Grand Canyon National Park South Rim scenic canyon view

Grandview Point

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 15, 2026.

Grandview Point is one of the most dramatic overlooks along Desert View Drive on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Located at an elevation of 7,399 feet, the viewpoint offers sweeping views across the canyon from east to west, including glimpses of several bends in the Colorado River. Grandview Point is also the trailhead for the historic Grandview Trail, a steep former mining route that descends toward Horseshoe Mesa and provides experienced hikers with a challenging journey into the canyon.

Grandview Point Views
Grandview Trail
Grandview Point History
Location & Parking
Visitor & Hiking Tips
Grandview Point FAQ

Panoramic view from Grandview Point at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Grandview Overlook Point. © Mike Koopsen

Views From Grandview Point

Grandview Point provides expansive views across the central and eastern Grand Canyon, with layered cliffs, mesas and portions of the Colorado River visible from the overlook. At 7,399 feet in elevation, the viewpoint sits among ponderosa pine and other high-elevation vegetation that give Grandview a different character than many of the more exposed South Rim overlooks.

The overlook is a popular stop along Desert View Drive for sightseeing and photography. Changing sunlight throughout the day can dramatically alter the colors, shadows and depth of the canyon, while sunrise and late-afternoon light can be especially striking.

Hiking The Grandview Trail

The historic Grandview Trail begins at Grandview Point and descends steeply into the canyon toward Horseshoe Mesa. Originally constructed as a mining route, the trail is rocky, exposed and considerably more difficult than the maintained corridor trails at the South Rim. Large steps, narrow sections and significant drop-offs make it best suited to experienced hikers.

Summer hikers should expect intense sun and heat, while winter and early spring can bring snow and dangerous ice to the upper trail. There is no reliable drinking water along the route to Horseshoe Mesa, so hikers must carry adequate water, food and emergency supplies. Grand Canyon National Park advises visitors to check current trail and weather conditions before beginning a hike.

Grandview Point overlook and canyon scenery at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Grandview Point History

Grandview Point played an important role in the early mining and tourism history of the Grand Canyon. Around 1890, Pete Berry and his partners developed mining claims on Horseshoe Mesa, including the Last Chance Mine, where copper deposits were discovered below the South Rim. The Grandview Trail was constructed in the early 1890s to move miners, supplies and ore between the rim and mining areas below.

Pete and Martha Berry opened the Grandview Hotel in 1897, serving visitors who arrived by stagecoach from Flagstaff before the railroad reached Grand Canyon Village. The arrival of the railroad in 1901 shifted most tourism farther west toward the village, and business at Grandview declined. The Grandview Hotel was eventually demolished in 1929, but remnants of the area's mining era can still be found around Horseshoe Mesa along the Grandview Trail.

Grandview Point Location & Parking

Grandview Point is located along Desert View Drive, Arizona State Route 64, approximately 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. The overlook is near Mile Marker 251 and is reached by a short access road from Desert View Drive. Parking is available at Grandview Point for visitors and hikers.

Grandview Point is not served by the regular Grand Canyon National Park shuttle bus system. Visitors traveling along Desert View Drive must use a private vehicle or a motorcoach tour. Vault toilets are available at Grandview Point, but there is no drinking-water filling station at the overlook, so visitors and hikers should bring their own water.

Grandview Point Visitor & Hiking Tips

Carry drinking water because there is no water-filling station at Grandview Point or reliable drinking water along the trail to Horseshoe Mesa
Use extra caution near the rim and on the Grandview Trail, where steep terrain and significant drop-offs are common
Check current weather, road and trail conditions before visiting, especially during winter
Expect snow and ice on the upper Grandview Trail during winter and early spring
Avoid strenuous hiking during the hottest part of summer days
Allow extra time for the return climb because hiking uphill from the canyon can take considerably longer than descending
During thunderstorms, leave exposed overlooks and seek appropriate shelter away from cliff edges and tall isolated trees

Desert View Drive Map

Grandview Point FAQ

Where is Grandview Point at the Grand Canyon?

Grandview Point is located on Desert View Drive at the Grand Canyon South Rim, approximately 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village near Mile Marker 251.

What is the elevation of Grandview Point?

Grandview Point is approximately 7,399 feet above sea level, making it one of the higher scenic overlooks along Desert View Drive.

Can you drive to Grandview Point?

Yes. Grandview Point is accessible by private vehicle from Desert View Drive, Arizona State Route 64. A parking area is available near the overlook and Grandview Trailhead.

Does the Grand Canyon shuttle stop at Grandview Point?

No. The regular Grand Canyon National Park shuttle routes do not serve Grandview Point or the other major viewpoints farther east along Desert View Drive. Visitors can reach Grandview Point by private vehicle or motorcoach tour.

Is there a restroom at Grandview Point?

Yes. Vault toilets are available at Grandview Point. There is no drinking-water filling station at the overlook, so visitors should bring water with them.

Where does the Grandview Trail begin?

The Grandview Trail begins at Grandview Point near the stone retaining wall and descends into the canyon toward Horseshoe Mesa.

Is the Grandview Trail difficult?

Yes. Grand Canyon National Park considers the Grandview Trail a steep, rocky and strenuous route intended for experienced desert hikers. The trail includes large steps, exposed sections and significant drop-offs.

Is the Grandview Trail safe in winter?

Winter hiking can be particularly hazardous because the upper Grandview Trail frequently develops snow and ice. Hikers should check current conditions and carry appropriate traction and winter equipment.

Related Interest and Information

Grandview Trail Day Hike
Average Annual Temperatures
South Rim Panoramic Map
South Rim RV Parks & Campgrounds

Next South Rim Overlooks

To The West: Shoshone Point
To The East: Moran Point

The Spectacular Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park
Wildlife In The Canyon
Weather & Climate
Grand Canyon South Rim
Havasu Falls (Supai)
Desert View Scenic Drive
Grand Canyon RV Parks
Canyon de Chelly
Grand Canyon Pictures