Desert View Drive Grand Canyon
Scenic 25-mile drive on Grand Canyon's South Rim, featuring iconic overlooks and the historic Desert View Watchtower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Desert View Drive Grand Canyon
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic 25-mile drive on Grand Canyon's South Rim, featuring iconic overlooks and the historic Desert View Watchtower.
"Every stop in the park has a special treat for your eyes with mesmerizing views."
🚗 Drive Early or Late
Beat the crowds on Desert View Drive by arriving early morning or staying for sunset. The light is also best then!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even on cooler days, the desert air is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially if you plan to walk any distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Desert View Watchtower
Eastern end of Desert View Drive
Iconic stone tower offering panoramic canyon views and a glimpse into Native American history.
Grandview Point
Desert View Drive
One of the highest points on the South Rim, providing expansive, unobstructed views of the canyon.
Lipan Point
Desert View Drive
Known for its wide, sweeping vistas and excellent views of the Colorado River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Grand Canyon Drive
Safety on the Rim
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Early or Late
Beat the crowds on Desert View Drive by arriving early morning or staying for sunset. The light is also best then!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even on cooler days, the desert air is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially if you plan to walk any distance.
📸 Capture the Views
Every stop offers a unique perspective. Take your time and don't rush through the overlooks.
🚶♀️ Explore the Watchtower
Climb the Desert View Watchtower for incredible 360-degree views and a bit of history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Early or Late
Beat the crowds on Desert View Drive by arriving early morning or staying for sunset. The light is also best then!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even on cooler days, the desert air is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially if you plan to walk any distance.
📸 Capture the Views
Every stop offers a unique perspective. Take your time and don't rush through the overlooks.
🚶♀️ Explore the Watchtower
Climb the Desert View Watchtower for incredible 360-degree views and a bit of history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking, awe-inspiring views and unique geological formations along Desert View Drive. The Desert View Watchtower is a standout attraction, offering historical context and stunning panoramas. While the drive itself is highly recommended, some note that not all stops have restrooms, and it's wise to visit during shoulder seasons or off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
"Always beautiful no matter how many times I visit. This time I visited during the new moon, the dark sky event, and got some really great Milky Way shots. Wasn't able to go in July 2025 to the North Rim due to the wildfires, so looking forward to return in the future."
Alex
"When you search “Grand Canyon” on Google Maps, you will almost always be guided to the South Rim, which is the most visited and the most photographed section of the park.
The views here are exactly what you see online — massive, colorful rock formations stretching across the horizon. It’s one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, and the drive to get here is absolutely worth it.
The South Rim has several easy ways to explore. You can begin right from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where the Rim Trail starts.
This trail is mostly flat, paved, and perfect for walking as much or as little as you want while enjoying nonstop canyon views. It’s ideal for families and anyone who wants stunning scenery without a strenuous hike.
One of the most popular experiences is the Hermits Rest Route, which you can only access by the park shuttle.
The bus takes you along the canyon edge with multiple scenic viewpoints such as Hopi Point, Pima Point, and Mohave Point.
These stops offer some of the best wide-angle views in the entire South Rim, and the photos you can take here are incredible. If you’re short on time, you can visit just a few key viewpoints; if you have more time, you can enjoy the entire route.
During peak holidays and weekends, you may experience small delays at the entrance or at shuttle boarding areas, but everything moves efficiently.
The park maps also show many additional viewpoints and facilities along Highway 64 and Desert View Drive, including Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Grandview Point, and the Desert View Watchtower — each offering a unique perspective of the canyon.
The area around the South Rim is well-supported with marked trails, shuttle stops, restrooms, food options, and clear signage, making it very easy to get around even for first-time visitors.
Depending on your interests, you can spend a full day exploring viewpoints or simply enjoy a relaxing rim walk.
Overall, the Grand Canyon South Rim is a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re exploring by shuttle, walking the Rim Trail, or stopping at scenic overlooks, every viewpoint offers something different.
This is a must-visit destination that lives up to all the photos and expectations."
Aravind P
"Absolutely stunning! Not sure how anyone can say there is not a Creator after seeing this! Also recommend the Painted Desert! Wild horses truly amazed me! Also recommend stopping in Winslow Arizona Eagles Tribute Corner! A lot to do along Route 66!"
Kimberly Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Desert View Drive is located on the east side of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim. You can access it by driving east from Grand Canyon Village. It's a scenic 25-mile (40 km) road with multiple overlooks.
No, Desert View Drive is a two-way road. You can drive it in either direction, but many visitors start from Grand Canyon Village and drive east towards the Desert View Watchtower.
The park's free shuttle system does not operate on Desert View Drive. You will need your own vehicle to explore the overlooks along this scenic route.
The best way is to drive your own vehicle, stopping at each overlook. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to drive Desert View Drive and stop at several overlooks. If you plan to hike or spend more time at each spot, allocate half a day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Desert View Drive is within Grand Canyon National Park. Your park entrance fee covers access to the entire park, including Desert View Drive and its overlooks.
Desert View Drive is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services like the Desert View Watchtower and restrooms have specific operating hours, which vary by season.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle to enter Grand Canyon National Park. This fee is valid for 7 days and covers access to all areas of the park.
Yes, you can purchase Grand Canyon National Park entrance passes online in advance through the official National Park Service website. This can save you time at the entrance station.
Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, and those with an America the Beautiful Pass. Check the NPS website for current pricing and eligibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Lipan Point, Grandview Point, and the Desert View Watchtower itself offer incredible photographic opportunities. Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic light.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer colors. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular.
For personal photography, no special permit is required. However, if you are planning a commercial photoshoot or film, you will need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness, while a telephoto lens can help isolate details. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light conditions and long exposures.
While not specific to Desert View Drive, guided photography tours of the Grand Canyon South Rim are available and can offer expert advice on the best locations and techniques.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can stop at numerous overlooks for breathtaking views, visit the historic Desert View Watchtower, and enjoy short walks along the rim. Some areas offer picnic spots.
Restrooms are available at key locations like the Desert View Watchtower and some of the larger pull-offs. However, not every stop has facilities, so plan accordingly.
While Desert View Drive offers rim views, it's not the primary access point for hiking into the canyon. Trails like the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trail are accessed from Grand Canyon Village.
Many overlooks along Desert View Drive have paved paths and accessible parking. The Desert View Watchtower also has accessible areas. Check with the park for specific accessibility details.
You might spot elk, deer, various birds of prey, and smaller desert animals. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be spread out. Encourage kids to look for wildlife like elk or deer, and discuss the vastness of the canyon to spark their imagination. The interpretive signs at various points can also make the visit educational and engaging for younger travelers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget your tripod for low-light shots and consider a telephoto lens to zoom in on distant formations or wildlife. The Desert View Watchtower itself provides a unique foreground element for canyon shots. Remember to check the weather for dramatic cloud formations that can enhance your images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Desert View Watchtower
Inside the watchtower, you'll find a small gift shop and interpretive displays detailing the history of the area and the construction of the tower. The views from the upper levels are truly spectacular, especially during sunrise and sunset when the canyon walls are bathed in warm, changing light. Many visitors find the climb rewarding, offering a different vantage point than the ground-level overlooks.
Remember that the watchtower can get crowded, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. The surrounding area also offers picnic spots and additional viewpoints.
The Scenic Overlooks of Desert View Drive
Each overlook has its own charm and best viewing times. For instance, Moran Point offers a different angle on the canyon's layered rock formations, named after the famous landscape painter Thomas Moran. Tusayan Ruin and Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of the ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited this region, adding a layer of cultural history to the natural beauty.
When visiting these overlooks, take your time to absorb the grandeur. The sheer scale can be overwhelming, and it's easy to rush from one to the next. Consider bringing binoculars to spot details in the canyon walls or wildlife. The paved paths at most overlooks are well-maintained, making them accessible for most visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit