Desert View Drive

One more place to enjoy near Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Desert View Drive

On the South Rim of the national park, there is a scenic drive that is open to private cars. It provides stunning views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Starting from Grand Canyon Village, you can take a 23-mile trip eastward along Desert View Drive. Along the way, you will discover six developed viewpoints, four picnic areas, and five pullouts where you can stop and appreciate the beauty of the canyon. One of the main attractions on Desert View Drive is the Desert View Watchtower, a building designed by architect Mary Colter in 1932. This structure incorporates elements inspired by the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau. Inside the watchtower, you’ll find the Kiva Room, which hosts seasonal cultural demonstrations. Here, visitors can learn about the arts and crafts of Native American groups from the area.

Desert View Drive is highly recommended by many recent visitors who have been to the Grand Canyon. It provides a scenic route to the Desert View Watchtower, which is admired for its impressive architecture. Visitors also appreciate the amenities available in the area. If you prefer a quieter experience with equally breathtaking views, accessing the national park through the Desert View area, also known as the east entrance, is a great option. It avoids the crowds often found at the south entrance and the Grand Canyon Village area.