Desert View Watchtower

What can be said that has not already been said. This is a piece of American history! Towering 70 feet over the rim of the eastern end of the Grand Canyon, this tower is a beacon of inspiration. Designed by Mary Colter and inspired by ancestral Puebloan architecture, this collection of hand crafter stonework and artistic murals is a must see for all visitors of the Grand Canyon. Open to explore inside and out, this is a treat for visitors of all ages. Please do not skip this!

Beautiful stop with incredible views! The Desert View Watchtower is absolutely worth the visit. The lines to climb to the top can be a bit long, but it’s totally worth the wait once you see the breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River below. Along the short walk from the parking lot to the tower, there’s a clean and well-stocked bathroom available — always appreciated in the desert heat! There’s also a convenient deli and gift store where you can grab snacks, drinks, or souvenirs, and it’s one of the spots where you can get your Grand Canyon National Park passport stamp. Overall, this is a must-stop viewpoint — beautiful architecture, great amenities, and one of the most stunning outlooks in the entire park.

It’s a 30 min drive from grand canyon visitor center. The Desert View Watchtower is one of the most striking spots on the South Rim. The stone tower’s design perfectly complements the canyon, and the interior murals beautifully showcase Native American art and culture. It’s a quieter area with fewer crowds, ideal for enjoying the scenery in peace. This viewpoint overlooks the site of the 1956 Grand Canyon aircraft crash — a significant event in aviation history. A must-visit for its incredible views, cultural detail, and quiet reflection.

It's on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, about 20-25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village toward the East Entrance. The Desert View Watchtower, a Mary Colter-designed structure from 1932 with murals, lookout points, and sweeping views. Desert View Drive, is a scenic road along the rim with various viewpoints and overlooks. The views from Desert View are often praised as outstanding. The Watchtower offers eastern views of the canyon and river, plus wide panoramas that are less crowded than the more central Grand Canyon viewpoints. Less crowded compared to the main Grand Canyon Village rim viewpoints, Desert View tends to have fewer crowds esp If you want a somewhat more relaxed spot to enjoy sunrise/sunset without fighting the main tourist traffic.

The Desert View Watchtower offers amazing panoramic views of the eastern Grand Canyon. The tower itself is full of history and unique interior design. The best surprise? A person inside demonstrating a remote-controlled R2-D2 robot — it moves, beeps, and delights both kids and adults alike! If you’re visiting the South Rim, don’t skip this spot.

A must-see stop at the Grand Canyon! The Desert View Watchtower offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon. The architecture is stunning—rich in history and beautifully designed to reflect Native American culture. Climbing to the top is totally worth it for the views alone, and the artwork inside adds so much character and meaning to the experience. It was peaceful, not overly crowded, and a great place to take photos, relax, and soak in the beauty of the canyon from a unique perspective. Whether it's your first visit to the Grand Canyon or your tenth, don’t miss this spot!

This place was cool, both inside and out. It is nicely decorated and provides a great view with $.25 viewers on the top floor. Absolutely beautiful surroundings.

Beautiful place and wonderful canyon views. Climbing the stairs in the watchtower is very cool. Also a nice gift shop is inside.

Located about 32 miles east of the famous Grand Canyon south entrance. The Desert View Watchtower is also a must see. The watchtower interior is built like a castle with a 3 level circular staircase with only one way up and one way down. You will also enjoy some spectacular views of the G.C. The lot has restrooms, souvenir shops, ice cream, and believe it or not a Starbucks.

This historical landmark offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River from its watchtower, It's was an absolute worth it of our visit to the South Rim! The tower entrance is inside the gift shop with unique souvenirs, and restrooms. There is no additional fee to go to the top but there will probably be a line unless you arrive early. They only allow 25 people at a time into the tower, so the line can build quickly if people are taking their time inside the tower. Climbing the tower was such a cool experience. Each level offers something unique, with historic wall drawings, murals, and architectural details that tell a story as you go up. These impressions cannot be conveyed in pictures. You have to experience it for yourself. I think it's beautiful going for sunrise or sunset. It's very convenient parking , Ample parking is available, and for those opting for public transport, a convenient bus service is also offered.

This tower was a good spot to visit on our trip , it is a pretty unique building with very nice views of the canyon and has an observation deck . Also has a small gift shop inside and has a bigger gift shop next door and a place to grab some food and coffee and ice cream. One thing to keep in mind they limit the number of people allowed so there might be a bit of a wait involved . If you have a group of x number of people before they let you in x number of people have to leave. Deck and ground floor has reflectoscopes mounted around. Check it out.

There are no bad spots for views of the Grand Canyon. I do like this particular spot as it's one of the first view at the entrance of the National Park (or last if you're leaving). Also virtually no one is here if you come early (just after sunrise) if you're looking for those perfect photo shoots with no one around. There's also a memorial for the United Airlines crash that happened in the area in 1956. Good stop to use the bathroom and there's of course a gift shop in the area because this is America.

The view was fantastic of course! It wasn't too busy when I went early Sunday and a Monday Afternoon. Definitely stop by the Desert View Watchtower! Nice little store inside too.

We arrived at the Grand Canyon on the later side, so it was after business hours for the Watchtower. The overlook here served as our first glimpse of the canyon, though, and we were able to use the restrooms here. Admittedly, they were pretttty grimy. Ample parking. Stunning views. Closest overlook to the South Rim's East entrance.

Beautiful tourist attraction on one's way to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Just be sure you're stopping by during regular business hours, or they won't let you in to check out the inside of the Watchtower. Free access and free parking (after paying the required $35 fee to enter the Grand Canyon vicinity). Restrooms and water nearby.

The Desert View Watchtower is a great place to check out the views of the Grand Canyon. There's plenty of parking, and the views are absolutely beautiful. On the day I went, they opened up the tower entrance to the upper floors at about 9 am. There is a little market and restrooms located outside of the tower.

The Desert View Watchtower was one of my favorite places to get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon. It's approximately a 30-45 minute drive from the Grand Canyon Village, but it's well worth the journey. The drive to this destination was heavenly, with numerous lookout points along the way. While we stopped at a few of them, if you're pressed for time, I recommend skipping those and heading directly to the Desert View Watchtower, as it offers the best view along that route. In contrast to the viewpoints within the Grand Canyon, the Desert View Watchtower provides ample parking space. The path from the parking lot to the tower is ADA accessible. There is only one restroom, and the line can become quite long. The view itself is mesmerizing, offering a sweeping vista of the canyon and the Colorado River that flows through it. During my visit, it was quite windy, but I can only imagine how hot it might be on other days. The tower appeared to be blocked off (though I'm not entirely sure if access is available by purchasing a ticket).

A scenic view worth stopping when you're in the southern rim of Grand Canyon. Excellent views of the canyon and distant river along with the historic desert watchtower.

I've been making frequent trips to the Grand Canyon ever since I got a national park pass a couple years ago. I usually drive to the South Rim through Tusayan, but wanted to change things up on my most recent trip to get a different perspective. Desert View is a small settlement on the South Rim that is located about 20 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. This area gives you some of the first views of the Grand Canyon from the East side. The Desert View area has parking for both cars and RV's, restrooms, an outdoor visitor center, gas pumps, a trading post and a market. Nearby is also a campground. The Desert View Watchtower is an iconic structure that can be seen from quite a distance away. It was built in 1932 and designed by architect Mary Colter. You are able to enter and explore the lower level of the tower called the Kiva Room. Just outside the watchtower is Desert View Point. At this viewpoint you can see the Colorado River make a sharp 90-degree turn to the west. If you drive west on Desert View Drive, there are quite a few other beautiful viewpoints along the way until you get to Grand Canyon Village. If you are traveling on the on US 89, you can get to Desert View by turning west onto State Route 64 in Cameron, AZ. Then travel about 25 miles until you get to the East Entrance. The Desert View area is after you enter the park.

Another fantastic feature in GCNP. Built in 1932 this four story tower allows expansive views of the Eastern portion of the park. The tower has a gift shop on the first floor and there are surrounding building and structures. There are also services at this location. In addition there is a memorial plaque for the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision in which over 120 people died which occurred near, but in a closed off section of the park. This spot tends to not be as crowded as the majority of people stay near the Grand Canyon Village area. For my money it is a good way to exit the park as the road will eventually take you back to Flagstaff. In addition once you leave the park there are non GC related places to stop like the Wupatki National Monument etc.

Absolutely breathtaking and worth the drive out!! Try to come when you are able to go up into the watchtower!

absolutely must see! amazing spot with outstanding views. as for the watchtower itself it's organized so it's a huge wait for folks walking up. only certain amount of ppl per time for a certain window and the line accumulated was for waiting another 20 minutes to see the top

The Desert Watchtower offers a downright amazing and unique views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. I would say that it rivals the views you can see from the South Rim. It is worth a stop if you have the time to take the back road across from the South rim entrance. Or you could always enter through the other gate. There are a couple small gift shops, a cafe, and the Watchtower itself to explore in the area. There are also a couple nice trails that go around the edge and you can get some pretty awesome views in places that are not as crowded as some of the main photograph areas. As for the Watchtower, on the inside there are some pretty amazing windows with killer views, and there is a gift shop. You can go upstairs to explore as well. On the outside of the Watchtower, there is an observation deck where you can get it even better. View of the canyon below. When we came here in late December 2021, it was freezing cold. There was snow on the ground and the surrounding mountains. It was absolutely beautiful. Next time we're down this way, will definitely explore some of the trails that start from this location as they look to be pretty epic. Five stars!

This place is a must stop if you're in the South Rim. We drove from the Village, took about 25 minutes. Many stops along the way. The tower has a gift shop with t-shirts, etc. The tower has several levels you can look out windows along the way. The top is simply epic. I could have stood there all day. I can't recommend it highly enough. The gift shop and cafe on site has more gifts. The hot coffee was welcome on this snowy day.

What a beautiful place to check out. Being from Alaska, this was something crazy for my bf and I.we loved every minute of it and would 100% come back. The little stores are nice and the views of course are breathtaking

Gorgeous view...tower was closed but we didn't miss anything. Really good way to see another view of canyon.

We came in early to beat the crowds on a Saturday. Due to pandemic the road is closed that goes into Cameron Arizona. You have to come from Tusayan. There were less than a dozen cars in the parking lot. That was good. We enjoyed the near solitude to admire the iconic Tower. All buildings were closed. Toilets were 4 ports potties in the parking lot. Views from the overlook are some of the best in the canyon. You can see a couple of long sections of the Colorado river. On the way here we saw Cow Elk, Deer and wild Turkeys.

This was our first stop on our Grand Canyon trip. Beautiful views from inside the building too. The stairs were closed.

Beautiful place! We drove over here and it was a 45 min drive. They had construction going, but worth the wait. They have several stores and the access to the tower is free!

The Desert View Watchtower sits at the edge of the Grand Canyon. It is a stone tower but in 1932 as a monument to remember a time, a place and the Puebloan people. From the tower you can see the Colorado River and miles of the Grand Canyon. On the main floor there is a small gift shop and information area. If you look up on the first floor you will see a beautiful spiral staircase leading up to the top. The building is a four story structure with beautiful murals painted on the stone. My favorite was the Hopi Room where the artist used the Hopi Snake Dance as inspiration for his artwork. You can take all the time that you want admiring the views and the artwork. The staircase gets crowded at times but everyone seemed relaxed and patient. It is a very enjoyable experience.

07/29/17 - We came down from Page AZ on the way to Sedona and went west on Highway 64 to the entrance of the south rim of The Grand Canyon. As we passed through the hallowed gates in The heart of Navajo country We passed the entry marked by a sign "Grand Canyon National Park" as you enter on the SE end of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is 277 mile east to west and 18 miles north to south at its widest point (and we complain about potholes in Chicago). The first lookout into the Canyon is defined by the Landmark "Desert View Watchtower". This is the first observation point in the south rim of The Grand Canyon. The Watchtower is a 70 foot masonry tower with multiple levels that you can access via a staircase inside. After our initial awe of the splendor that is the Grand Canyon we spent some time inside the Watchtower. The first photos show the inside of the tower. To think that the Grand Canyon was created over millions of years as the Colorado River slowly worked its way through the canyons eroding the red rock and creating this work of God. How else can you explain something that is as awe inspiring as The Grand Canyon. This is something that needs to be seen first hand as pictures don't begin to do it justice. You can get a feel for the size, but unfortunately pictures can't recreate the magnitude & depth of the Canyon.

Really pretty view! Unfortunately the watch tower was closed but still was able to get photos! Can't wait to see how they turned out!

We have reached the tower at 4:25 PM on 12/24/2022 & the lady volunteer over there said we can't make it before 5 PM and asked us not to make the waiting queue. So we respected her advice & left the queue to view the canyon from ground floor windows. People that came after us were allowed to stand in the queue & to our surprise, they all did make it to the tower before 5 PM. The lady over there misled us & we really missed an opportunity to view the canyon from the tower (we drove almost 4 hours to experience it). What I've learnt is - you don't have to be so polite & blindly follow what these people say. Be there before 4:30 PM & even if the volunteer discourage you saying that you may not make it, you stand in the queue until they literally close it down. Don't lose the opportunity like us by those volunteer's misguidance.

If you've been to the Grand Canyon but haven't been up in the Desert View Watchtower ... you really haven't been to the Grand Canyon. Designed by Mary Colter and opened in 1932, it is part of the first viewing point seen from those entering through the Grand Canyon's eastern end -- but, oddly enough, it's at the southern end of the GC. Colter did a great job designing the tower. First, the tints of brown in its stone masonry fit perfectly among the backdrop of the canyon. Designed to resemble an Ancient Pueblo Peoples' watchtower, the interior has drawings by Hopi artist and mural painter Fred Kabotie and definitely give that Ancient Pueblo vibe. While at the bottom level, don't forget to look up! It's a great view of the spiral staircase and the ceiling mural enveloped in the design of a sun. It feels somewhat like a British castle as you wind up from level to level. The staircase walls have little windows to view the canyon and each level provides a panorama of unique views. Depending on the time of year and wind, you may be able to go out on the roof. It's really a must-see. BEAUTIFUL VIEWS! They've also found a way to put what IMHO is the best Grand Canyon gift shop (and bookstore) at the bottom level. I'll see you at the Watchtower ... be on time!

We only scheduled a 1/2 day visit to the Grand Canyon so pinpointing only a few stops was imperative. After reading Roger H's review the Desert View Watchtower it seemed like the best bang for the buck. You get to climb up into the tower and there are also plenty of views of the Canyon. This areas also seemed less crowded than the Visitor Center area. This might be because of it's remote location and the fact there are no trams that go here. We got several great pictures from this location. Recommended stop, and should be mandatory if you enter the South Rim Park from the East Entrance. They also sell food and previsions. Tips - There is a snack bar here. Do not get the pre-made sandwiches, grab a fresh made sandwich from their deli. - Check out the free Tusayan ruins and museum on your drive from the tower to the Grand Canyon Village.

At the edge of Grand Canyon, the Desert View Watchtower is worth a stop. There's not just a tower here with great views and a small gift shop with murals. There's also a store with ice cream. Access is all free - other than the $35 to get into the national park. One of the most spectacular views of the Canyon as well - it's the first lookout coming in from the south rim.

Really a beautiful piece of history to explore. Take the time to go and set your eyes on a piece of history.

Great viewpoint to see the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River snaking through. It's not as crowded as the rest of the park either which is a plus.

Wow, this is one of the best places to go when you are visiting the amazing Grand Canyon! The Watchtower is located along Desert View Drive. It is at the Desert View Visitors Center stop. Not as busy as most of the other stops along the South Rim. There is a nice gift shop inside the Watchtower. Learn about the history of the Grand Canyon and the Watchtower. Best reason to visit is for the fantastic views and photo opps! Beautiful!

A great place to stop either on your way in or out of the national park. There's no extra fee for this place. Great view. Good exercise walking up all the stairs. :) Nice historical tower. Highly recommend!

If you're not doing a one day bus tour, and have your own transportation, definitely head east to the South Rim east entrance. Not only will you pass by less crowded, yet still spectacular vantage points, you'll get to see the Desert View Watchtower. The Watchtower is a Mary Colter building, who designed some of the other buildings in the park. It is reminiscent of a Pueblo - style structure. Inside the tower there are murals and a gift shop. Sometimes they have guest speakers and tours. You can go up the tower to the very top, or to a little lookout area outside in the middle. It's a great stop if you have more than a day at the South Rim.

I loved this place. It was amazing. The details were so provocative telling the stories of the people that were here long before us. Mary Colter was an amazing female and so ahead of her time. It's a must on your visits to the Canyon.

The most amazing view at the south rim. We walked here since the entrance is closed and it was worth it. The view is breathtaking, there was no people yayy lol it was so beautiful and peaceful. This is a must if you visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

We had an awesome experience. Arrived at the golden hour of 4:30pm and it wasn't a crowded afternoon. The views and just being there is a life-changing experience. It aspired me to travel more, take that trip, just go - pedal to the metal.

Words can't come close to describing the awe inspiring spectacle of the Grand Canyon. Then add the architectural masterpiece that Mary Colter built paying tribute to all of the native peoples of the Canyon region - the Desert View Watchtower. Now maintained and protected by the National Park Service this is a Must Stop while touring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We visited at the tail end of February during a warming spell so we were able to enjoy the surrounding Park, as well as, a short walk up the Tower stairs. The narrow, railed stairs stop a 3 circular landings to gain a different perspective of the Tower's interior and view ports at key locations before walking further upward. Take full advantage of all views from on each level. Also make sure to visit the roof terrace mid way up the tower. The views are breathe taking no matter where you're standing! The interior base of the Tower represents a Shaman's Ceremonial chamber reaching to the roof (heavens) above. The main entrance consists of a gatherings space and a small Park gift shop. The Park itself offers a Snack Cafeteria, restrooms, and plenty of outdoor spaces to picnic. February was a less crowded time of year, but the Park does provide ample parking and tours for busier times of the year.

Stopped by on our way from the South Rim to Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend. The stairs of the tower was closed due to winter? (Went in early Jan) but the stop was worth it. Beautiful views whichever Canyon you look at. People were taking photos at the right of the tower, but the left side was also breathtaking with few people.

Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim. Extremely busy when we went in the afternoon. It's a nice view in the surrounding areas, the exterior.. but going inside amongst crowds of people, it was uncomfortable. I did brave the crowds indoors and went all the way up as well as the outdoor deck on the second floor. I felt a bit of anxiety inside. Too many people. There's a store and restrooms onsite. It's nice to see and walk around, learn the history of it.. It gets crowded but you don't have to spend an incredible amount of time there.. but at the same time you can if you want to.

Closed due to covid but definitely an awesome spot to check out. The building is amazing and view is awesome. You can see a good amount of the Colorado river.

One of my favorite viewpoints in the Grand Canyon. The watchtower itself is lovely, but it's fully enclosed and doesn't have open-air views at the top, which is a missed opportunity IMO. Seeing the Canyon through a window doesn't beat just seeing it in the open air. But it's still an amazing viewpoint!

We entered The South Rim of the Grand Canyon on the east side and the Desert View Watchtower was the first first observation point we visited. The Desert View Watchtower is also known as the Indian Watchtower. The Desert View was the very first glimpses of The Grand Canyon we got to see. I love all of the old stones and how it towers overhead high in the sky standing at 70 ft. They had Native American women and children doing sewing and needlework inside. The Native American wall murals are carefully crafted and you can see all of the attention to detail in each piece of art. Additionally, etched across the ceilings and walls on each level is beautiful and awe-inspiring paintings and symbols. We went round and round the spiral staircase unto the third circular level and there we had a 360° panoramic view from observation deck. There were a lot of people here, and narrow steps with tight walkways on the stairway so walking up each level took a little time and maneuvering to move around freely. The elevation from this viewpoint is over 7,000 ft. and you can see parts of the North Rim and Colorado River. I would definitely recommend others to visit the Desert View/Indian Watchtower and spend some time immersing yourself in the traditional native Hopi artwork. Climb to the top and see the massive and incredible views of the Grand Canyon.

Really cool first stop on our journey through the South Rim. This is where I saw the Grand Canyon for the very first time. Absolutely breathtaking!! There is food, bathrooms and a large watch tower you can get some cool views at.

This is an amazing place. Pictures try to do it justice, but they can't. You just need to go experience it. From the moment you walk up to the tower you're just in awe. The view extends for miles, including the river and an amazing sheer wall that leads up to - you guessed it - the desert floor. You. Must. Go. The bookstore apparently recently moved inside the Tower and the staff (volunteers I think) were so friendly and patient with the tourists (including me). The nice cashier even opened and helped me start my National Parks Passport by showing me where in the book I needed to put my visiting stamp. Well done!

See the sunrise here!!!! The tower is a world heritage site and you are able to climb into the tower and learn about the history of the native tribes and their culture. Not to mention the amazing views from the balcony

My personal favorite view but very disappointed watchtower closes so early before sunset! That was a major bummer. Can't remember the exact time, but it's 5 or 5:30. Wish we had known before making the epic drive out to it. Still an incredible sunset at this viewpoint.

This will be the most the busiest and last stop along your desert view drive. The watchtower itself isn't very interesting. But there's food and snacks as well as gift shopping. The views however are stunning. If you hike down a bit from the watchtower you'll have great views of the Colorado river. Perfect shots at sunset.

This is beautiful. it's the first place we stopped for our view of the Grand Canyon...and it was amazing. Highly recommend. Easy walk.

Definitely worth the 45 minute drive from the South Rim! Excellent and different views of the canyon...and a great view of the Colorado River! The observation deck has a breathtaking overlook...and I'd say it's worth climbing the stairs to an even more impressive views...plus the artwork inside the walls on the climb up is pretty interesting to look at. A great free attraction!