Navajo Point
Grand Canyon's highest overlook on the South Rim, offering sweeping vistas and the iconic Desert View Watchtower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the canyon
Navajo Point
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the canyon
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Grand Canyon's highest overlook on the South Rim, offering sweeping vistas and the iconic Desert View Watchtower.
"The highest vista viewpoint on the south rim of the canyon and another excellent location to witness where the Colorado River carved out a masterpiece."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light for photos and soaking in the views.
🚗 Park Smartly
Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends. Consider parking further away and walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Highest Overlook Views
South Rim
Experience the Grand Canyon from its highest point, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas.
Desert View Watchtower
Adjacent to Navajo Point
Admire the historic stone watchtower, a unique architectural landmark with stunning canyon perspectives.
Colorado River Glimpse
Visible from Navajo Point
Catch a rare and distant view of the mighty Colorado River carving its path through the ancient rock.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Advice for visiting Grand Canyon
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light for photos and soaking in the views.
🚗 Park Smartly
Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends. Consider parking further away and walking.
How to get the best experience out of the grand canyon?
Best Entry Into South Rim
🧥 Dress in Layers
Navajo Point is the highest overlook, so it can be windy and cooler than other spots.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities here, so come prepared for a longer stay.
Will Desert View Highway take a full day?
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light for photos and soaking in the views.
🚗 Park Smartly
Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends. Consider parking further away and walking.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Navajo Point is the highest overlook, so it can be windy and cooler than other spots.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities here, so come prepared for a longer stay.
📸 Don't Just Snap & Go
Take time to truly absorb the immense scale and beauty of the canyon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Navajo Point for its breathtaking, expansive views, often highlighting it as a must-see on the South Rim due to its high elevation. The proximity to the Desert View Watchtower adds to its appeal. While parking can be a challenge during peak times and facilities are limited, the sheer majesty of the canyon from this vantage point makes it a highly recommended stop for most travelers.
"Amazing view and experience. Honestly, I didn't realize how majestic the place is until I saw it in person; absolutely stunning. I would recommend checking the weather the day before to get a clear view. There are several points to stop by, so consider stopping at each one. If you are in a hurry, you can do it in around 1 hour, but it's better to give it around 3 hours to enjoy the view and the sunset."
Obada Alomar
"Super easy access from the highway. It wasn’t even perfect day for the lighting. Still I couldn’t take a bad. Pic🫶🏼 So sad that we’ve lost our trail access to the bottom. The only remaining access is 4 miles down on Bright Angel Hopefully things will improve in 2026. we are all hoping for rain. We’ve practically missed them monsoon season. Still a very beautiful place to stay, vacation and to come see the beautiful canyon in all her glory. 😳🔥🏜️☀️"
Bart
"We came back into the Grand Canyon National Park to catch the sunset before heading back to our hotel in Peoria, Arizona. The man at the gate was super nice and even told us which spot to drive to so we could catch it and it would be less crowded. He was so right, there was only a tour jeep and us at this spot. We arrived just in time to get front row seats to this beautiful sunset!!!"
Tiffany Arney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Navajo Point is located on the East Rim Drive (Desert View Drive) of Grand Canyon National Park, about 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. It's easily accessible by car, with a dedicated parking lot. If you're using the park shuttle, you'll need to drive your own vehicle as the shuttle system doesn't extend this far east.
No, the park's shuttle bus system does not reach Navajo Point. You will need your own vehicle or to arrange private transportation to access this overlook.
From Grand Canyon Village, take Desert View Drive (Highway 64 East). Navajo Point is one of the first major overlooks you'll encounter on this scenic route. The drive itself offers several other viewpoints to stop at.
While there are some trails connecting viewpoints on the South Rim, it's generally recommended to drive between Navajo Point and other major overlooks due to the distances involved.
Yes, Navajo Point has a circular parking lot that is one of the larger lots along Desert View Drive. However, it can fill up quickly during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Navajo Point is located within Grand Canyon National Park, so you will need to pay the park entrance fee. This fee is per vehicle and is valid for 7 days.
Navajo Point is accessible 24 hours a day, as it is an outdoor overlook within the national park. However, the best viewing times are during daylight hours, especially sunrise and sunset.
No, there is no additional fee to visit Navajo Point beyond the standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee.
Park entrance tickets can be purchased online in advance to save time, or at the park entrance stations. Navajo Point itself does not require separate reservations.
The main restriction is the park entrance fee. Be aware of wildlife, stay on designated paths, and do not feed any animals.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset are prime times for photography at Navajo Point, offering dramatic lighting and long shadows that accentuate the canyon's textures. The 'golden hour' light is particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or distant features. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions during sunrise and sunset.
The entire overlook offers incredible views. Experiment with different angles from the paved viewing areas. The Desert View Watchtower also provides unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park, including at Navajo Point, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
You can expect to capture sweeping panoramic views of the Grand Canyon's immense scale, layered rock formations, and the distant Colorado River. The colors of the canyon change dramatically throughout the day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services, restaurants, or restrooms directly at Navajo Point. The nearest facilities are at Desert View Watchtower, about a mile east.
The Desert View Watchtower area has a general store and a deli. For more dining options, you'll need to drive back towards Grand Canyon Village.
While there are no designated picnic tables, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic with a view. Remember to pack out all trash.
It's best to pack your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to stay for sunrise or sunset, as services are limited.
No, there are no food trucks or vendors operating at Navajo Point.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. You can also explore the adjacent Desert View Watchtower and take photos.
You can spend as little as 15-30 minutes for a quick view, or 1-3 hours if you want to enjoy the sunset, take photos, and explore the watchtower.
No, there are no restrooms directly at Navajo Point. The nearest facilities are located at the Desert View Watchtower.
The paved viewing areas are generally accessible, but the parking lot can be uneven. There are no designated handicapped parking spaces noted.
Navajo Point is the highest overlook on the South Rim, with an elevation of approximately 7,490 feet (2,283 meters).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are minimal. Keep a close eye on children near the edge, and ensure they stay on designated paths. The vastness of the canyon can be a powerful educational tool, sparking curiosity about geology and nature. Consider visiting during the day to avoid potential fatigue from late-night sunset viewing with young ones.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Arrive early or late in the day to maximize your chances of finding parking and enjoy the best light. If you have a bit more time, consider combining your visit with the Desert View Watchtower and other overlooks along the drive. It's a great way to see a significant portion of the South Rim without extensive planning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Navajo Point
What sets Navajo Point apart is not just its elevation, but also its proximity to the Desert View Watchtower. This historic, stone structure, built in the 1930s, adds a unique architectural element to the natural landscape. Climbing the watchtower (when open) provides even more elevated viewpoints and a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship. The air here is often crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine, and the distant calls of ravens can add to the wild ambiance.
Visitors often recommend checking the weather beforehand to ensure clear skies for the best views. While you can get a quick glimpse in about an hour, dedicating 2-3 hours allows for a more immersive experience, including enjoying the sunset and exploring the watchtower. Remember that facilities are limited, so bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea.
Capturing the Grandeur: Photography at Navajo Point
Many photographers find a tripod invaluable for stabilizing shots in low light conditions during dawn and dusk, ensuring sharp images. Experiment with different vantage points along the paved overlook. The Desert View Watchtower itself offers unique photographic opportunities, framing the canyon through its windows or from its upper levels. Remember that drone photography is prohibited within the park, so focus on ground-based shots.
Beyond the grand vistas, look for smaller details: the play of light on the rocks, the silhouettes of distant buttes, or the flight of a raven against the vast sky. The changing light throughout the day means that even a short visit can yield a variety of photographic subjects. Be patient, observe the subtle shifts in color and shadow, and you'll be rewarded with stunning images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit