Grand Canyon sunset and sunrise at a glance
The South Rim faces the canyon, and the low sun lights the rock walls at both ends of the day. The park names Mather Point and Yaki Point for sunrise and Hopi Point for sunset. Mohave Point and Pima Point, and Desert View and Navajo Point to the east, are named for wide views. There is no single ideal spot, because cloud, haze and the season change what you see.
If you would rather not drive back in the dark, a guided option helps: see Grand Canyon tours, or the sunset tour described under tours from Phoenix and Sedona.
South Rim sunset: where to watch
A choice of reasoned stops, not a ranking.
| Viewpoint | Suited to | How you get there |
|---|---|---|
| Hopi Point | Sunset, the park's named stop | Hermit Road, by Red Route shuttle in the main season |
| Mohave Point and Pima Point | Wide views at sunset or sunrise | Hermit Road, by Red Route shuttle |
| Mather Point | Sunrise, close to the Visitor Center | Short walk from the lots, or Orange Route |
| Yaki Point | Sunrise | Orange Route |
| Yavapai Point | Evening views next to the geology museum | Orange Route or parking |
| Desert View and Navajo Point | Wide views to the east | Drive along AZ 64 |
| Lipan Point | Popular for sunset | Closed to all visitors from 22 June to 23 December 2026 |
For most first-time visitors, sunset at Hopi Point and sunrise at Mather Point give two very different views with little planning. Lipan Point is closed, so leave it out of your plan for now.
Our picks: sunset at the South Rim
The Hummer tour from Tusayan is the short option; the guided hike gives a sunset below the rim. From Sedona or Flagstaff, the day tour stays for the evening.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Grand Canyon day and sunset from Sedona or Flagstaff
- Regular park entry and permits
- Guide
- Hotel pickup
Hotel pickup, a guide, the regular park entry and permits, and water, staying for the sunset. The $100 non-US surcharge is extra.
Check availability →
Sunset hike on the South Kaibab Trail
- Professional guide
- Backpack and poles
- Snacks and a meal
Four hours with a professional guide, backpack and poles, snacks and a meal, permits and first-aid kit. Bring your own boots, 1 to 2 litres of water and warm layers.
Check availability →
Guided sunset tour by Hummer
- Guide and commentary
- Hotel pickup in Tusayan
Three hours with a guide for the sunset at the rim, hotel pickup in Tusayan and the park entry for US residents. Non-US residents from 16 pay $100 on top.
Check availability →Grand Canyon tours from the South Rim
Bus tours, jeep tours and helicopter flights that include the South Rim, with live prices and availability.
Sunset on Hermit Road
Hopi Point lies on Hermit Road, which is closed to private cars from 1 March to 30 November, so you go by the Red Route shuttle. In the fall 2026 schedule the last bus leaves one hour after sunset. A bus comes about every 12 minutes in the daytime. The full timetable and the winter rules are on the Hermit Road page.
Arrive well before the sun touches the horizon and keep time for the return. Pets are not allowed on park shuttles, but service dogs are.
Grand Canyon sunrise
The shuttles start early, so sunrise needs less planning than it seems.
Mather Point
A short walk from the Visitor Center lots. The Orange Route starts at 6 a.m. in the fall schedule. See Mather Point for parking.
Yaki Point
On the Orange Route, which runs from 6 a.m. until one hour after sunset. A full loop takes 50 minutes.
Pima Point
Out on Hermit Road. The first Red Route bus leaves at 8 a.m. in the fall schedule, which is after sunrise at that time of year. From December to February you can drive Hermit Road yourself in a vehicle under 22 feet if the road is clear.
Sunrise and sunset times for 2026
Sample dates only. Times shift every day, so look up your own date.
| Date (2026) | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | 7:39 a.m. | 5:25 p.m. |
| 1 June | 5:13 a.m. | 7:40 p.m. |
| 1 July | 5:15 a.m. | 7:49 p.m. |
| 1 September | 6:00 a.m. | 6:55 p.m. |
| 1 December | 7:20 a.m. | 5:14 p.m. |
| 25 December | 7:37 a.m. | 5:20 p.m. |
The park stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, so the clock does not change in summer. Plan for the earliest sunrise in early summer and for dark evenings by 5:30 p.m. in winter.
A sunset tour from Sedona
If you are staying in Sedona or Flagstaff, a sunset tour offers hotel pickup in both places. It costs $219 for adults and $209 for children aged 6 to 15, plus tax, and children under 6 are not allowed. Pickup is between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and the day ends around 9:30 to 10 p.m. Food is paid separately, and the regular park entry is part of the price.
Whether the extra $100 fee for visitors from outside the United States is included depends on the operator, so check the details before booking. Prices and availability are shown in the tour cards above. More on fees is on the entrance fee page.
Cold, dark and safe at the rim
The South Rim is at about 6,800 feet (2,070 m). In December the normal daily high is about 43 °F (6 °C) and the normal low about 18 °F (-8 °C), and snow and ice are common in winter. Bring warm layers for the wait after sunset, a light and good shoes. See Grand Canyon weather for each month.
Stay behind the railings and keep at least 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) from the edge. Take photos from a safe spot. Do not feed or approach animals. Drones are not allowed in the park. For light and crowds by month, see the best time to visit.
Many trips combine a sunset with a longer Arizona route. Our sister guide to Grand Canyon tours across Arizona compares departures from other cities.
More places for good light
Pair the evening with one of these.
Grand Canyon sunset and sunrise: frequently asked questions
Where should I watch the sunset at the South Rim?
The park names Hopi Point for sunset. Mohave Point, Pima Point and Desert View are also named for wide views. There is no single right spot, because it depends on weather and what you want to see.
Where should I watch the sunrise?
Mather Point and Yaki Point are the park's suggestions. Neither is better on every day.
Is Lipan Point open for sunset?
No. Lipan Point and its access road are closed to all visitors from 22 June to 23 December 2026.
Do the shuttles run after sunset?
In the fall 2026 schedule, the Orange Route and the Red Route both run until one hour after sunset. The Blue Route in the Village runs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Schedules change with the season.
Does the time change in summer at the Grand Canyon?
No. The park stays on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) all year.
Is this the official sunrise and sunset page of the park?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not connected to the National Park Service, the park's lodging operators or any tour company. Check current conditions with the National Park Service before you go.