Desert View Watchtower

The 70-foot stone tower at Desert View is one of the most photographed structures on the South Rim, and it earns the attention. Architect Mary Colter designed it in 1932 after studying ancestral Puebloan watchtowers, and the result doesn't just sit near the canyon — it looks like it grew out of the rim itself. With a 4.8-star rating from nearly 15,000 reviews, it's one of the highest-rated stops in the park.

What you'll see

Inside, hand-painted murals lead you up the interior stairs to an open-air observation area with sweeping views west across the canyon and the Colorado River below, with the Painted Desert visible to the east on clear days. Reviewers consistently call out the framed views through the stone windows and the tower's blend of architecture, artwork, and Indigenous cultural history — several mention it as one of the best introductions to the canyon, especially for sunrise or during dramatic weather.

• Hours: open daily, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Desert View, on the East Rim, within Grand Canyon Village's broader address
• Nearby: gift shop and general store at the same overlook, plus a large parking lot

Tower access can involve a wait during busy periods — one visitor mentioned lining up for tickets to reach the top — so build in some flexibility. Even if the line is long or the tower itself is closed, the surrounding viewpoint alone is worth the stop. Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes here, longer if the interior tour is moving slowly. It's a natural anchor point for anyone driving the East Rim/Desert View Drive.