On Sunday I enjoyed a marvelous monsoon day at Grand Canyon. I love the rain especially now that I live in the SW. And as long as it’s not too hard. But visitors to Grand Canyon want blue skies and no rain for their canyon views.
I spent a lot of time giving pep talks to visitors disappointed in not seeing the full canyon. But everyone has seen Grand Canyon’s red rock under Arizona blue sky. It’s truly a unique experience to see clouds play in and out of the canyon.
This is my seventh summer working on the North Rim and I’ve only seen this one to two times a summer. When the canyon and temples peak out of the clouds the view is beyond words.
I drove out on the Walhalla Plateau through foggy patches of forest, destination Walhalla overlook for a 1:30p Archeology talk.
Arrived 12:45 under a soft female rain so sat in the truck eating lunch and enjoyed the non-view into the canyon wondering if I’d really be giving a program or not.
The rain stopped about 1:20 and a family of four joined me at the rim asking if I was giving the 1:30 talk. It was rather informal as we all began taking photos of the canyon peaking out of the clouds.
Camera wouldn’t focus on the foggy sky and unfortunately I forgot to put it back on auto focus until later.
Hurried out to the end of the road to Cape Royal hoping for more fantastic monsoon views and had to stop on the way to catch Angels Window. Note the people on top where a short trail leads to.
As I walked the short trail to the Cape a few glimpses of the canyon showed between the clouds and at one point a window opened to reveal sun shinning on the far canyon walls.
Then it closed in again and at the end of the trail was socked in completely. Yet I hung out knowing how quickly that can change.
A family from the Netherlands got so excited when tiny windows opened. All of us would run from one side of the overlook to the other sharing in the joy of seeing the canyon.
A few other visitors came out, “didn’t see anything” and left disappointed although I encouraged them to stay.
All too soon it was time for me to leave, not an easy thing to do considering the marvelous monsoon conditions. I am reminded of Merlin’s dragon’s breath.
One last stop at the Walhalla overlook where I could see the curve of the Colorado River.
And a quick stop for the wildflowers.
Then after a marvelous monsoon day at Grand Canyon and dinner it was back to the Lodge for an evening program. Rangers get paid in sunsets.
OMG! The photos are stunning. I’ve never been in Grand Canyon. I’ll make an effort this time.`
Stunning. I love the clouds in the canyon. Oh, and Angels Window – just as it should be, shrouded in mystery…
Pretty spectacular.
Like you say, I’ve seen the North Rim under sunny skies, and seeing it like this would be my next goal. I like the ‘soft female rain’. Never heard that one before, but very a propos. I love the Walhalla view. And I recognized Angels’ Window.
Maybe next visit in early September for monsoon and the beginning of fall colors.
Absolutely it is spectacular!
I think so.
That WAS marvelous, Gaelyn. I backpacked the canyon once many years ago when we had every type of weather imaginable. It’s a vivid memory for me.
The canyon really can throw just about any kind of weather at you.
Great images…I can only hope for such a marvelous day when I visit the North Rim in early September!
Maybe if monsoon hangs around into September.
I’m with you…..but because we live here. I suppose if I flew across the world to see the Grand Canyon covered in clouds, I might be a little disappointed. But I’m not so if there was rain, I’d be thrilled. I won’t forget that night we stayed with you and it snowed!!! It was so wonderful!
Problem is many people don’t plan to spend enough time at the canyon. The next day was clear and sunny.
I just love these pictures and would definitely be thrilled to pay peek a boo with the canyon. I do feel sorry for people on a two week vacation but perhaps they should learn to spend 2 weeks in one place rather than 10 so they can really experience that one place.
Agreed that a lot of people try to cram too many places into a short vacation. Guess you’ll have to plan your trip for monsoon season.
Lucky you. I’ve been there when the clouds fill the canyon and then dissipate within minutes. It’s a light show extraordinaire.
Maybe happen again on next year’s visit.