Desert View Drive Grand Canyon National Park
A scenic 23-mile drive along the South Rim, offering numerous 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 National Park
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 23-mile drive along the South Rim, offering numerous overlooks and the historic Desert View Watchtower.
"Desert View Drive hugs the South Rim, boasting spectacular clifftop scenes you won't want to miss."
🚗 Start Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy the best views with fewer people. Shuttles start early, but driving your own vehicle is key for this route.
📸 Pack Your Camera!
Every overlook offers a postcard-worthy shot. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards for all the photos you'll take.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Desert View Watchtower
Eastern end of Desert View Drive
Iconic stone tower offering panoramic views, including the Colorado River far below. Climb to the top for an unparalleled perspective.
Grandview Point
Midway along Desert View Drive
One of the highest points on the South Rim, providing sweeping, unobstructed views of the canyon's vastness.
Moran Point
Along Desert View Drive
Named after artist Thomas Moran, this viewpoint offers a classic, expansive panorama of the Grand Canyon's layered geology.
Yaki Point
Accessible via shuttle or Desert View Drive
A less crowded spot offering stunning views, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Scenic Route
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Start Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy the best views with fewer people. Shuttles start early, but driving your own vehicle is key for this route.
📸 Pack Your Camera!
Every overlook offers a postcard-worthy shot. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards for all the photos you'll take.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The desert air is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially if you plan to do any short walks from the viewpoints.
🗺️ Utilize the Overlooks
Desert View Drive has numerous pull-offs. Stop at as many as you can to experience different perspectives of the canyon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Start Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy the best views with fewer people. Shuttles start early, but driving your own vehicle is key for this route.
📸 Pack Your Camera!
Every overlook offers a postcard-worthy shot. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards for all the photos you'll take.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The desert air is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially if you plan to do any short walks from the viewpoints.
🗺️ Utilize the Overlooks
Desert View Drive has numerous pull-offs. Stop at as many as you can to experience different perspectives of the canyon.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While mostly scenic driving, you'll want comfortable shoes for walking around the viewpoints and the Watchtower.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, expansive views along Desert View Drive, with the Desert View Watchtower being a standout attraction. Many appreciate the convenience of driving their own vehicle and the numerous overlooks offering diverse perspectives of the Grand Canyon. Some note that services can be limited, and it's wise to come prepared with snacks and water.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Desert View Drive is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. You can access it from the East Entrance of the park or by driving from Grand Canyon Village. It's a 23-mile scenic road that ends at Desert View.
Yes, Desert View Drive is generally open year-round, but always check the official Grand Canyon National Park website for any temporary closures due to weather or road conditions.
Absolutely! Unlike some other areas of the South Rim, Desert View Drive is accessible to private vehicles, making it easy to stop at your leisure.
The drive itself is about 23 miles, but plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the numerous overlooks and stops along the way.
Yes, parking is available at each of the designated overlooks and points of interest along Desert View Drive, making it convenient to stop and explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Desert View Drive is within Grand Canyon National Park. You will need a standard park entrance pass to enter the park, but there are no additional fees for driving this scenic route.
Desert View Drive is accessible 24/7, but the visitor services and facilities at Desert View Watchtower have specific operating hours. It's best to check the park's official website for current hours.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle to enter Grand Canyon National Park. This fee is valid for 7 days. You can purchase passes online or at the park entrance stations.
While there are shuttle buses for other parts of the South Rim, Desert View Drive is primarily for private vehicles. You can drive your own car to access all the viewpoints.
Yes, even a brief 2-4 hour visit can be rewarding. Focus on a few key viewpoints along Desert View Drive like Grandview Point or Desert View Watchtower for a memorable experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yaki Point and Grandview Point are excellent for sunrise, offering unobstructed views. For sunset, Desert View Watchtower and Moran Point provide stunning colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife or details in the distance. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Shoot during the 'golden hours' (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) for the best light. Be mindful of the harsh midday sun, which can wash out colors.
Drone usage is restricted in Grand Canyon National Park. You must follow all FAA regulations and park policies. Check the park's official website for current drone guidelines.
Desert View Watchtower, Grandview Point, Moran Point, and Yaki Point are consistently praised for their photographic potential.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available at Desert View, including a deli and a trading post. For more extensive dining, you'll find options in Grand Canyon Village.
Absolutely! There are several picnic areas along Desert View Drive, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a meal with a view. Pack your own food and drinks.
The Desert View Trading Post and Deli typically offer grab-and-go items, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot for a quick bite.
While options are limited directly at the East Entrance, the Desert View area has some services. For more variety, you'll need to drive to Grand Canyon Village or towns outside the park like Tusayan.
Packing your own food and snacks is often more budget-friendly and offers more variety. However, the deli at Desert View is convenient for quick purchases.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options can be limited between stops. Keep the stops relatively short to maintain kids' attention spans. Short, easy walks from the parking areas to the overlooks are manageable for most ages. Consider bringing binoculars for kids to spot wildlife or distant features. The drive itself is scenic and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to talk about geology and nature.
🚗 Road Trippers
+1 Allow at least half a day to truly appreciate the 23-mile stretch and its numerous overlooks. This drive is perfect for those who want to see the iconic Grand Canyon views without extensive hiking. It's a great way to break up a longer journey and experience the sheer scale of the canyon. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, and fill up on gas before entering the park, as services are limited along the drive.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Sunset views from Desert View Watchtower and Moran Point are equally spectacular. Don't just stick to the main viewpoints; explore the smaller pull-offs for unique compositions. Consider the changing light and shadows throughout the day to capture the canyon's depth and texture. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens for sweeping panoramas and a tripod for those magical low-light moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Overlooks of Desert View Drive
+1Other must-stop points include Moran Point, celebrated for its classic canyon vistas, and Yaki Point, a favorite for photographers seeking the perfect sunrise or sunset. Don't overlook smaller, less-crowded spots like Pipe Creek Vista or Duck on a Rock Viewpoint; they often reveal intimate details of the canyon's intricate formations.
Remember to take your time at each stop, allowing yourself to truly absorb the grandeur. Many of these overlooks are easily accessible from the paved road, with parking available. Some, like Yaki Point, might be accessible via park shuttle during certain times of the year, offering an alternative way to experience the views without the hassle of parking.
The Historic Desert View Watchtower
Climbing to the top of the Watchtower offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Grand Canyon, including a distant glimpse of the Colorado River. It's a fantastic spot to orient yourself and appreciate the sheer vastness of the landscape. The surrounding area also includes a trading post, deli, and restrooms, making it a convenient hub for visitors.
+1Many visitors find the Watchtower to be a highlight of their Desert View Drive experience, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. It's a perfect place to reflect on the ancient history and enduring power of the Grand Canyon.
Photography Tips for Desert View Drive
Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive vistas, allowing you to fit the immense scale of the canyon into your frame. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific formations or spotting wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan to shoot during low-light conditions like sunrise or sunset, as it will help you achieve sharper images.
Be mindful of the harsh midday sun, which can lead to washed-out colors and strong contrasts. If you're shooting during midday, try to focus on the textures and patterns within the canyon. Experiment with different viewpoints; even seemingly minor pull-offs can offer unique photographic opportunities.
+1
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