Desert View Point sits on the eastern end of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, within Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It is also known as Desert View Overlook, and it is reached along Desert View Drive, which runs east from the main visitor area.
What you will see
The viewpoint is known for its wide canyon vistas, and from its edge you can look out over the Colorado River as it winds through the gorge below. To the east, the view opens toward the Painted Desert, a contrast of colour and open land that is quite different from the canyon itself.
The Desert View Watchtower
The site is home to the historic Desert View Watchtower, a stone structure that stands as one of the notable landmarks of the area. Visitors often spend time both at the tower and at the rim, comparing the view from the tower's height with the view from ground level.
Planning your visit
- Location: Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, United States
- Setting: the eastern South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
- Good for: canyon views, the Colorado River, and the Painted Desert
- Contact: +1-928-638-7888
Because the viewpoint lies at the eastern edge of the South Rim, it works well as a stop on a longer drive along the rim, with the wider park around it offering further overlooks and trails to explore.