We're going to the south rim 1st week in November and are interested in the best stops for sunrise and sunset photographs. Also, interested on food at the south rim and Williams etc. Thanks......

A couple of years back I was at the Grand Canyon around mid-Oct. Also stayed on the south rim, at the Angel Bright Lodge. I have to tell ya, not much choice for food. Unless you want to get in your car and drive faaaaar, you have to eat at the handful of park-run restaurants that are right there in the village. Expect long waits. As for photos, it's all beautiful, trust me!

FYI, while you'll be there a few weeks after we were, it was very hot during the day in the sun and then SUPER cold at night. Be warned to bring a variety of gear!

Cheers!

We are traveling from Colorado to Las Vegas but what to stay in some unique places with good food along the way. Anyone have any suggestions of where to stay? We start in Glenwood Springs and drive west. Thanks!

I disagree with hilaryg. There are at least two good restaurants on the South Rim: one in the El Tovar Hotel and the other is the steakhouse in the Thunderbird Lodge next door. I believe the restaurant in the El Tovar takes reservations (at least they do for hotel guests), it is certainly worth calling. There is a nice bar adjacent to the restaurant if you want to wait, and they have outdoor tables with a great rim view. The steakhouse does not take reservations, but I was there over Columbus Day weekend with a party of 6, and the restaurant was full but we did not wait more than 30 minutes for a table. There is a bar where you can wait. The food and service at both were good. (Of course you are not going to the GC for the food, so bear this in mind.)

As you will be there in November, I think you will have much less in terms of crowds.

I agree with hilaryg that almost anywhere is a good picture spot. The most popular spot for sunset is the area of the south rim called Desert View I believe. There are often ranger talks and poetry readings by rangers at sunset here. Check the daily listing at the visitors centre. The website for the Park also has lots of helpful information www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon

For a good website on sunrise and sunset times (including twilight) by month at various locations around the world, go to sunrisesunset.com, or look at the information put together on the website for the Park at http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/Sunset03.html

donick,

How long to you have for your trip? The fastest way would be to take Interstate 70 but if you have the time, then I can suggest many great places to stop and roads to take. Also it is important to know what time of the year you will be traveling.

I would also suggest you start your own tread with a topic like "Colorado to Las Vegas things to do and see."

Utahtea

Just got back from the Grand Canyon last week. IT WAS WONDERUL. When you enter the park you will be given a park map with Sunset/Sunrise times. It lists the 'best' places - I can't recall the name (it wasn't desert trail). The bus system is wonderul - drops you off - picks you up.

The crowds were not bad - this is off season (I think).

The El Tovar breakfast was the BEST. There were 4 of us and each one had something and no one could stop raving about it (and we had a 8 and 11 year old boys that still talk about the breakfast). We did have a little wait for a table (we didn't have reservations).

We had lunch at the Thunderbird lodge and it wasn't very good - we were a little disappointed. They do have a snack bar.

Dinner at the steak house was very good.