Went to the Grand Canyon last month and nobody talks about the crowds at sunrise

Everyone says to go at sunrise for the peaceful views. I got there at 5 AM. There were like 200 people at Mather Point. All fighting for the same selfie spot. Why do people act like it's some secret quiet time when it's packed? Has anyone else noticed the popular spots are just as busy at dawn?

2 comments

2 Comments

loganthompson23d ago

Yeah but the real issue is the park service has been quietly promoting sunrise as a way to spread people out from the midday rush, which just shifts the problem to a different time slot. They know exactly how many people are coming but they'd rather let everyone think they're getting some secret experience than actually limit the crowds. The whole thing's a marketing trick to make you feel special while they pack you in like sardines.

david_rivera423d ago

My buddy Dave went to Horseshoe Bend last spring. He got there at 4:30 AM specifically to beat the crowds. Walked up and there was already a line of maybe 60 people with their tripods all set up. One guy was literally yelling at some tourist for walking into his shot. Dave just stood there for like 10 minutes, took a quick phone pic of the sunrise and left. Said it felt more like a concert queue than a nature experience.