    The sunrise over the Grand Canyon is amazing, but I was even more impressed with the serenity of the sunset. I was amazed at how quiet and reverent it was as the crowds gathered in silent awe.

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