Just before embarking on a journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon last summer, a lightning strike ignited a significant wildfire across the canyon on the North Rim. This wildfire inflicted considerable damage to historic structures on the North Rim. Fortunately, aside from some smoky skies, the South Rim remained unaffected by the flames.
While the fire was undeniably destructive, it also presented unique opportunities for photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset. In this image, as dawn breaks over the Grand Canyon, a current of wildfire smoke drifts silently through its ancient corridors. The smoke weaves between the layered cliffs and mesas, mimicking the flow of the Colorado River below.
In the foreground, a solitary tree stands as a quiet witness to the dawn of a new day. It is silhouetted against a sky ablaze with the soft hues of sunrise. The interplay of smoke from the wildfire burning in the distance along the North Rim and the early morning light creates a surreal atmosphere, enhancing the beauty of this sunrise scene.
