Grand Canyon National Park South Rim scenic views and visitor attractions

Desert View Watchtower At The Grand Canyon

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 11, 2026.

Desert View Watchtower at Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Desert View Watchtower. © Mike Koopsen

Desert View Watchtower is one of the Grand Canyon South Rim's most distinctive historic landmarks, standing near the park's East Entrance at Desert View Point. Designed by architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932, the 70-foot stone tower was inspired by Ancestral Puebloan architecture of the Colorado Plateau rather than copied from any single ancient structure. Visitors come for the tower's architecture, Indigenous artwork and interpretation, expansive views of the canyon and Colorado River, and its role as a cultural gateway between Grand Canyon National Park and neighboring tribal lands.

History & Architecture
Inside The Watchtower
Grand Canyon Views
Tower Access & Visitor Information
Indigenous Culture & Art
Directions
FAQ

Desert View Watchtower History & Architecture

Architect Mary Colter designed Desert View Watchtower for the Fred Harvey Company, and the structure was completed in 1932. Colter traveled throughout the Southwest studying Indigenous architecture and drew inspiration from Ancestral Puebloan towers and dwellings at sites including Hovenweep and Mesa Verde.

The Watchtower was never intended to be an exact reproduction of one ancient building. Instead, Colter combined architectural ideas from several ancestral structures into a new design that appears to rise naturally from the canyon rim. The tower stands approximately 70 feet high with a base about 30 feet wide and conceals a steel framework beneath its carefully arranged stone exterior.

Desert View Watchtower overlooking the eastern Grand Canyon South Rim

Inside Desert View Watchtower

The interior of Desert View Watchtower is as significant as its exterior. The ground-level View Room contains large windows overlooking the canyon, while upper levels include historic paintings and decorative work associated with the tower's original design. One of the best-known interior spaces is the Hopi Room, which features murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie.

Views From Desert View Watchtower

Desert View offers some of the South Rim's most expansive views of the Colorado River and eastern Grand Canyon. From the rim and tower, visitors can look west into the canyon, north toward the North Rim and east across the Painted Desert. On clear days, visibility can extend for more than 100 miles.

Nearby Navajo Point is the highest natural overlook on the South Rim at 7,461 feet elevation. The upper observation level of Desert View Watchtower rises slightly higher, although tower access depends on staffing and current operating conditions.

Sunset at Desert View Watchtower overlooking Grand Canyon National Park

Watchtower at Sunset. © Rick Burress Artistech.com

Desert View Watchtower Access & Visitor Information

The Desert View Watchtower View Room is open to the public. When staffing allows, the upper floors are generally accessible from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM using a free onsite ticket system. Tickets are first-come, first-served, must be obtained in person and are not held for later times. Current access allows approximately 25 visitors in the tower at one time for about 20 minutes.

Operating hours and upper-floor access can change because of staffing, weather or other conditions. Check current National Park Service information when you arrive at Desert View rather than planning a visit around a guaranteed tower-access time.

Indigenous Culture & Art At Desert View

Desert View is more than a scenic overlook and historic building. Grand Canyon National Park recognizes the area as an important cultural gateway connected with the Indigenous peoples whose histories and living cultures are tied to the canyon and surrounding region.

The park's Cultural Demonstration Program brings Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners to Desert View Watchtower to share weaving, pottery, painting, silversmithing, carving, storytelling and other traditions with visitors. Demonstration schedules vary throughout the year, so check the current National Park Service calendar before visiting.

Things To Do At Desert View

Visit Desert View Watchtower: Explore the historic View Room and, when available, obtain a free ticket for upper-floor access.
Enjoy Desert View Point: See expansive views of the Colorado River and eastern Grand Canyon.
Attend Cultural Demonstrations: Meet Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners when programs are scheduled.
Drive Desert View Drive: Follow the scenic 23-mile road between Desert View and Grand Canyon Village.
Visit Nearby Overlooks: Stop at Navajo Point, Lipan Point and other viewpoints along Desert View Drive.
Explore Tusayan Pueblo: Learn more about Ancestral Puebloan life in the Grand Canyon region.

Directions To Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower is located at Desert View on the eastern end of the Grand Canyon South Rim. From Grand Canyon Village, follow Arizona State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive, approximately 23 miles east. From Cameron, Arizona, travel west on State Route 64 approximately 25 to 30 miles toward the park's East Entrance.

The Watchtower is approximately one-quarter mile from the main Desert View parking area. The route passes visitor services before reaching Desert View Point and the tower.

Best Time To Visit Desert View Watchtower

Morning: Earlier visits can provide cooler temperatures, softer light and a better opportunity to check tower-access availability before tickets are distributed for the day.

Afternoon: Changing sunlight can emphasize the canyon's layered geology, although summer heat, thunderstorms and crowds can affect the experience.

Sunset: Desert View and nearby Navajo Point are popular for sunset because of their expansive west-facing canyon views.

Winter: Snow can create dramatic scenery, but winter storms may temporarily affect roads, tower access and visitor services.

Desert View Watchtower Visitor Tips

Arrive early if upper-floor tower access is important to you.
Check the onsite ticket system because upper-floor access depends on staffing.
Allow time for Desert View Point as well as the tower interior.
Bring water and sun protection during warmer months.
Check weather and road conditions during winter.
Look for current Indigenous cultural demonstrations and programs.
Allow additional time for Navajo Point, Lipan Point and other Desert View Drive overlooks.

Stone architecture of Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon

Desert View Watchtower historic details and Grand Canyon landscape

Desert View Watchtower at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Grand Canyon views and historic Desert View Watchtower on the South Rim

Desert View Watchtower Video

Desert View Watchtower FAQ

Where is Desert View Watchtower?

Desert View Watchtower is located at Desert View Point near the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, approximately 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village.

Who designed Desert View Watchtower?

Architect Mary Colter designed Desert View Watchtower, which was completed in 1932.

How tall is Desert View Watchtower?

The tower stands approximately 70 feet high and has a base about 30 feet wide.

Can you go inside Desert View Watchtower?

Yes. The View Room is open. Access to the upper floors is available when staffing permits and currently uses a free, first-come onsite ticket system.

Does it cost extra to enter Desert View Watchtower?

There is currently no additional admission charge for the tower, although normal Grand Canyon National Park entrance requirements apply.

What can you see from Desert View?

Visitors can see extensive portions of the eastern Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, the North Rim and the Painted Desert. Visibility can extend more than 100 miles on clear days.

Is Desert View Watchtower an ancient Native American building?

No. The Watchtower was built in 1932. Mary Colter designed it using architectural influences from Ancestral Puebloan structures of the Colorado Plateau, including sites at Hovenweep and Mesa Verde.

Is Desert View Watchtower the highest point on the South Rim?

Navajo Point is the highest natural overlook on the South Rim at 7,461 feet. The upper observation level of Desert View Watchtower rises slightly higher than Navajo Point.

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