Posted by Carol Nichols on November 16, 2009 at 4:21 PM
I would like to visit the Grand Canyon in 2010 and would appreciate your input on when is the best time, from a photographic standpoint, to visit the park. I cannot possibly go from January thru April, but if you could go any other month of the year, what month would it be? Thanks so much for your help!
Posted by Sarah Marino on November 16, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Although I am sure others can provide more comprehensive information, I can chime in with a few thoughts. I have been to the Grand Canyon four times (only once as a serious photographer) and it has always been in May. This has been a good time to visit. This year, May provided a lot of good weather for some moody shots.
I can't compare May to other times of year, but the weather has not been insanely hot (it was cold camping outside the north rim area this year) and the crowds are probably comparatively low.
Going below the rim is a great experience, with all kinds of unexpected photographic treats. It is far more lush than I imagined and the crowds virtually disappear on many trails. However, if you are planning on doing any backpacking below the rim from the south side, check into getting a permit ASAP as they can be hard to come by for the popular places (Indian Garden, etc). We tried for two years before getting camping spots for the route we wanted on the dates we could go.
I visited the north rim this year and would choose it over the south rim any day. The view of the canyon from the north rim is, to me, far more interesting and you can actually find solitude pretty easily. Also, the meadows and forests on the way to the park entrance were unexpected (one of my favorite photos from this trip came from watching a sunset over a meadow from the side of the road about 20 minutes outside the park). You also have access to the Toroweap area if you want to get off the beaten path. Some pretty shrubs and plants were blooming along the rim and in the canyon at this time, too.
Have fun!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on November 16, 2009 at 6:17 PM
I love Sept. through Nov. I would avoid June through August, especially on the South Rim.
I fell in love with the North Rim last year in mid Nov. They are now keeping the North Rim open through Nov. or until a big enough snow storm closes the roads. The place was deserted and the light was fabulous, but a bit nippy in the morning. The campground is open, but no services in Nov.
I've only been once, so I only have one data point, but I second Bill's suggestion to stay away from the South Rim from June though August. I went in July this year and while it was gorgeous, (no pun intended. ) the only time we were able to get away from the crowds was at sunrise. The rest of the day it was an out and out zoo.
Posted by Phil Lyon on November 16, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Carol,
I know the Grand Canyon is a very busy place during the summer months and extremely hot below the rim, but what a fabulous time to photograph the amazing thunderstorms that form in the afternoon. You can always find an out of the way location for sunrise pics. Sunset photos are another story, but the magic hour is still an opportunity limited only by your own imagination and creativity and not the crowds. Yes, I think I mentioned that it is a bit crowded in the summer. April and May are great for wildflowers and more reasonable hiking conditions below the rim. The North Rim is great during the summer when the South Rim is too much for you, but autumn on the North Rim is so unexpected. You have to see the beauty for yourself to believe it. I've never been to The Canyon in the winter, but that is my goal. What a difference a little snow can make for such a familiar place. As you might be able to tell, I don't think there is such a thing as a bad time to be lucky enough to find yourself at the Grand Canyon with camera in hand, no matter when you might happen to be there. Enjoy your trip.
If your trip happens to be in August (when others are suggesting to avoid the South Rim), spend all your time on the North Rim. It's the best time of the year to be there.
First, because it is more difficult to get to than the South Rim and lodging options are much more limited, it is never crowded. Second, most of the rock formations are on the North Rim, making it more picturesque than the South. Third, August is monsoon season so you're likely to get those great, dramatic clouds passing over the canyon.
Also, if you're at the North Rim, you can head over to Toroweap (with a 4WD) or up to Zion or over to Page, etc.
Take my advice with a grain of salt because the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of my favorite places - period. I'd choose it over the South Rim any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Have a great trip!
Posted by John Mumaw on November 17, 2009 at 9:35 AM
I agree with Phil wholeheartedly. I would rather suffer with the crowds for a chance to shoot the Canyon (North or South) during monsoonal weather patterns (July-Sept.) myself. The South Rim always seems to be crowded anyway.
Check out this thread where South Rim viewpoints are discussed, in particular a place that is relatively unknown (Shoshone Point) and gets much less foot traffic than do the other more popular views.
Posted by Carol Nichols on November 17, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Thanks everyone. I knew you guys/gals would have some great advice!
Posted by Adam Schallau on November 18, 2009 at 1:44 AM
I'm going to agree with Phil and John regarding the South Rim. Yes the South Rim has a lot more people visiting it, but a majority of them end up at the major viewpoints. It's very possible to still have a wonderful experience on the South Rim as long as you get away from the area around the village. I'd also suggest heading out to the East Rim to visit Lipan Point and Desert View.
I was at the North Rim this past August and found that some of the viewpoints can be nearly as crowded as their counterparts on the South Rim. If you do get to the North Rim, be sure to drive out to Cape Royal for the view of Wotan's Throne.
Posted by Don Grall on November 20, 2009 at 12:16 PM
There's usually a reason why one rim is more popular than the other. I also would say do the South Rim despite the crowds. There are a large number of viewpoints and each viewpoint is more expansive than any of the viewpoints on the north rim. Toroweap is also a fantastic place, and much better than the North Rim area. Views from the North Rim are quite limited unless you do a lot of hiking, but even then you're shooting into or almost into the light the whole time. The South rim means the light will be coming from behind you except at sunrise and sunset, and at those times you still have the option of turning and shooting 180 degrees from the sun. That option doesn't exist on the North Rim.
Discussion
9 repliesI can't compare May to other times of year, but the weather has not been insanely hot (it was cold camping outside the north rim area this year) and the crowds are probably comparatively low.
Going below the rim is a great experience, with all kinds of unexpected photographic treats. It is far more lush than I imagined and the crowds virtually disappear on many trails. However, if you are planning on doing any backpacking below the rim from the south side, check into getting a permit ASAP as they can be hard to come by for the popular places (Indian Garden, etc). We tried for two years before getting camping spots for the route we wanted on the dates we could go.
I visited the north rim this year and would choose it over the south rim any day. The view of the canyon from the north rim is, to me, far more interesting and you can actually find solitude pretty easily. Also, the meadows and forests on the way to the park entrance were unexpected (one of my favorite photos from this trip came from watching a sunset over a meadow from the side of the road about 20 minutes outside the park). You also have access to the Toroweap area if you want to get off the beaten path. Some pretty shrubs and plants were blooming along the rim and in the canyon at this time, too.
Have fun!
I fell in love with the North Rim last year in mid Nov. They are now keeping the North Rim open through Nov. or until a big enough snow storm closes the roads. The place was deserted and the light was fabulous, but a bit nippy in the morning. The campground is open, but no services in Nov.
Be sure to visit Toroweap, if you have 4WD.
I know the Grand Canyon is a very busy place during the summer months and extremely hot below the rim, but what a fabulous time to photograph the amazing thunderstorms that form in the afternoon. You can always find an out of the way location for sunrise pics. Sunset photos are another story, but the magic hour is still an opportunity limited only by your own imagination and creativity and not the crowds. Yes, I think I mentioned that it is a bit crowded in the summer. April and May are great for wildflowers and more reasonable hiking conditions below the rim. The North Rim is great during the summer when the South Rim is too much for you, but autumn on the North Rim is so unexpected. You have to see the beauty for yourself to believe it. I've never been to The Canyon in the winter, but that is my goal. What a difference a little snow can make for such a familiar place. As you might be able to tell, I don't think there is such a thing as a bad time to be lucky enough to find yourself at the Grand Canyon with camera in hand, no matter when you might happen to be there. Enjoy your trip.
If your trip happens to be in August (when others are suggesting to avoid the South Rim), spend all your time on the North Rim. It's the best time of the year to be there.
First, because it is more difficult to get to than the South Rim and lodging options are much more limited, it is never crowded. Second, most of the rock formations are on the North Rim, making it more picturesque than the South. Third, August is monsoon season so you're likely to get those great, dramatic clouds passing over the canyon.
Also, if you're at the North Rim, you can head over to Toroweap (with a 4WD) or up to Zion or over to Page, etc.
Take my advice with a grain of salt because the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of my favorite places - period. I'd choose it over the South Rim any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Have a great trip!
Check out this thread where South Rim viewpoints are discussed, in particular a place that is relatively unknown (Shoshone Point) and gets much less foot traffic than do the other more popular views.
I was at the North Rim this past August and found that some of the viewpoints can be nearly as crowded as their counterparts on the South Rim. If you do get to the North Rim, be sure to drive out to Cape Royal for the view of Wotan's Throne.