Grand Canyon National Park/LEON.bin/data/dcx006.doc

Text File | 1995-10-02 | 2KB | 24 lines

There are few places in the world that can rival the Grand Canyon when it comes to sunsets.  Not
only is the sky illuminated, but the walls of the canyon glow and blaze as if on fire.  The entire
park is caught up in the nightly ritual of this stellar changing of the guard, as the sun gives up its
daily post, and the moon assumes the role of guardian of the sky.

Sunsets can make the end of a day in the Grand Canyon marvelous, especially when camping.
There's nothing like cooking around a campfire as the sun goes down and the fire grows brighter
as night is ushered into the park.  Some of the most beautiful sunsets are those at the end of
summer, when the shimmering orb of the sun hangs above the rugged canyon, slowly smoldering
in the sky before gracefully dipping below the horizon.   Brilliant hues of purple, orange, gold, and
red  light up the sky, casting the park in a gentle glow, bidding farewell to yet another wonderful
day.

The procession of night is equally as spectacular, as shades of blue invade the sky, pushing the
sunset pastels farther towards the horizon.  As more and more light leaves the park the blues
become darker, and the horizon across from the dying sun is a deep shade of cobalt.  Eventually
the cobalt cloak covers the entire sky, its stars glittering like diamonds and the moon adorning it
like an ivory broach.

To see a sunset from a point on the rim is unbelievable.  There is a Sunset Tour offered in the
park for those that want enjoy this spectacle from a scenic vantage point.  The tour takes about
ninety minutes, passing by Yavapai or Mojave Point, and continuing through historic Village
areas.  It is a very relaxing tour, and a great way to enjoy the sunset.  Information about the tour
can be obtained at the visitor center.