Grand Canyon National Park South Rim near Navajo Point and Desert View

Navajo Point At The Grand Canyon South Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 22, 2026.

Navajo Point is the highest developed overlook on the Grand Canyon South Rim at 7,461 feet above sea level. Located along Desert View Drive just west of Desert View, the viewpoint offers sweeping vistas across the eastern Grand Canyon, excellent views north along the Colorado River and one of the best distant perspectives of the historic Desert View Watchtower.

The overlook is easily reached by private vehicle and is especially popular at sunset, when low-angle light brings out the reds, oranges and shadows of the canyon walls. Its proximity to Desert View also makes Navajo Point an easy stop for travelers entering or leaving Grand Canyon National Park through the East Entrance.

Navajo Point Quick Facts
What You Can See
Desert View Watchtower
Photography
1956 Aviation Memorial
Location & Access
Parking & Facilities
Desert View Drive Map
Visitor Tips
Photo Gallery
FAQ

Panoramic Grand Canyon South Rim view from Navajo Point

Navajo Point Grand Canyon Quick Facts

Location: Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon South Rim
Elevation: 7,461 feet
Distinction: Highest developed overlook on the South Rim
Access: Private vehicles permitted when Desert View Drive is open
Parking: Available at the viewpoint
Best known for: Colorado River views and Desert View Watchtower views
Watchtower: Visible to the east from the overlook
Colorado River: Visible far below and to the north
Sunset: One of the most popular times to visit
Nearby stop: Desert View
Road: Arizona State Route 64 / Desert View Drive

What Can You See From Navajo Point?

Navajo Point provides panoramic views west across the Grand Canyon and a long view north along the Colorado River. The broad overlook gives visitors a strong sense of the canyon's depth and scale while revealing numerous cliffs, mesas and distant formations.

To the east, the Desert View Watchtower stands prominently above the rim. Looking west, visitors can continue along Desert View Drive toward Lipan Point, Moran Point, Grandview Point and other South Rim overlooks.

Photography At Navajo Point

Navajo Point is especially photogenic during early morning and late afternoon, when low-angle sunlight emphasizes the canyon's layered cliffs, shadows and colors. Sunset is particularly popular because the viewpoint faces broadly west across the canyon.

Wide-angle lenses work well for expansive canyon scenes, while longer focal lengths can isolate the Colorado River, distant formations and Desert View Watchtower. Cloudy or stormy weather can also produce dramatic light and rapidly changing conditions.

Colorful canyon walls and Colorado River views from Navajo Point Grand Canyon

View Of Desert View Watchtower From Navajo Point

One of Navajo Point's distinctive features is its excellent view of Desert View Watchtower rising above the South Rim to the east. Architect Mary Colter designed the stone tower, which opened in 1933 and has become one of the Grand Canyon's most recognizable landmarks.

Navajo Point sits slightly lower than the upper observation deck of the Watchtower, even though Navajo Point itself is the highest developed natural overlook on the South Rim.

1956 Grand Canyon Aviation Accident Memorial

Navajo Point is also the location of a stone memorial and plaque commemorating the 1956 collision of TWA Flight 2 and United Airlines Flight 718 over the Grand Canyon. The June 30, 1956 accident killed all 128 people aboard the two aircraft.

The disaster became an important event in U.S. aviation history and contributed to major changes in the nation's air traffic control system. Visitors should treat the memorial as a place of remembrance while enjoying the surrounding overlook.

Navajo Point Location & Access

Navajo Point is located along Arizona State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive, on the eastern section of the Grand Canyon South Rim. It is just west of the Desert View developed area and Desert View Watchtower.

Desert View Drive extends approximately 23 miles between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View and is normally open to private vehicles throughout the year unless temporarily closed because of snow or other road conditions.

The East Entrance is located beyond Desert View to the east, so Navajo Point should not be described as only one-half mile from the park entrance.

Navajo Point Parking & Facilities

Parking is available directly at Navajo Point, making it an easy roadside stop along Desert View Drive. National Park Service information notes that access is suitable for passenger vehicles and a limited number of smaller RVs and campers.

Navajo Point itself does not provide the full range of visitor services available at nearby Desert View. Restrooms, a market, park store and other services are available at the Desert View developed area a short drive to the east.

Desert View Drive Map

Navajo Point Visitor Tips

Allow at least 15 to 30 minutes for the overlook and longer for photography.
Visit near sunset for dramatic western light across the canyon.
Bring water, especially during warm weather.
Use caution near canyon edges and remain behind barriers where provided.
Keep children closely supervised near the rim.
Carry layers because wind and temperatures can change quickly at 7,461 feet.
Check road conditions before traveling during winter storms.
Look east for excellent views of Desert View Watchtower.
Watch for rafts on the Colorado River far below the viewpoint.
Combine Navajo Point with Desert View, Lipan Point and Moran Point along the same scenic drive.

Navajo Point Photo Gallery

These photographs are by Mike Koopsen and may not be republished. Fine art prints are available through Mike Koopsen Fine Art Prints.

Panoramic Grand Canyon landscape viewed from Navajo Point

View From Navajo Point. © Mike Koopsen

Desert View Watchtower seen from Navajo Point on the Grand Canyon South Rim

View of Watchtower From Navajo Point. © Mike Koopsen

Colorado River and eastern Grand Canyon viewed from Navajo Point

View From Navajo Point. © Mike Koopsen

More Grand Canyon South Rim Information

Next Overlooks Along Desert View Drive

To The West: Lipan Point
To The East: Desert View

Navajo Point Grand Canyon FAQ

Where Is Navajo Point At The Grand Canyon?

Navajo Point is located along Desert View Drive on the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon South Rim, just west of Desert View.

What Is The Elevation Of Navajo Point?

Navajo Point is 7,461 feet above sea level.

Is Navajo Point The Highest Point On The South Rim?

Navajo Point is the highest developed natural overlook on the South Rim. The upper observation deck of nearby Desert View Watchtower is slightly higher.

Can You Drive To Navajo Point?

Yes. Navajo Point is directly accessible from Desert View Drive by private vehicle when road conditions permit.

Is There Parking At Navajo Point?

Yes. Parking is available at the overlook for passenger vehicles and a limited number of smaller RVs and campers.

Can You See The Colorado River From Navajo Point?

Yes. Navajo Point provides expansive views north along the Colorado River far below the South Rim.

Can You See Desert View Watchtower From Navajo Point?

Yes. Navajo Point offers one of the best distant views of Desert View Watchtower to the east.

Is Navajo Point Good For Sunset?

Yes. Navajo Point is a popular sunset viewpoint because of its broad western view across the Grand Canyon.

What Is The Memorial At Navajo Point?

A stone memorial and plaque at Navajo Point commemorate the 1956 midair collision of TWA Flight 2 and United Airlines Flight 718 over the Grand Canyon.