Photographing the Grand Canyon is one of my favorite things to do when visiting Arizona. I am sure that I am not the only person who feels this way. Shelley and I drove up from Phoenix and arrived in the middle of the afternoon. We checked into our accommodations for the next two nights. After which we proceeded to go to a trailhead that we’ve never been to before. Prior to our trip, I scoured Google maps and other various mapping programs to find new locations that we had not been to and looked last frequented.
One such location Shoshone point it is on a trail that leads to or from Yaki Point along the Grand Canyon’s South rim.
The Trail to Shoshone Point
As Shelley and I were walking from the pull-off for the trailhead we increased in elevation slowly by a little over 150 feet. Once the grade leveled off we could see the distant north rim of the Canyon with little indication of where the South rim was. Shelley and I happened upon a small side trail. From which we could see the faint edge of the south rim from we were stood on the main trail. Shelley and I Followed this side trail down to the rim. Where we were present a breathtaking view and no other visitors.
Near Shoshone Point
As Shelley and I wander along the rim of the Canyon looking for compositions. We looked for compositions that would include foreground elements with the Canyon as a grand vista in the background. I was able to locate a composition that allowed me to make a sweeping panorama. I made this photograph near Shoshone Point with my Nikon D600 at ISO 100, 24mm, f11, with a 1/10 second shutter speed.
Once Shelley and I finished photographing down this side trail we made our way back to the main trail. We believed that we were almost to Yaki point on that early evening hike. It was only after returning home did I realize that we were actually nearing Shoshone point.
Shoshone Point
Shelley and I arrived at Shoshone Point believing that we had hiked all of the way to Yaki Point. We wandered around looking for possible sunset compositions. The problem that we incurred was with the layers of clouds as they were we would most likely not get enough direct sunlight for sunset. With this in mind, I settled on a composition that included a gnarly tree clinging to the edge of the canyon. I made this photograph with my Nikon D600 at ISO 100, 24mm, f11, and a 1/10 second shutter speed.
The Setting Sun
As the sun was beginning to set on the first day of our Arizona adventure Shelley and I walked back to the trailhead. And just after the sunset, we saw the sky light up with a gorgeous glow. I was reminded that some of the best light comes before sunrise and just after sunset. Remember to always wait until the end of the blue hour. Else you might just miss the best light.
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