Desert View At The Grand Canyon South Rim
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Desert View is the eastern visitor area and East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, located 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village along Arizona State Route 64. For travelers arriving from Cameron and the Navajo Nation, Desert View often provides the first dramatic look into the Grand Canyon. The area features expansive views of the Colorado River and canyon geology, the historic Desert View Watchtower, visitor services, seasonal camping and direct access to the scenic overlooks along Desert View Drive.
- About Desert View
- Desert View Watchtower
- Visitor Services
- Desert View Drive
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Directions & Maps
- FAQ
About Desert View Grand Canyon
Desert View is a developed visitor area near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park. The canyon rim here sits above a dramatic bend in the Colorado River and provides wide views across the eastern Grand Canyon, the North Rim and surrounding high-desert landscape.
The East Entrance is open 24 hours a day throughout the year unless temporarily closed by snow or other conditions. Desert View is connected to Grand Canyon Village by the 23-mile Desert View Drive, making it an excellent starting point or final stop for a South Rim visit.
Desert View Watchtower
The historic Desert View Watchtower is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Grand Canyon South Rim. Designed by architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932, the stone tower was influenced by Ancestral Puebloan architecture of the Colorado Plateau.
The ground-level View Room is open to visitors. When staffing permits, the upper levels are available through a free onsite ticket system with limited capacity. Visitors should check current tower-access information upon arrival because staffing and operating conditions can change.
Desert View Visitor Services
- Parking: Automobile and RV parking are available in the Desert View developed area.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are located between the main parking area and the canyon rim.
- Park Store: The Desert View Watchtower View Room includes a Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store.
- Fuel: The South Rim's in-park service station is located at Desert View, with pay-at-the-pump fuel available.
- Food & Retail: Seasonal food, retail and visitor services are available in the Desert View area.
- Cultural Programs: Indigenous cultural demonstrations are offered seasonally at the Watchtower.
- Camping: Desert View Campground operates seasonally with advance reservations required.
Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive follows Arizona State Route 64 for 23 miles between Desert View and Grand Canyon Village. Unlike Hermit Road during much of the year, Desert View Drive is normally open to private vehicles, allowing visitors to explore the eastern South Rim at their own pace.
The drive includes six developed canyon viewpoints, four picnic areas and several additional pullouts. Major stops include Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point and Grandview Point, along with views of the Colorado River and distinctive Grand Canyon geology.
Scenic Viewpoints Near Desert View
Navajo Point
Navajo Point is the highest developed overlook on the Grand Canyon South Rim at 7,461 feet. It provides panoramic canyon views and an excellent perspective toward Desert View Watchtower and the Colorado River.
Lipan Point
Lipan Point is known for broad views of the Colorado River and eastern Grand Canyon. Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are temporarily closed for rehabilitation through December 23, 2026, so visitors should use alternate Desert View Drive viewpoints while the closure remains in effect.
Moran Point
Moran Point provides expansive views across the Grand Canyon and is especially rewarding when changing sunlight emphasizes the canyon's layered rock formations.
Grandview Point
Grandview Point offers broad South Rim views and access to the steep Grandview Trail. It is one of the major scenic stops between Desert View and Grand Canyon Village.
2026 Lipan Point Closure
Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are temporarily closed to all visitor use for rehabilitation work 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 check current National Park Service conditions before traveling.
Things To Do At Desert View
- Walk to Desert View Point for views of the Colorado River and eastern Grand Canyon.
- Explore the historic Desert View Watchtower and View Room.
- Attend Indigenous cultural demonstrations when programs are scheduled.
- Drive Desert View Drive and stop at scenic canyon overlooks.
- Visit nearby Navajo Point for panoramic views and Watchtower photographs.
- Explore Tusayan Pueblo and learn about Ancestral Puebloan history in the Grand Canyon region.
Best Time To Visit Desert View
Spring: Mild daytime temperatures and generally lighter crowds make spring excellent for viewpoints and scenic driving.
Summer: Summer offers long daylight hours but can bring larger crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Early morning and late afternoon are often more comfortable.
Fall: Cooler weather and clear skies make fall an excellent season for photography and driving Desert View Drive.
Winter: Snow can create dramatic scenery and quieter conditions, but roads may temporarily close because of snow or ice.
Desert View Visitor Tips
- Check current road and weather conditions before winter travel.
- Arrive earlier in the day if upper-floor Watchtower access is important.
- Allow extra time for Navajo Point and other Desert View Drive overlooks.
- Bring water, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Watch for deer, elk and coyotes along Desert View Drive.
- Check current Lipan Point closure information before visiting in 2026.
- Reserve Desert View Campground in advance if planning an overnight stay.
Directions To Desert View Grand Canyon
From Grand Canyon Village: Follow Arizona State Route 64 east along Desert View Drive for approximately 23 miles to Desert View and the East Entrance area.
From Cameron: Travel west on Arizona State Route 64 approximately 25 miles from Cameron through the Navajo Nation to the Grand Canyon East Entrance.
From Flagstaff: Travelers can reach Cameron via U.S. Highway 89 and then continue west on State Route 64 to Desert View, or approach the South Rim through the South Entrance depending on itinerary and road conditions.
Grand Canyon East Entrance Area Map
Desert View Drive Map
Lookout Points of Interest
Navajo Point. © Mike Koopsen
Lipan Point. Credit: NPS
Moran Point. © Mike Koopsen
Grandview Point. © Mike KoopsenDesert View Grand Canyon FAQ
Where is Desert View at the Grand Canyon?
Desert View is located near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, approximately 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village.
Is Desert View the Grand Canyon East Entrance?
Yes. The East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is located at Desert View on the eastern South Rim.
Is the Desert View East Entrance open year-round?
Yes. The East Entrance is normally open 24 hours a day throughout the year, although snow or other conditions can cause temporary closures.
How far is Desert View from Grand Canyon Village?
Desert View is approximately 23 miles from Grand Canyon Village along Arizona State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive.
Can you go inside Desert View Watchtower?
Yes. The ground-level View Room is open. Upper-floor access is available when staffing allows through a free onsite ticket system.
Is Desert View Watchtower the highest viewpoint on the South Rim?
No. Navajo Point is the highest natural developed overlook on the South Rim at 7,461 feet. The Watchtower itself rises above the surrounding Desert View landscape.
Is Lipan Point open?
Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are temporarily closed for rehabilitation through December 23, 2026.
Can you camp at Desert View?
Yes. Desert View Campground has 49 campsites and operates seasonally. Reservations are required.
The Spectacular Grand Canyon
