The Heavens Opened
The Heavens Opened
Grand Canon NP, AZ
Image by Rob Strain @ robstrain.com
By far, most visitors to the Grand Canyon arrive in the summer months. They miss out on some spectacular winter light and the potential of snow along the Rim. The depth of the canyon and rising heat from the base help to generate fog and clouds as storm fronts pass through. With a bit of patience, you will be rewarded as sunlight periodically breaks through the fluffy blankets that spread around the canyon.
Winter at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a special time for photographers. As storm fronts pass through, the canyon generates a wide range of weather phenomena. Mix in a bit of sunlight and you’ll be happily clicking away. Bring gloves!
Images and location summary by Rob Strain.
Trail Difficulty - EASY
The hike to this location is easy, unless it is icy, then just use care.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
7,080 Ft. Elevation
Photography Tips
This image was taken from a location near Mather Point. With its broad 180-degree view, there will be many options to catch the buttes and towers popping out in sunlight, especially early and late in the day when the sun is low.
Following most snowfalls, the park service clears the trails along this part of the Rim. If it’s icy, however, having trekking poles or traction devices such as Microspikes will help you stay safe as you use a few of the steps to reach the railed area.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Visitor Center parking area.
Cameron, AZ, and the Grand Canyon Village are the closest communities to this location.
From Tusayan, AZ - drive north until you see signs for the Visitor Center parking and enter at your first opportunity.
From The East Entrance to the Grand Canyon – after passing through the EAST Entrance, drive for 21.7 miles until you reach a T in the road. Turn right on South Entrance Rd and drive for about a mile. Take a right into the Visitor Center parking lot.
Drive to the northwest corner of the lot to get as close to the Rim as possible before parking. Take the paved trail from the corner of the lot, then turn left to reach the location. There are restrooms nearby. Check road conditions before planning to come via the East Entrance in winter because Desert View Road is sometimes closed due to snow and ice..
Google Earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 215 mm (crop sensor)
Exposure – 1/250th sec @ f 5.6
ISO – 160
Date – Feb 10th
Best Time of Day to Shoot
During the winter, you may end up with outstanding light at any time of the day. If it snows overnight, then the morning will bring you the most snow. Any time up to a couple of hours after sunrise or before sunset is most likely to give you deeper natural saturation of colors on the red rocks of the canyon.
Best Time of Year
TBy far, most visitors to the Grand Canyon arrive in the summer months. They miss out on some spectacular winter light and the potential of snow along the Rim. The depth of the canyon and rising heat from the base help to generate fog and clouds as storm fronts pass through. With a bit of patience, you will be rewarded as sunlight periodically breaks through the fluffy blankets that spread around the canyon.
The above shot was taken on Feb 10th
Lens(es) Needed
You can use lenses ranging from 100 - 300 mm.
The image above was taken at 215 mm (crop sensor)
Birds-Eye View From Google Earth Pro
Permits
The location of the shot is located in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. As of the writing of the summary (June 2025) the entry fee was $35 per vehicle. Once in the park there are no other permits required.
Direction of the Shot
There are many compositions to shoot at this location - most of them are going to be pointing north between 290° and 10°.
Equipment Needed
Other than a tripod, no special photography equipment is needed unless you plan on doing a panoramic shot. You may consider using a polarizing filter to help reduce the glare and dust that usually hangs over the canyon.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Mather Point is one of the most popular overlooks in the Grand Canyon. However, the location of this shot is about 150 yards east of Mather Point and the crowds are usually smaller at this location.
Weather
This part of the south rim of the Grand Canyon is at 7,000 ft elevation. In the winter, it can be very cold and receive lots of snow. In the summer, it can easily reach the high 90’s°. As with other high desert locations, the Grand Canyon has fairly large swings in temperature from mid-day to evening. In the summer, the days can be very hot, and the evening can be mild to cool.
Cell Service
I have Verizon and cell service can be spotty to good.
Area Guides and Workshops
Rob Strain - offers a Monsoon workshop.