21 Spectacular Grand Canyon Photo Spots: A Travel Guide
21 Spectacular Grand Canyon Photo Spots: A Travel Guide
There is no doubt that the Grand Canyon is one of the premier photo destinations in America. It is a stunning place to enjoy easily accessible sweeping landscapes or hike your way to secluded vistas far off the beaten path. While there is no shortage of great vantage points to snap a good photo, we are here to help you find the best photo-worthy moments on your trip through the Grand Canyon.
Mather Point
This is the quintessential viewpoint in the Grand Canyon and is close to the visitor center, making it easily accessible. You’ll want to snap a photo of your first glance of this incredible world wonder, though most reviews warn you to get there early to beat the crowds.
Grandview Point
Located between the South and East Rims, this quieter part of the canyons is only 20 minutes away from Mather Point and requires no hike. Instead, We Dream of Travel says you’ll catch the perfect sunrise photo here that showcases interesting foregrounds and grand sweeping views of the Grand Canyon.
Horseshoe Mesa
For a more private and secluded experience near Grandview Point, brave the 12-mile loop trail that reaches nearly 5,300ft in elevation. The summit offers jaw-dropping landscapes of the earth tones of the canyons sparkling in the sun for the ideal panoramic shot. Reddit user u/revision brags that “the views exceeded expectations.”
Ooh Ahh Point
This whimsical spot is roughly 2 miles out into the South Kaibab Trailhead in the South Rim of the canyons. First, strike a pose with the adorable wooden sign while you “ooh and ahh” at the view. Reddit user u/stifrontman says he “watched a tourist almost walk himself off the edge trying to frame the perfect picture of a canyon squirrel” there.
When you’re done (safely) snapping your photos, continue to Cedar Ridge for plenty of iconic photo opportunities.
Havasu Falls
Hike your way to a desert oasis hidden in the Havasupai Trailhead of the South Rim. Snap your new photos while you bask in the beauty of the aqua-blue waterfall and pool that so distinctly contrasts with the canyon's reddish-brown surrounding it. Reddit user u/Carley536 had an elegant photo idea here when she asked her friends to strap on headlamps for a night shot.
(Note: due to Covid-19, this location is closed to tourists until 2023).
Cape Royal and Angels Window
Head to Cape Royal in the North Rim for the best sunset photos. The way the sun plays with the colors and shadows is unparalleled in the canyons. The views are vast, stretching east, west, and south as far as the eye can see. Nearby, you can snap a photo at one of the natural arches in the canyons called Angels Window.
The Cape Royal Scenic Drive is ranked 8th on Trip Advisor’s things to do in Grand Canyon Park, though the road is only accessible between May and October.
Point Imperial
You will find the ideal spot for sunrise, stargazing, and night photography at Point Imperial in the North Rim. Head there around sunset or just before dawn and watch as the Milky glitters above distinctly exciting rock formations, both stretching as far as the eye can see. Reddit user u/patricbrusil took his best 1st-anniversary photos here.
Vista Encantada
Famous for its picnic area, this North Rim spot in the Grand Canyon is the most direct view of the sun crossing the horizon at sunset. Though it is a narrow viewpoint, you’ll find a beautiful protruding rock formation to fill in your photo.
Bright Angel Trail
This little 6-mile hike ranked 2nd on TripAdvisor scales down the South Rim base of the Grand Canyon and offers picturesque vistas and awesome rock tunnels to fill your camera roll with. Note: you don’t have to hike the whole 6 miles to get great photo opportunities.
Walhalla Overlook
This North Rim photo spot tends to get the best cloud coverage in canyons, which varies not only in the color of the clouds but also in the canyon as light peeks through them.
Hopi Point
Arguably the most popular photo spot in the Grand Canyon, you’ll find the iconic (sometimes snowcapped) temple and horseshoe-shaped rock formations along the Colorado River at this easily accessible South Rim vista. If you can handle the crowds, you are sure to get the perfect photo, especially at sunset and sunrise.
Desert View Watchtower
Marking the entrance to the East Rim of the canyons, you will find this 70-foot stone watchtower. You can choose to climb and work out your wide-angle lens capturing sweeping 360-degree views. However, the dramatic effect of the watchtower on the cliff's edge is not for the faint-hearted. Michael George’s watchtower photo made a spread in Nat Geo.
Yavapai Point
Make your way to the northernmost lookout of the South Rim to capture the stunning yellow, red, and orange rock formations of the Grand Canyon. Great at sunset, it is also home to Arizona’s Geology Museum. In addition, photographer Zoe Larkin recommends Yavapai point for engagement photos.
Pima Point
Catch the shuttle up to Hermits Road for stunning views of the Colorado River at this last major viewpoint of the West Rim’s rugged canyons. Where Are The Morgans says you’ll get your best photos here at sunset as the rocks gradually change color with the coming darkness, and escape the crowds at Hopi Point.
Mohave Point
Before Pima Point, you can find practically vertical Astro-sized cliffs at Mohave Point on Hermit’s Road. Though it may not seem as spectacular as Pima Point, the red, rough sandstone peak called “The Alligator” makes for a great photo snap.
Navajo Point
Not far west of Desert View Watchtower, you’ll find the highest point of the South Rim, towering nearly 7,500 feet above sea level. Snap your photos of the dramatic red cliffs, Colorado River, and Painted Desert. Pop in your zoom lens to capture the Shiva Temple from there too.
Widforss Point
Though the tip of this secluded 9-mile-long hike may seem a bit daunting to get to, it is well worth the effort in amazing photo ops. Trek through the foliage of the Grand Canyon along the North Rim as the trail teases you with vista points. You will reach unparalleled views of Manu Temple, Buddha Temple, and across to the South Rim at the apex.
Totoweap Overlook
According to the Grand Canyon National Park Service, you’ll want to trek it out to Totoweap Overlook in the North Rim for the unique views of vertigo-inducing cliff-drops and Lava Falls Rapid. However, the challenge is in getting there. You need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance, and you’re in for roughly 3 hours of the bumpiest road ever.
Plateau Point
This challenging 12-mile hike up the Angel Bright Trail is recommended for experienced hikers only and gains an elevation of over 3,000 feet. However, it will lead you to the most serene and breathtaking views overlooking the Colorado River. Avoid the crowds as you get the ideal shots of the South Rim.
Horseshoe Bend
Though this landmark is in Paige, AZ, several hours outside Grand Canyon National Park, the iconic vista point is considered the start of the world wonder. So stroll your way up the simple 15-minute hike and be mindful of the lack of guard rails as you’re snapping that perfect selfie.
Below the Ridge
Take a short hike that descends into its base for a unique view of the Grand Canyon. Descending into the ridge offers strange natural occurrences and unexpected photo opportunities you won’t find at many vista points, like a pine tree growing between two columns of rock at Moran Point.
