cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

I agree with ricardo7. People, people, people in Summer. Busloads of them. The key is early and late when the best light is. And...the masses of humanity have pressed on to Flagstaff and Williams.

hondo812 Loc: Massachusetts

Make sure you go to Page, AZ. That is home to Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, the "Big Bend", and Antelope Canyon. My daughter and I went on a trip there 2 years ago complete with airplane over the Grand Canyon, a visit to Antelope Canyon, and a lazy boat ride down the Colorado River.

I'd say that Antelope was the best of the three. Especially so if you are a shutterbug. And that is one place that you actually want to visit in the middle of the day to get those beams of light.

As nice as GC is....Utah is better.

lhdiver Loc: Midwest

Be sure to spend several days if you can. The weather can make or break your photos, give it time to change & if it gets dramatic - BE THERE!!

Agedwell Loc: Austin

I detest the overuse of "awesome." Yet, one must have a dead soul to not be awe-struck by The Canyon.

Since a single frame just can't do it justice, it is one of those very rare subjects which deserve several frames stitched together. Many years ago I discovered that a 28mm camera lens and a 3" projector lens rendered a perfect perspective for displaying a 3-frame panorama of matched images. It was damn well stunning when The Canyon was my subject. Used a lot of gas for many trips to both rims.

Arrive in the dark and leave in the dark.

zincgt Loc: Tucson AZ

Been there 4 times and every time is different. Been early and late. Early is best. Sunrise in early March,coming up behind you, with patches of snow is a great scene. Have shot with 35mm and Canon 60D. From 8mm fisheye to crop sensor camera with 70-200f/4L. The wide views you try to get in are probably best. Don't be afraid of an 8mm or 10mm fisheye. If set level either hand held, or on a tripod the effect is minimal. Plus it can be further corrected Post Production. Went last year on train from Williams. Requested the caboose to shoot from rear platform. Had some interesting shots from there. Only down side was we didn't get there until around noon. Light still became ok, as a quick passing shower moved through and left a lot of large shadows on far rim.

zincgt Loc: Tucson AZ

Yeah I've wanted to try that for a couple of years now. Are you referring to the Canyonlands ?

TexasBadger Loc: Wylie, TX

Make sure you have a polarizer. It will help cut tbrough the haze. I recommend shooting from the South Rim at sunrise. Shoot multiple vertical shots overlapping by 25%. Stitch in photoshop. Use a standard or telephoto lens. Use a tripod and manual exposure with the same exposure setting for all shots to be stitched.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I kind of agree with this, but don't want to hijack the thread.

Two years ago I did a "canyon tour" that took me first to Zion, then to Bryce, and finally to the *north rim* of the Grand Canyon.

I shot over 500 photos. And even though I'm not anywhere near a professional, I had more than the average number of good shots (I've posted some here).

Part of the "problem" with the GC is its enormity. My favorite shots are ones in which there are people in them (see http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-206586-1.html). My advice is to go early, stay late, have an extra battery and extra memory cards!

DBCooper

I'm currently in Flagstaff and will tell you that everything I read on this thread is accurate. I go to the Canyon as often as possible, both the south and the north rim and have done 3 rim-to-rim hike/camping treks. Warning: unless you are in very good shape, you cannot go to the river and back in one day safely. The south rim will be horribly crowded during 'tourist' months. This will stretch resources to the max. The north rim is much quieter but will still have a fair amount of people. Make your plans, i.e., reservations NOW. I'm not familiar with the air tours but they are probably spectacular. As for photography, there were a lot of good suggestions here. My opinion is that it is very tough to get a good image of the Canyon. Most end up looking like one of those old Sears back drops. The 'magic hours' are best since haze does make it tougher over the course of the day. As much as I hate to say it, try HDR imaging with a 5 shot bracket. Have an extra battery and mem card. No matter what you do, take plenty of water. Water in plastic bottles is no longer sold in the park but available in several places to refill your own containers. Have a comfortable day pack, comfortable shoes, a wide brim hat and sun screen at a minimum. Bring some good lunchables and trail snacks although food is available at several venues. Parking is better now that the Visitor Center has been expanded but can be tough. Use the shuttle to go all the way to Hermits Rest stopping at each vista point on the way. 7 mile fairly level hike back or return on the shuttle. Have fun! This will be a trip of a lifetime!

hondo812 Loc: Massachusetts

I was thinking more along the lines of Zion, Bryce, and Arches. Of course that whole section of the country is something to see, especially if you are from the East coast.

I also really like the overlook at Hite which is at the top of Lake Powell I think. I wished I could find it. I took a pic at the south rim overlook at GC back in the 70's. It was with an old kodak instamatic but I still managed to capture the size of things. You see, back then planes flew below the rim, well below. And in my shot a 12 seater looks like a tiny white speck.

the hiker Loc: San Diego

yoou can go to the top of the page where it says search and type in Grand Canyon and find the articles that have been posted on the Grand Canyon. It is a beautiful place to see enjoy your trip.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Go to the north side if you have the time. Lots fewer tourists and different perspectives of the canyon await.

Nana Loc: Georgia

Thanks to all for your responses to my question on the Grand Canyon! Since I will be traveling with a group, I won't be able to control the arrival time. :( But I will make as many good pics as possible and record the rest in my mind! LOL And since my fall in NY last year I definitely intend to stay away from the edge!