Grandview Lookout Tower

Grandview Lookout Tower is the kind of stop most Grand Canyon visitors never find — a working fire lookout in the Kaibab National Forest, reached by about a mile of dirt road (reviewers say a regular sedan handles it fine in dry weather, though it turns muddy after rain or snow) and a short, easy trail to the base. Climb the steep metal stairs and you're rewarded with sweeping views over the forest canopy, with a glimpse of the canyon itself from the top.

What to expect

The tower's observation room stays locked, so the payoff comes from the top of the stairway rather than an enclosed deck — and it still earns consistently high marks. One reviewer described it as "very high" with "steep metal stairs," warning about sharp edges on the handrails and wind at the top; only two people are allowed to climb at a time, and it's not the spot to be in when it's gusty. Vault restrooms and a picnic kiosk sit near the parking area, and hikers have reported water jugs left there for anyone on the trail.

• Rating: 4.5 stars from over 200 Google reviews
• Access: open 24 hours; roughly a mile down a maintained but unpaved forest road
• Good to know: the top room is locked — the view comes from the stairs, not an interior

Skip the crowds of the main South Rim overlooks and spend a quieter afternoon here instead — wear sturdy shoes for the metal stairs and check conditions before you climb.