GRAND CANYON DURING THE DAY

We’d seen a million photos and books about the Grand Canyon before we arrived. We read all the books we could find at the library about the Grand Canyon and watched videos on YouTube about the various theories on how it was created. But NOTHING we had researched prepared us for how amazing this place is! The colors. The patterns. The sunlight streaming through. No matter which trails we took or whether we drove or hiked to get there, the views were AAAH. MAZE. ING!!! Did you know that the canyon is surrounded by lush forests? I had no idea until we were there! We made our ways through trees, spotting elk, deer, rabbits and squirrels—stopping for every uniquely shaped tree or thicket of brush that may contain foxes or maybe fairies. And, once we reached each lookout point, we stood with our jaws dropped like a family of cartoon characters. We didn’t care! Every point where we stopped offered new angles and lighting that transformed the view. We could easily see how someone may spend 2 hours in a single spot…or even weeks exploring it all!

grand canyon at night

You guys! We stood in awe for hours watching how the sunlight changed the view while we stood in one place. We hiked in the sunlight and in the coolness of the shade from trees and overhangs. But, watching the sunset does not end when the sun dips below the horizon. Do not. I repeat. DO NOT LEAVE. Others will go, but you should stay. Stay as the colors change. Stay while the crowds leave and it starts to get cold. Stay while the first stars appear, and count a few more. If it seems like you’re the only ones left at your chosen lookout point, stay anyway.

As of June 2019, the Grand Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has spent years reducing light pollution—and that you don’t need a telescope or special equipment to see some of the most amazing night skies imaginable. We brought blankets and spread out to watch shooting stars, satellites and the band of the Milky Way come into view. It’s truly indescribable, and may be the most unforgettable time of our 2 week road trip across the Southwest.