I stayed at Desert Pearl Inn a few years ago for a visit to Zion, etc. and would do so again. I did a long day trip from there to the North Rim. Worked out OK but I did not get to see how the sunlight plays in the GC at sunrise or sunset. What I did get to see was a magnificent starry night sky on the way back while driving through Zion. Almost no traffic, and a star field bright enough to light the canyon (no moon that night). Down in the canyons you are protected from almost all light pollution, which is why you can see so many stars, galaxies, etc.