Desert View Map
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
This Desert View Drive map shows the scenic eastern section of the Grand Canyon South Rim between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. The 23-mile drive follows Arizona State Route 64 past major viewpoints including Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point and Navajo Point before reaching Desert View Watchtower and the park's East Entrance. Unlike much of Hermit Road, Desert View Drive is normally open to private vehicles year-round, making it one of the easiest ways to explore multiple Grand Canyon overlooks at your own pace.
- Desert View Drive Map
- About Desert View Drive
- Scenic Viewpoints
- 2026 Lipan Point Closure
- Desert View Watchtower
- East Entrance
- Driving & Visitor Tips
- Nearby Grand Canyon Attractions
- FAQ
Desert View Drive Map - Grand Canyon South Rim
The map below shows Desert View Drive along the eastern South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Use it to orient yourself between Grand Canyon Village, major scenic overlooks, Desert View and the East Entrance. Because viewpoints and road conditions can change, use the map together with current National Park Service road and closure information when planning your drive.
Desert View Drive Map - South Rim Grand CanyonAbout Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive is the 23-mile section of Arizona State Route 64 connecting the Grand Canyon Village area with Desert View and the park's East Entrance. It is the primary South Rim scenic road that remains open to private vehicles throughout the year, except during temporary weather or emergency closures.
The route includes developed canyon viewpoints, picnic areas and smaller roadside pullouts. Parking is available at the major developed viewpoints, allowing visitors to stop independently rather than following a shuttle schedule.
Desert View Drive Scenic Viewpoints
- Pipe Creek Vista: Near the western end of Desert View Drive with views toward O'Neill Butte and the inner canyon.
- Grandview Point: One of the highest major South Rim viewpoints, with broad canyon panoramas and access to the historic Grandview Trail.
- Moran Point: Offers expansive views into eastern Grand Canyon and colorful geologic formations.
- Lipan Point: Known for long views of the Colorado River, Painted Desert and distant San Francisco Peaks; temporarily closed during the current 2026 rehabilitation project.
- Navajo Point: A panoramic viewpoint near Desert View with excellent east-and-west canyon views.
- Desert View Point: Eastern developed viewpoint beside Desert View Watchtower with extensive Colorado River and Painted Desert scenery.
2026 Lipan Point Closure
Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are temporarily closed to visitors from June 22 through December 23, 2026 while the National Park Service completes rehabilitation work on the overlook, pavement and trails. Visitors should use other Desert View Drive overlooks during the closure.
The Tanner Trail remains open, but hikers must currently park at No Name Point approximately 1,000 feet west of Lipan Point Road and walk to the trailhead. Parking along Highway 64 near the Lipan Point Road intersection is prohibited during construction.
Desert View Watchtower
Desert View Watchtower stands at the eastern end of the scenic drive and is one of the most recognizable historic structures on the South Rim. Architect Mary Colter designed the 70-foot stone tower, which was completed in 1932 and draws inspiration from Ancestral Puebloan architecture of the Colorado Plateau.
The Watchtower's View Room currently operates daily, and upper-floor access is available when staffing allows through a free first-come ticket system. Cultural demonstrations by Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners are also presented at Desert View during portions of the year.
Current Desert View Watchtower Hours
The Desert View Watchtower View Room is currently open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Upper floors are generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM when staffing allows, with free timed-entry tickets distributed on a first-come basis. Check current National Park Service information before visiting because staffing and access can change.
Grand Canyon East Entrance At Desert View
The East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is located at Desert View and provides convenient access for visitors arriving from Cameron, Page, the Navajo Nation and other areas east of the park. The entrance is open 24 hours a day throughout the year unless temporarily closed because of weather or other conditions.
Desert View is approximately 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village and about 30 miles west of Cameron on Arizona State Route 64. Visitors entering from the east encounter Desert View and its dramatic canyon panoramas before continuing west toward the other viewpoints and Grand Canyon Village.
Desert View Visitor Services
The developed Desert View area includes restrooms, food and retail services, a seasonal campground, gas station, parking and access to Desert View Watchtower and Desert View Point. The main parking area is approximately one-quarter mile from the Watchtower.
The nearby Tusayan Pueblo archaeological site is located about three miles west of Desert View and provides another opportunity to learn about the long Indigenous history of the Grand Canyon region.
Tips For Driving Desert View Drive
- Allow more time than the basic driving distance suggests so you can stop at several overlooks.
- Carry drinking water and snacks, especially when spending time away from Desert View or Grand Canyon Village.
- Private vehicles are permitted along Desert View Drive throughout the year unless conditions require a temporary closure.
- Parking is available at the developed viewpoints, but popular overlooks can fill during busy periods.
- Watch for pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife near overlooks and roadside pullouts.
- Check current road and viewpoint closures before leaving Grand Canyon Village or Cameron.
- Use extra caution during winter because snow and ice can temporarily affect roads and overlooks.
- Do not stop or park along Highway 64 except in designated areas.
Sunrise And Sunset Along Desert View Drive
Several viewpoints along Desert View Drive offer excellent sunrise and sunset opportunities. Navajo Point and Desert View provide broad east-and-west panoramas, while Lipan Point is particularly well known for extensive views of the Colorado River and Painted Desert when open.
Arrive before sunrise or sunset to allow time for parking and changing light. Temperatures at the South Rim can become cool quickly after sunset even during warmer months.
Nearby Desert View And South Rim Attractions
- Desert View Scenic Drive
- Desert View Watchtower
- Grandview Point
- Moran Point
- Lipan Point
- Navajo Point
- Grand Canyon South Rim
- Grand Canyon Map & Directions
- Grand Canyon History
Frequently Asked Questions About Desert View Drive
How long is Desert View Drive?
Desert View Drive is approximately 23 miles long between the Grand Canyon Village area and Desert View on the eastern South Rim.
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, weather, construction or another emergency.
What viewpoints are along Desert View Drive?
Major viewpoints include Pipe Creek Vista, Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point and Desert View Point, along with additional roadside pullouts.
Is Lipan Point open in 2026?
No. Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road are currently scheduled to remain closed from June 22 through December 23, 2026 for rehabilitation work.
Where is Desert View Watchtower?
Desert View Watchtower is located at Desert View near the eastern end of Desert View Drive, approximately 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village.
Can you go inside Desert View Watchtower?
Yes. The View Room is open daily, and upper-floor access is available when staffing allows through a free first-come ticket system. Access conditions and hours can change.
Is the Grand Canyon East Entrance open?
The East Entrance at Desert View is normally open 24 hours a day throughout the year unless temporarily closed because of weather or other conditions.
Does the Grand Canyon shuttle go to Desert View?
The regular free South Rim shuttle system does not provide transportation all the way from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View. Visitors generally drive their own vehicle or use a commercial motorcoach tour along Desert View Drive.
How long should I allow for Desert View Drive?
The 23-mile drive can be completed relatively quickly without stops, but visitors should allow several hours if they plan to explore multiple viewpoints, Desert View Watchtower and other attractions along the route.
The Spectacular Grand Canyon
