Colorado River from Grandview Point
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Grandview Point

4.9
·7k reviews·Grand Canyon Village, United States

A breathtaking South Rim viewpoint offering expansive panoramas of colorful canyons, ridges, and the Colorado River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Colorado River from Grandview Point

Grandview Point

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking South Rim viewpoint offering expansive panoramas of colorful canyons, ridges, and the Colorado River.

4.9
(7k reviews)

"It was nice to see a wider view than the one seen at Mather Point. And because there are relatively few people, it was good to take pictures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Ample parking is available right at the viewpoint, making it convenient for most visitors.

📸 Great Photo Spot

The viewpoint offers unique angles for memorable photos, especially from the trail's edge.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Canyon Views

Panoramic Canyon Views

South Rim

Experience a breathtaking, wide-angle panorama of colorful canyons, rugged ridges, and the winding Colorado River.

Grandview Trail Access

Grandview Trail Access

Off the main viewpoint

Wander down a short, rugged trail for unobstructed, more intimate views and unique photo opportunities.

Photography Opportunities

Photography Opportunities

From the parking lot and trail edges

Capture stunning photos of the vast landscape and unique angles, especially with people on the point.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Grandview Point

Grandview Point is a popular South Rim viewpoint. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible, as weekends can get busy, especially during peak season. Reddit

Park Entry & Timing

Entry to Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle, or free with an America the Beautiful pass. Reddit Grandview Point itself is easily accessible from the parking lot, but for more adventurous shots, a short hike down the Grandview Trail is possible. Allow about 30 minutes for a quick visit, or longer if you plan to explore the trail. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Going to the Grand Canyon for the first time...what’s a MUST SEE?!

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Ample parking is available right at the viewpoint, making it convenient for most visitors. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Spot

The viewpoint offers unique angles for memorable photos, especially from the trail's edge. Reddit

reddit.com

Advice for visiting Grand Canyon

reddit.com

How to get the best experience out of the grand canyon?

🚶‍♀️ Trail for Agility

For unobstructed views, carefully venture down the Grandview Trail if you have good agility. Reddit

⏱️ Quick Visit Possible

You can experience the beauty of Grandview Point in about 30 minutes if you're short on time. Reddit

reddit.com

South Rim in September: Can’t-Miss Hikes & Tips?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Ample parking is available right at the viewpoint, making it convenient for most visitors. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Spot

The viewpoint offers unique angles for memorable photos, especially from the trail's edge. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Trail for Agility

For unobstructed views, carefully venture down the Grandview Trail if you have good agility. Reddit

⏱️ Quick Visit Possible

You can experience the beauty of Grandview Point in about 30 minutes if you're short on time. Reddit

💰 Park Entry Fee

Be aware of the $35 park entry fee; an America the Beautiful pass is accepted. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Grandview Point for its magnificent, wide-angle canyon views and excellent photography opportunities, noting it offers a broader perspective than some other South Rim viewpoints. While it can get busy, many find it less crowded than Mather Point, and the accessible parking is a plus. Some feel it's a quick stop, but still recommend it for its beauty.

"This place is beautiful too, but I'm getting a little visually fatigued, haha. When I look at the photos after getting home, it feels so magnificent again. This spot is great for taking a few pictures and checking off a couple of points, and you can be done in about 30 minutes. It doesn't seem to have any particularly amazing viewpoints or angles, but I still recommend that everyone go see it."

Steven Ho

"This is an amazing viewpoint for the south rim! Parking is great and fir those with some agility you can wander down the trail for unobstructed views. This is a popular spot so expect lots of people"

Natalie Hayes

"It was nice to see a wider view than the one seen at Mather Point. And because there are relatively few people, it was good to take pictures."

PhD

What People Like

Magnificent panoramic views
Great photo opportunities
Less crowded than Mather Point

What People Dislike

Can feel visually fatiguing
Best for quick visits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Grandview Point is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It's accessible by car via Desert View Drive (Highway 64). Follow signs for Grandview Point from the main park road. Parking is available directly at the viewpoint. Reddit

While there isn't direct public transport to Grandview Point itself, the Grand Canyon shuttle system operates on the South Rim. You would likely need to take a shuttle to a nearby stop and then walk or arrange alternative transport. It's generally easier to access by private vehicle. Reddit

Grandview Point is approximately 10-15 miles east of Grand Canyon Village along Desert View Drive. The drive offers scenic overlooks along the way. Reddit

Yes, you can drive your own car to Grandview Point. There is a dedicated parking area. Remember that the park has an entrance fee. Reddit

Absolutely! Grandview Point is a fantastic stop on the way to Desert View Watchtower, offering a different perspective of the canyon's vastness. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, entry is covered. Reddit

No, Grandview Point is a viewpoint within Grand Canyon National Park and does not require a separate ticket beyond the park's general entrance fee. Reddit

Grandview Point is accessible year-round during park operating hours, which are typically 24 hours a day. However, visitor services and facilities may have specific hours. Reddit

Yes, your America the Beautiful Pass covers the entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park, including access to Grandview Point. Reddit

Parking at Grandview Point is free once you have paid the park entrance fee. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography at Grandview Point, with softer shadows and warmer hues. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly spectacular. Reddit

Yes, there's a little path off the right side of the parking lot that goes out onto an edge, perfect for capturing photos of people with the canyon as a backdrop. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panorama. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant features. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. Reddit

Definitely! Venturing a short way down the Grandview Trail can provide more dramatic and less crowded perspectives for unique photos. Be cautious of the terrain. Reddit

Drone usage is restricted in Grand Canyon National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the official NPS website for current regulations before flying any drone. Reddit

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

At Grandview Point, you can admire the vast canyon panoramas, take photos, and for those with agility, explore a portion of the Grandview Trail for different vantage points. It's a great spot for a relatively quick but impactful visit. Reddit

Many visitors find 30 minutes to an hour sufficient for Grandview Point, especially if they are just taking in the views and photos. If you plan to hike down the Grandview Trail, allow more time. Reddit

Grandview Point can be popular, especially during peak hours and seasons. Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at Grandview Point, though it's always a good idea to check the park's official website for the most current information on facility availability. Reddit

The Grandview Trail is considered strenuous and steep. While you can walk down a short distance for better views, it's not recommended for casual strolls or for those with mobility issues. Proper footwear is essential. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Grandview Point is a great stop for families as it offers stunning views with relatively easy access from the parking lot. The main viewpoint provides a safe place for children to marvel at the canyon's scale without extensive walking. Reddit For families with older, more adventurous children, a short, cautious descent onto the Grandview Trail can be an exciting addition, but ensure they have appropriate footwear and supervision. Reddit Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited at this specific viewpoint. The relatively quick visit time also makes it ideal for keeping younger children engaged.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Grandview Point a rewarding location, especially for capturing sweeping panoramas. The grand view point overlook offers a classic Grand Canyon vista. Reddit Experiment with different focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, to capture both the immense scale and intricate details of the canyon. Reddit The trail offers unique angles, but safety and responsible photography are paramount. Visiting during the golden hours will significantly enhance your grandview point photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Active Travelers

While Grandview Point itself is a viewpoint, the Grandview Trail offers a more challenging experience for active travelers. This steep, historic trail descends into the canyon, providing a more rugged and less crowded perspective. Reddit It's crucial to be well-prepared with sturdy hiking boots, ample water, and sun protection. Reddit Even a short hike down the trail can offer a rewarding workout and a different sense of accomplishment. Remember that the return hike is significantly more demanding. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Grandview Trail

The Grandview Trail is a historic and challenging route that descends steeply into the canyon from the Grandview Point overlook. While it's not recommended for casual hikers due to its ruggedness and steep grade, venturing just a short distance down can offer a more intimate perspective of the canyon walls and a break from the main viewpoint crowds. Reddit Those with good agility and proper footwear can find unique photo opportunities and a sense of adventure. Remember that hiking back up is significantly more strenuous than hiking down. Reddit

This trail was once a popular route for tourists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, predating the more developed trails within the national park. It offers a glimpse into the canyon's past and a more rugged experience compared to the paved paths. Reddit Always be prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes if you decide to explore any part of the Grandview Trail. Reddit

Photography Tips for Grandview Point

Grandview Point offers a magnificent, wide-angle vista that's perfect for capturing the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. For the best grand view point overlook shots, aim for the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The low-angled light illuminates the canyon's colorful layers and creates dramatic shadows. Reddit A wide-angle lens is ideal for encompassing the vast panorama, but don't underestimate the power of a telephoto lens to isolate distant buttes and geological formations. Reddit

Consider the composition carefully. Look for leading lines in the canyon's topography or interesting cloud formations to add depth. For those seeking unique shots, the small path off the right side of the parking lot provides an edge from which to photograph individuals or couples against the immense backdrop. Reddit Remember to pack a sturdy tripod if you plan on capturing long exposures during twilight or for sharper images in lower light conditions. Always be mindful of safety and stay behind any barriers. Reddit

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