I didn't realize the fog inversion layer at the South Rim would cause such a stir. But apparently it blew up on social media and everyone's talking about it and sharing pictures. It's a rare event and quite miraculous.

Indeed, any of us who saw Mother Nature perform this trick should consider themselves lucky. If not, the next best thing is a sunrise and a sunset. I usually get lots of questions about this during the summer months. However, winter also has its fair share of incredible moments.

The question on everyone's mind is "where is the best place to see the fireball do it's magic?" Really depends on which rim you are visiting. There are two: South Rim and West Rim. The former is in central Arizona north of Phoenix and the later is 120 miles east of Las Vegas.

South Rim

Let's tackle the South Rim first. Sunrise is especially pleasant because you'll have fewer people jostling with you for the edge. Pretty much any of the lookout points along the Rim Trail are great for viewing. In fact, there's a terrific place right behind El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge (yes, it's that easy!). Or you can get adventurous and head east to Yavapai Point or Yaki Point. If you take that option, check The Guide, the Park Service's official newspaper, for shuttle times (both are free and buses do run early specifically for "sunrisers").

Sunset can be a bit challenging in that everyone and his brother is doing it. Hopi Point is the most popular spot. I've done it and the experience is phenomenal. But it did require some planning. For instance, I had to get there 45 minutes prior to sunset. Then I had to crowbar myself between a photographer with a giant camera and a mom/baby/stroller (apologies to her if she's reading this). Then there was the bus ride back, which brought back memories of riding the NYC subway after work. One spot that die-hards love is Lipan Pt. but it requires you to self-drive.

Here's a chart I got from the National Park Service showing sunrise and sunset for the next three months ending February 2014:

SUNRISE & SUNSET TIMES: Date Sunrise Sunset November 01 6:51 a.m. 5:32 p.m. November 15 7:05 a.m 5:21 p.m. December 01 7:20 a.m. 5:14 p.m. December 15 7:31 a.m. 5:16 p.m. January 01 7:39 a.m. 5.25 p.m. January 15 7:39 a.m 5:37 p.m. February 01 7:29 a.m. 5:54 p.m. February 15 7:16 a.m 6:09 p.m.

Next, download this PDF published by GNCP that goes into detail on sunrise/sunsets. I recommend you save to it to your smart phone. It's really handy to access and the Park's Wi-Fi can be a bit shaky, especially if you are away from Grand Canyon Village.

West Rim

It's difficult to find sunset and sunrise times for the West Rim. I've scoured the Net and nothing of substance turned up. However, I'm confident you can base it off of Las Vegas' times. Head here to run a 10-day forecast.

Sunrise can be a bit challenging unless your staying somewhere near the West Rim like Grand Canyon Ranch. Otherwise, you're going to drive it from Las Vegas, which takes about 2.5 hours. If you're set on doing this, go for it, but be prepared as the road leaves a lot to be desired and it can get pretty remote out there if you blow a tire.

One way that's proving popular is to take the first helicopter or airplane tour of the day. These are called "early birds" and for good reason: they depart around 7 a.m. during winter and there's no guarantee that you'll be on the ground or on the Skywalk as the sun raises its head. Most likely you'll see the spectacle while airborne, which is tremendously cool because you'll get a panorama of the canyon bathed in golden light.

I do not recommend taking the first helicopter landing tour this time of the year. It's cold at the bottom and there's a good chance that the sun won't hit your spot down there until after sunrise. However, these early flights are very cheap. Plus it's Vegas, baby, so why not push your luck and see what happens, right? Go here to search helicopter tours that land at the bottom & see if any of them are available the day you're in town.

West Rim sunsets are an entirely different story. All Las Vegas tours operators offer them and charge more them, too. Is it worth the extra expense? Absolutely. There's nothing quite like being in the bowels of the planet as the sun's final rays hit it and the Colorado River. Plus, if you get a flight that includes the Las Vegas Strip, you'll see it in its full neon glory as well (in fact I recommend doing this if you go the sunset heli route). Here's more info about Sunset heli flights.

Via Airplane, Bus

When it comes to airplane tours and sunsets, the only one that truly accomplishes that goal is the air-only. Take the last one of the day and you'll be good to go. I also recommend upgrading to a window seat. Here's info about that plane ride. Bus travelers are out of luck. They arrive at either rim mid-day and come back at night. I wish it was different for you guys but it's the way these trip are set up and there's no sign of them changing.

However you do it, I hope you get to experience a Grand Canyon sunrise/sunset. It's a surreal event that I find brings the Canyon alive (much like the monsoon season that runs from July through September). And if you can't swing it, no worries. I assure you that the National Park will utterly amaze you.

Buy Grand Canyon Sunset/Sunnrise Tours Here

Travel on!

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