Desert View Watchtower
A historic Mary Colter-designed stone tower offering breathtaking Grand Canyon views and rich Native American-inspired art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Desert View Watchtower
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Mary Colter-designed stone tower offering breathtaking Grand Canyon views and rich Native American-inspired art.
"A must-see stop at the Grand Canyon! The architecture is stunning—rich in history and beautifully designed."
🎯 Arrive Early for Solitude
Get there around 8 AM to have the tower levels to yourself and experience its unique energy.
🚶 Climb to the Top
The climb is worth it for the incredible panoramic views of the canyon and river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Desert View Watchtower Architecture
South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
A 7-story stone tower designed by Mary Colter, blending Native American art with stunning canyon panoramas.
Panoramic Canyon Vistas
Top of the Watchtower
Breathtaking eastern views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River, often less crowded than central viewpoints.
Interior Murals and Artwork
Inside the Watchtower
Discover intricate murals and unique design elements that reflect Native American culture and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Fewer Crowds
Beyond the Views: A Cultural Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Solitude
Get there around 8 AM to have the tower levels to yourself and experience its unique energy.
🚶 Climb to the Top
The climb is worth it for the incredible panoramic views of the canyon and river.
🥪 Grab a Bite
Enjoy yummy sandwiches and pizza at the onsite shop. Restrooms available too.
📸 Capture the Views
This spot is perfect for photos, offering a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Solitude
Get there around 8 AM to have the tower levels to yourself and experience its unique energy.
🚶 Climb to the Top
The climb is worth it for the incredible panoramic views of the canyon and river.
🥪 Grab a Bite
Enjoy yummy sandwiches and pizza at the onsite shop. Restrooms available too.
📸 Capture the Views
This spot is perfect for photos, offering a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon.
🚗 Scenic Drive
Desert View Drive offers multiple viewpoints and overlooks along the rim.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Desert View Watchtower's stunning panoramic views and unique Mary Colter architecture, often noting it's less crowded than other Grand Canyon viewpoints. The historical and cultural elements, including interior murals, are highly appreciated, making it a memorable stop for many. Some minor dislikes include the climb to the top for those with mobility issues.
"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."
Aditi Banerjee
"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!"
Justin Bibee
"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."
Jennifer Huang (亭楨)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Desert View Watchtower is located on the South Rim, about 20-25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village via Desert View Drive. It's a scenic drive along the rim with several pull-offs.
While there isn't direct public transport to the Watchtower itself, the Grand Canyon National Park shuttle system operates within the park. Check the park's official website for current routes and schedules, especially for the East Rim Drive.
Driving your own vehicle or a rental car allows you to stop at various viewpoints along Desert View Drive at your own pace. Consider stopping at Navajo Point and Lipan Point before reaching the Watchtower.
Yes, there is a parking area available at Desert View Watchtower. Arriving early in the morning can help secure a spot more easily.
Desert View Watchtower is very close to the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, making it a convenient first or last stop for those entering or exiting the park from the east.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Grand Canyon National Park requires a park pass. Once inside the park, there are no additional tickets needed to visit Desert View Watchtower itself.
The operating hours for the Watchtower and its facilities can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Grand Canyon National Park website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation.
The entrance fee is for Grand Canyon National Park. Once inside, visiting the Desert View Watchtower and its grounds is typically included with your park admission.
Yes, there is a gift shop at Desert View Watchtower where you can purchase souvenirs, Native American crafts, and other items.
Generally, access to the Watchtower is open to the public during operating hours. However, specific areas might have temporary closures for maintenance or safety. Always check for posted signs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can climb to the top for panoramic views, admire the interior murals and architecture, visit the gift shop, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. There's also a cafe for refreshments.
Most visitors spend about 45 minutes to an hour exploring the Watchtower and taking in the views. You might spend longer if you plan to have a meal or explore Desert View Drive further.
Yes, restrooms are available at Desert View Watchtower, which is convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! The unique architecture and sweeping canyon vistas make Desert View Watchtower an excellent spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Visitors often describe the tower as having a 'really good energy,' feeling peaceful and unique, especially when visited early in the morning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Desert View Watchtower that offers sandwiches and pizza, which visitors have described as 'really yummy.'
While there are dining facilities, picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas within Grand Canyon National Park. Check park regulations for specific guidelines.
The cafe typically serves sandwiches and pizza, providing convenient options for visitors looking for a quick meal.
Visiting early in the morning for the views is recommended. The cafe may be open for breakfast items, but it's best to confirm their opening hours.
Information on specific dietary options is not readily available. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff directly upon arrival for current menu offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the canyon.
The unique architecture of the tower itself, combined with the expansive panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, provides diverse photographic opportunities.
The top of the Watchtower offers the most comprehensive panoramic shots. Additionally, various points along Desert View Drive provide different angles and perspectives of the canyon.
Photography is generally permitted inside the Watchtower, allowing you to capture the intricate murals and architectural details.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast panoramas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details within the canyon. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the surprise element mentioned by visitors: a person demonstrating a remote-controlled R2-D2 robot, which is a delightful and unexpected treat for both kids and adults!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the grand landscapes, the interior murals and intricate design details offer opportunities for close-up shots and capturing the cultural artistry. The surrounding area along Desert View Drive also presents varied perspectives, allowing for a diverse portfolio of Grand Canyon imagery. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for the expansive views and consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Visitors can easily spend an hour or two here, enjoying the tower, grabbing a bite at the cafe, and taking in the scenery. It's a perfect spot to break up a longer road trip or to experience a significant portion of the Grand Canyon's South Rim on a day excursion from nearby towns like Williams.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Mary Colter's Vision
Visitors often remark on the unique energy within the tower, a feeling attributed to its historical significance and thoughtful design. Climbing the seven stories reveals not just the expansive canyon views but also the artistic details that make the Watchtower a cultural landmark. It's a place where architecture, art, and nature converge, offering a richer experience than a simple overlook.
Colter's approach was to create structures that felt authentic to the Southwest, and the Desert View Watchtower is a prime example. The use of local materials and the incorporation of traditional artistic styles ensure that the tower feels like an organic part of the Grand Canyon's story, rather than an imposition upon it.
Experiencing the Views: Beyond the Main Village
The advantage of Desert View is its position, offering a different angle on the canyon's vastness. The drive along Desert View Drive itself is a highlight, with several other notable overlooks like Navajo Point and Lipan Point that are worth stopping at. This scenic route allows for a more leisurely exploration of the South Rim's eastern expanse, providing diverse photographic opportunities and moments of quiet contemplation.
Many visitors find that Desert View provides a more relaxed atmosphere for enjoying sunrise or sunset. The combination of the unique architectural structure and the expansive, less-congested views makes it a must-see for those seeking a more intimate connection with the Grand Canyon's majesty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit