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Capturing the Monsoons in Grand Canyon NP

GRAND CANYON, Arizona

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by Michael Strickland

Chances for rainbows, lightning, and incredible light. Beautiful panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. Low light pollution for amazing night skies. Little to no hiking if photographing from viewpoints. Duration: A few hours or overnight if you're camping.

Being in the right place at the right time is the biggest challenge when attempting to photograph the monsoons at the Grand Canyon. Paying careful attention to the weather patterns throughout the day can help, but your best bet is to watch the clouds, pick a viewpoint, and take your chances. A few tips to help out:

1) If you want rainbows, head to the west end of the park and set up with the sun towards your back. From this area, the sun lines up well with the canyon during the summer. Head far enough west and you have to catch a bus to get to certain overlooks, so make sure to plan well enough in advance.

2) If you're looking to try to photograph into the sun, head towards Lipan or Desert View overlooks. You'll be looking down the canyon towards the sun and both overlooks offer panoramic vistas of the canyon.

Tip:
  • Lightning! I cannot stress this enough. If you hear thunder less than seven seconds after you've seen the lightning, head to safety IMMEDIATELY.
  • There is always danger when photographing weather of any kind, particularly thunderstorms. In Grand Canyon, there are always chances of flash floods, lightning, and hail, so being prepared and knowing what to do ahead of time is always important.
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Capturing the Monsoons in Grand Canyon NP Reviews

The Monsoons in Arizona can make for some beautiful sunsets and lightening captures. If you get luck enough to catch one at the canyon, you'll be in for a real treat.

If you happen to get lucky with weather, you'll be in for a treat! We were prepared with rain gear and hiked down the bright angel trail a little ways. After the storm passed a beautiful rainbow stretched across the canyon.The icing on the cake...we crossed paths with a big horn sheep on the trail. Epic Stop!

Monsoons anywhere in AZ are worth photographing, but if you can pair it with arguably the grandest (...) view on earth you can get some very dramatic photos. The visual experience without a camera is worth every moment as well.

The storms and color at the GC are intense. Even if it looks like the clouds might obscure sunrise or sunset be prepared, I've had hidden breaks result in some of the best sunsets/sunrises of my life.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Photograph Desert View Watchtower

Photograph a Grand Canyon Sunset at the Desert View Watchtower

Visit the Desert View Watchtower

Camp at Desert View Campground

Backpack the Tanner Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

Sunset Hike the Cape Royal Trail