Desert View Drive At The Grand Canyon South Rim
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Desert View Drive is the Grand Canyon South Rim's 23-mile scenic route between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View near the park's East Entrance. Open to private vehicles throughout the year unless temporarily affected by snow, ice or other conditions, the drive offers developed overlooks, picnic areas, unmarked pullouts, historic sites and expansive views of the Colorado River and eastern Grand Canyon. Major stops include Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point, Desert View Point and the historic Desert View Watchtower.
Desert View Drive Map
Credit: NPSWhy Take Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive gives visitors the freedom to explore the eastern South Rim at their own pace without relying on a shuttle for most viewpoints. The route includes six developed canyon overlooks, four picnic areas, several unmarked pullouts and the Tusayan Pueblo archaeological site, along with access to Desert View and the historic Watchtower.
It is especially useful for travelers entering or leaving the park through the East Entrance, as well as visitors who want scenic photography, short walks, geology views and multiple opportunities to see the Colorado River from above.
Best Scenic Stops On Desert View Drive
Grandview Point
Grandview Point offers broad canyon views and access to the steep Grandview Trail. Its elevated position and layered geology make it one of the classic viewpoints along the eastern South Rim.
Moran Point
Moran Point provides expansive views across the canyon toward the North Rim and is especially rewarding when changing light highlights the canyon's colorful rock layers.
Lipan Point
Lipan Point normally provides excellent views of the Colorado River and eastern Grand Canyon. However, Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are temporarily closed for rehabilitation from June 22 through December 23, 2026. Visitors should use alternate nearby viewpoints during the closure.
Navajo Point
Navajo Point is the highest developed overlook on the South Rim at 7,461 feet. It offers panoramic views to the west, north up the Colorado River and east toward Desert View Watchtower.
Desert View Point & Watchtower
Desert View Point is the easternmost major developed viewpoint on the South Rim. A short walk from the parking area leads to views of the Colorado River and the historic Desert View Watchtower.
Tusayan Pueblo
Tusayan Pueblo is an Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site approximately three miles west of Desert View Watchtower. The site and self-guiding trail provide additional cultural context for the Grand Canyon region.
2026 Lipan Point Closure
Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are temporarily closed to all visitor use for rehabilitation work from June 22 through December 23, 2026. The Tanner Trail remains open, but hikers must use the designated No Name Point parking area west of Lipan Point Road. Visitors should plan to use alternative Desert View Drive overlooks while the closure is in effect.
Driving Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive follows Arizona State Route 64 for 23 miles between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. Private vehicles are allowed along the route throughout the year unless weather or temporary road conditions require a closure.
Yaki Point is the exception: private vehicles are not allowed on the access road. Visitors reach Yaki Point by walking, bicycling or using the free Kaibab Rim Orange Route shuttle from Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Nearby South Rim Viewpoints
Visitors starting or ending the drive near Grand Canyon Village can also explore Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Yaki Point. Mather and Yavapai are close to Grand Canyon Visitor Center and the Rim Trail, while Yaki Point is reached by the free Kaibab Rim shuttle, bicycle or on foot.
Mather Point
Mather Point is the most visited lookout point at the Grand Canyon South Rim primarily because it is the closest to Visitor Center at the Canyon View Plaza. Located along the Rim Trail, its viewing area is quite expansive with two narrow railed overlooks. It's not unusual that several hundred people are sharing the trailed area at any given time particularly during the peak season.
Tourists can easily spend several hours here enjoying the wonderful views and walks along the Rim Trail which also connects to Yavapai Point. Parking lots can be a bit confusing. The following video will help explain parking lot options.
Mather Point. Credit: NPSParking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Tourists can park at the Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center and then walk to the Rim Trail and Mather Point. Or you can catch the free bus shuttles around the Grand Canyon Village. Choose among the following parking lots:
1) Lot 1 is the closest to the canyon and has pull-through spaces for RVs and vehicles with trailers.
2) Lot 2 is closer to the Visitor Center/ Plaza
3) Lot 3 often acts as the overflow lot is a short walk to the Visitor Center/ Plaza
4) Lot 4 is close to the Bicycle Rental/ Café, Bookstore and Visitor Center/ Plaza
Easily accessible shuttle bus stops are located or near all parking lots.
Parking at Grand Canyon Visitor CenterYavapai Point
Expect more great views of the Grand Canyon from Yavapai Point, but there is limited parking which can become congested during the busy season. Vehicles over 22 feet are not permitted, but it's an easy walk along the Rim Trail from the parking lots near Mather Point. The Visitor Center at the Yavapai Observation Station provides a wealth of information about the geology and history of the Grand Canyon. It is the northernmost point on the South Rim with amazing views.
Yavapai Observation Station. Credit: NPSDesert View Visitor Services
Desert View includes parking, restrooms, food and retail services, the Desert View Watchtower and access to Desert View Campground. The East Entrance is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless temporarily closed by snow or other conditions.
Desert View Campground is open for the 2026 season from April 11 through October 18, and advance reservations are required.
Desert View Drive Visitor Tips
- Allow two to four hours if you plan to stop at several overlooks.
- Check current road and weather conditions before winter travel.
- Bring enough food and water for everyone in your group.
- Use extra caution for deer, elk and coyotes that may enter the roadway.
- Do not plan on private-vehicle access to Yaki Point.
- Check the current Lipan Point closure status before your trip.
- Allow extra time for Desert View Watchtower and Tusayan Pueblo.
Best Time To Drive Desert View Drive
Spring: Comfortable daytime temperatures and lighter crowds make spring a good time for scenic stops, although late snow or ice can still affect travel.
Summer: Summer brings the largest crowds and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Early morning and late afternoon generally provide more comfortable conditions and softer light.
Fall: Fall often combines clear views, comfortable daytime temperatures and fewer visitors than peak summer.
Winter: Winter is quieter and can provide dramatic snow-covered scenery, but temporary closures are possible during storms or icy conditions.
Planning your visit? Here are answers to the most common questions about Desert View Scenic Drive, including access, timing, and the best stops along the route.
Desert View Drive FAQ
Where is Desert View Drive?
Desert View Drive is located on the Grand Canyon South Rim along Arizona State Route 64 between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View near the park's East Entrance.
How long is Desert View Drive?
Desert View Drive is 23 miles long between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View.
Can you drive your own car on Desert View Drive?
Yes. Desert View Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year unless temporarily closed because of snow, ice or other conditions. Yaki Point is the main exception and cannot be reached by private vehicle.
How long should you allow for Desert View Drive?
The road can be driven in less than an hour without stops, but two to four hours is more realistic if you want to visit multiple viewpoints, take photographs and explore Desert View.
What are the best stops on Desert View Drive?
Popular stops include Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point when open, Navajo Point, Desert View Point, Desert View Watchtower and Tusayan Pueblo.
Is Lipan Point open?
Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are temporarily closed for rehabilitation through December 23, 2026.
Is Desert View Drive open year-round?
Yes. The road is normally open to all vehicles throughout the year, although snow, ice, road work or other conditions can cause temporary closures.
Is Desert View Drive good for sunrise and sunset?
Yes. Navajo Point and Desert View provide excellent early-day views, while several overlooks along the route are popular for sunset and late-afternoon photography.
Grand Canyon
Suggested Reading
Interpretive Narrated Bus Tours
South Rim Free Shuttle Bus Routes
The Spectacular Grand Canyon
