This is literally first light. The disc of the sun has yet to clear the eastern horizon. Looking over the rim towards Flagstaff, the shadows of the San Francisco Peaks can be seen in the distance. It is a scanned Matte finish image. Can't say I'm happy with he scan, but understand why it had trouble, there just wasn't enough sunlight in the canyon! The foreground aside I posted it for the highlighting of the Temples and Buttes. Camped about six feet from the rim the night before at Cape Final in order to get to this vista before the sun. Just rolled out the sleeping bag under a Pinion tree and fell asleep to the only nightlight I like...the stars! Were allowed to do that back in the day so long as you checked in with the Rangers and had a camp stove(no open fire allowed). It was about 12 years ago I noticed they have blocked the road that goes out to that Cape. Do as they may, they can't block my memories of a grand night so many years ago. Had to go back away into the gallery to acquire this link. The link below will take you to an Autumn image from the same vista(years later) with the sun up high in the sky! To the kind souls that leave their mark whether a comment, rating, or save the image as a fav, you are very much appreciated, thank you!!!

"Mount Hayden vista"