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.
As the sky lightened gradually, the colors of the canyon came to life.
Another morning, we watched the sunrise
a few steps outside our lodge, looking north.
Even though the mornings were cloudy, the views still were spectacular.
The lush green marks Indian Garden,
the dark beyond is where the Colorado River flows.
Although 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?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Wow, these are beautiful!!!
Those are fabulous pictures! Looks like an amazing trip.
Spectacular! Heck yeah I get up early for a sunrise. Glad you partook of the beauty!
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!
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!
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!
EXACTLY! I am always excited to make the most of my vacation. 🙂
I usually catch it on an early morning vacation run. These pictures are wonderful! I want to go!!
Thanks — you should!
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.
Sounds perfect! I would love seeing the “first” sunrise!
I SO SO SO HOPE the trip has been as relaxing as it looks.
It was truly amazing. And I was asleep before 9:00 pm every night. 😉
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!
Gorgeous!!!
so so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing! This is a total bucket list destination now!
It’s truly amazing! It does not disappoint.
So pretty! <3 I haven't been to the Grand Canyon in over a decade! I need to visit it again at some point!
Seriously, I need to get out there and see this. It is so amazing!!
You would love it! And the paved rim trail would be great for running. 😉
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
It’s definitely worth the trip!
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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.