Why should I drive the Desert View Drive?

Desert View Drive Grand Canyon moves along the South Rim of Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world. You will find incredible vistas to be seen from a number of overlooks and scenic viewpoints.

Where does the Desert View Drive begin and end?

Grand Canyon Desert View Drive begins about one mile east of Grand Canyon Village and ends near the park’s eastern entrance at Desert View.

How long does the Desert View Drive take to drive?

To drive the scenic Desert View Drive takes about four hours when you stop along the way to take in the sights. It is 25 miles of scenic opportunities along the southern rim of Grand Canyon.

What will I see along the way?

Besides four picnic areas and some unmarked pullouts, there are developed areas where you simply must stop and marvel at colorful Grand Canyon views and enjoy some historic spots.

• Pipe Creek Vista: When you stop here, you not only have some wonderful views of the red rock formations that are Grand Canyon, but you’ll also find easy access to great hiking trails. You can hike the Rim Trail from this vista all the way to Hermits Rest for an easy 12-mile trek on a mostly paved path.
• Yaki Point: You won’t be able to reach Yaki Point if driving your own car. If you take a shuttle from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, you should try and visit at sunset for a unique experience.
• Grandview Point: Looking out over the canyon from Grandview Point, you’ll spot a few bends in the Colorado River below. If you are brave (and an experienced hiker) you can take the Grandview Trail from this point.
• Moran Point: As you gaze out across the expanse of Grand Canyon from Moran Point, you’ll see three major rock formations – the sedimentary rocks at the canyon’s depth, the so-called “Supergroup” which are rarely visible except from this point and the Vishnu Basement Rocks, the oldest in the canyon.
• Tusayan Ruin and Museum: Visit the remains of this small village, once the place where the ancient Puebloan people lived. Hike the trail around the ruins and stop to tour the museum and learn a lot about the people who raised their families in the Grand Canyon region.
• Lipan Point: Lipan Point is another spot where you can see the rare Grand Canyon Supergroup rock strata, as well as being able to see the Hance Rapid on the Colorado River below. You’ll be learning much about Grand Canyon geology as you stop along Desert View Drive.
• Navajo Point: Look out to the west and north from this point not far from Desert View Watchtower. This is the highest point on the South Rim and offers some great panoramic views.
• Desert View: Besides the popular Desert View Watchtower, Desert View Point offers some outstanding views of the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, as well as visitor services such as a gift shop, trading post, snack bar and lots more.