Desert View Drive

Overview of Desert View Drive

This is the only scenic drive open to private cars on the national park's South Rim, offering staggering views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Visitors can enjoy this unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes and numerous points of interest along the route.

Highlights of Desert View Drive

Scenic Viewpoints and Attractions

From Grand Canyon Village, visitors can head east along Desert View Drive for 23 miles to discover six developed canyon viewpoints, four picnic areas, and five pullouts. Perched along the canyon's rim, Desert View's centerpiece is the Desert View Watchtower. This architectural gem, designed by Mary Colter in 1932, reflects elements of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau. Inside, the Kiva Room offers seasonal cultural demonstrations where visitors can learn about the arts and crafts of Native American groups from the area.

Visitor Recommendations

Many recent visitors recommend taking Desert View Drive to reach the Desert View Watchtower. They particularly enjoyed the architecture of the building and the variety of services available in the area. Several travelers suggest using the Desert View area, commonly known as the east entrance, to access the national park. It is much quieter than the south entrance and the Grand Canyon Village area but still provides the same spectacular views.

Facilities and Transportation

Several viewpoints such as Yaki Point and Grandview Point offer restroom facilities. Note that Grand Canyon shuttle busses do not travel on Desert View Drive, so you will need to drive yourself. The closest point accessible by shuttle bus is Pipe Creek Vista, located along the Kaibab Rim (orange route), which stops here.

Operating Hours and Services

The area is open 24/7, though visitor services have set operating hours. A seasonal campground is available, although there is no formal lodging. Other services include a market, a trading post, and a gas station. The beginning of Desert View Drive is located at mile marker 241.5 at the junction with South Entrance Road.

For more details about Desert View Drive, visit the National Park Service website.