Sunrise to Sunset at the Grand Canyon

I landed in Arizona  late in the afternoon, but as soon as I'd checked into my motel room and purchased a few supplies at the local WalMart, I headed for the Canyon. It didn't matter to me that it would be getting dark.  In retrospect, I'm entirely glad I went when  I did -- not that driving through unknown country in the dark was fun, but my first view of the Grand Canyon was a twilight view. There's something about the dawn and dusk -- their fleetingness -- that makes them especially beautiful.

I visited the Canyon three more times that week,  at one time watching the sunrise with a few dozen similarly crazy souls, and have arranged some shots to represent a day spent at the canyon. 

MORNING

Shortly after six a.m, on a cold and windy April morning

On an old mining trail, a young couple stands transfixed by the scenery. 

MID-MORNING

From the observation room of the Desert View Tower, about 26 miles from the visitor's center

DAY

These and the other "DAY" shots are taken from a helicopter.

Of course I looked down. How could I not?

DUSK

These were taken the same day I arrived in Arizona.

This guy either had nerve or brown underwear, because the wind was blowing at ~30 MPH.

I spent that first evening at the Canyon walking along the rim, soaking in the view and shivering a little in the cold. I hadn't anticipated the wind, and so left my jacket in my car. The clouds rolling in --  there was rain along the north rim -- meant that I couldn't see the stars come out, so I decided to leave while I had enough light to find my car. 

I hope to visit the Canyon again one day, to hike into the interior and spend a night there -- but I'd want to have company!