Navajo Point, Grand Canyon South Rim
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Navajo Point

4.9
·3k reviews·Grand Canyon Village, United States

Grand Canyon's highest overlook on the South Rim, offering sweeping vistas and the iconic Desert View Watchtower.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour light paints the canyon

CrowdMedium
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Navajo Point, Grand Canyon South Rim

Navajo Point

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour light paints the canyon

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Grand Canyon's highest overlook on the South Rim, offering sweeping vistas and the iconic Desert View Watchtower.

4.9
(3k reviews)

"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."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 2,819 reviews

Type

Landmark

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Highest Overlook Views

Highest Overlook Views

South Rim

Experience the Grand Canyon from its highest point, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas.

Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower

Adjacent to Navajo Point

Admire the historic stone watchtower, a unique architectural landmark with stunning canyon perspectives.

Colorado River Glimpse

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light on the canyon walls. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, especially outside of peak season. Arrive early to secure parking, as lots can fill up quickly.

Prepare for the Elements

Navajo Point is the highest overlook on the South Rim, so expect cooler temperatures and wind, even in summer. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers. Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour light paints the canyon
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Advice for visiting Grand Canyon

Hi, I’m travelling to the Grand Canyon from North (Page) taking US 89 and then Route 64. I’m planning to allot 3-4 hours to take in some views of the canyon and then get back on the road. Could I please have some advice as the best way to go about this? I’ve done some research…

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light for photos and soaking in the views. Reddit

🚗 Park Smartly

Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends. Consider parking further away and walking. Reddit

reddit.com

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

I’m visiting the grand canyon on the road trip i’ll only be stopping for a day before i leave. What are some tips and tricks to help make a great experience?

reddit.com

Best Entry Into South Rim

Hey all. I know the topic of the hour is the devastating fires, and the images and stories are heartbreaking. We're trying to plan a trip in mid September from Flagstaff for a day, and while I know that's a ways out, I was wondering what the best plan would be to maximize our…

🧥 Dress in Layers

Navajo Point is the highest overlook, so it can be windy and cooler than other spots. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Limited facilities here, so come prepared for a longer stay. Reddit

reddit.com

Will Desert View Highway take a full day?

Coming to the park next week. I plan to drive desert view highway on one of the days. I will be staying at Maswik. Plan to wake up around 7:00 AM and watch the sunrise in the village, then take a quick nap til about 9 AM. Figured I would stop at the following places Pipe Creek…

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. Reddit

🚗 Park Smartly

Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends. Consider parking further away and walking. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Navajo Point is the highest overlook, so it can be windy and cooler than other spots. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Limited facilities here, so come prepared for a longer stay. Reddit

📸 Don't Just Snap & Go

Take time to truly absorb the immense scale and beauty of the canyon. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(3k reviews)

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

Unparalleled panoramic views
Highest elevation overlook
Proximity to watchtower

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Parking can be difficult

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, there is no additional fee to visit Navajo Point beyond the standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee. Reddit

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. Reddit

The main restriction is the park entrance fee. Be aware of wildlife, stay on designated paths, and do not feed any animals. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The entire overlook offers incredible views. Experiment with different angles from the paved viewing areas. The Desert View Watchtower also provides unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is strictly prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park, including at Navajo Point, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

It's best to pack your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to stay for sunrise or sunset, as services are limited. Reddit

No, there are no food trucks or vendors operating at Navajo Point. Reddit

🎫 🚶 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, there are no restrooms directly at Navajo Point. The nearest facilities are located at the Desert View Watchtower. Reddit

The paved viewing areas are generally accessible, but the parking lot can be uneven. There are no designated handicapped parking spaces noted. Reddit

Navajo Point is the highest overlook on the South Rim, with an elevation of approximately 7,490 feet (2,283 meters). Reddit

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