Where is the desert view scenic drive at the Grand Canyon?
The Desert View Scenic Drive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a very scenic stretch of Arizona Highway 64 that extends 25 beautiful miles along the canyon rim. It runs east and west from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View Overlook. the most eastern view point at the South Rim.
How long does it take to drive the Desert View 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?
Is there parking at Desert View Drive?
Since this is the first view of the canyon along Desert View Drive, it can be a congested area with limited parking. The Canyon Rim Trail may be accessed here, with a 1.3 mile / 2.1 km walk west on a paved footpath to Mather Point, or a 0.8 mile / 1.3 km walk east on a paved footpath to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
What is the difference between the south and Desert View Drive entrance?
Desert View Drive entrance station is much less crowded than the South Entrance station, making it an ideal option for those coming from the east to get into the park faster. Read the guide below to learn more or check out our South Rim map to see all the Desert View Drive and South Rim attractions and destinations.
Can you drive to viewpoints at Grand Canyon?
Private vehicles can drive east along the canyon rim for 23 miles (37 km) to the Desert View Services Area, and the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. What's Along the Desert View Drive portion of SR 64: Six developed canyon viewpoints.
Is Desert View Drive paved?
Desert View Drive is a well-maintained paved road with about 25 miles and several scenic viewpoints along the way. It connects the South Rim to the East Entrance.
Can you drive an RV on Desert View Drive?
You can use the RV on Desert View Drive going east and stop at the overlooks in that direction. In the central GC Village area and Hermits Rest Road to the west, it is best to leave the RV parked and use park shuttles.
What time does the Desert View Drive open?
Open daily 8 a.m. – 30 minutes before sunset.
Where do you stop on Desert View Drive?
Along Desert View Drive, there are six developed canyon viewpoints — Pipe Creek Vista, Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point, and Desert View Point — four picnic areas, five unmarked pullouts, and the Tusayan Museum and Ruin Site.
What should you not do at the Grand Canyon?
Grand Canyon: What Not to DoGrand Canyon: What Not to Do. ... Timing is Everything: Don't Arrive at Peak Times. ... Liquid Assets: Don't Neglect to Stay Hydrated. ... Get an Altitude Adjustment: Don't Underestimate the Elevation. ... Weather or Not: Don't Forget to Pack for Changing Conditions.More items...•
What is the best month to go to the Grand Canyon?
Weather in the Grand Canyon is at its best between April and June, when rainfall averages are low and temperatures have not yet reached their scorching summer highs. The park becomes extremely crowded when school lets out in June, so plan your visit before then, if possible.
Can you drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?
To use the road to drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, you will need permits, as the road sits on tribal land which is home to the Hualapai tribe. Getting a permit is easy and you can do it online. Also, you will need a well-balanced vehicle for this type of trip, ideally a high-clearance 4x4.
How long is Desert View Drive Grand Canyon?
Arizona State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive, is a 23 mile (37 km) scenic road that connects Desert View with Grand Canyon Village.
How can I see the Grand Canyon for free?
Located in the South Rim, Mather Point is the first view many visitors get of the Grand Canyon. Travelers can take an easy 5-minute walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the lookout, which – if you don't mind sifting through some crowds – provides exceptional vistas of the rugged cliffs and trails below.
Can you drive to Mather Point?
There is no parking directly at Mather Point, but the parking lots around Grand Canyon Visitor Center are a short walk away and the free Kaibab/Rim Route (orange) shuttle bus makes a stop here as well.
What is the best place to view the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon's Best Scenic ViewpointsHopi Point, South Rim Trail. ... Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail. ... Shoshone Point, South Rim. ... Desert View. ... Angel's Window, North Rim. ... Black Bridge or Silver Bridge view from the River. ... Ooh Ah Point, South Kaibab Trail. ... Toroweap/Tuweep Overlook.More items...
Can you drive an RV on sand?
Prior to driving on sand, deflate the tires of a motorhome or trailer by up to 50 percent. This spreads the tread wider to attain a better grip. Dig out the sand from around your tires with a shovel. Don't allow your wheels to spin, this will only make the RV dig deeper into the sand.
Where should my first RV trip be?
Camp Close to Home for Your First Few Trips This will allow you to gain confidence as you learn how to operate your new rig. Also, it takes a few trips to figure out what to stock in your RV. If you camp close to home, you can easily run home to grab the must-needed items, and you'll be in familiar territory.
Where is 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.
How long does it take to drive Desert View?
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 is the most popular drive in Grand Canyon?
Desert View Drive is the most popular scenic drive in Grand Canyon National Park, providing spots to stop and take in the amazing views and breathtaking beauty of the canyon.
Where to see the Grand Canyon Supergroup?
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.
How many picnic areas are there in the Grand Canyon?
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.
Can you drive to Yaki Point?
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.
What is Desert View Drive?
Arizona State Route 64, Also known as Desert View Drive, is a scenic road that connects Desert View with Grand Canyon Village. For visitors coming into the park on SR 64 via Cameron, Arizona, and the East Entrance to the park, a stop at Desert View provides their first views of Grand Canyon. Map of Desert View settlement showing parking lots, ...
How far in advance can you book Desert View Campground?
Due to high demand, Desert View Campground now requires advanced reservations. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance online at recreation.gov, or by phone (877-444-6777). Same Day Reservations may also be made online or by phone. More >. With public health in mind, some facilities remain closed:
What is the Desert View Watchtower?
The Desert View Watchtower, is modeled after the architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau. Today Desert View represents the physical and cultural gateway from Grand Canyon National Park to the Navajo and Hopi reservations. Last updated: June 13, 2021.
How tall is Desert View Point?
Aerial view looking northwest at Desert View Point, 7,360 feet / 2,243 meters, and the Desert View developed area. Automobile and RV/bus parking lots are visible left of center, with the visitor service buildings to the right of the parking lots. The nearby peaks on the right are Escalante Butte 6,536 feet/ 1,992 meters, and Cardenas Butte 6.281 feet/ 1,914 meters.
Is Desert View open?
The East Entrance to the park at Desert View is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Desert View Drive is a 23 mile/ 37 km scenic road between Desert View and Grand Canyon Village, and is open to all vehicles. • Restrooms are located between the main parking lot and the canyon rim.
What is Desert View Drive?
Desert View Drive is the road from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View. Desert View is appealing if you would prefer to skip the park’s free shuttle buses since this is the only scenic road on the South Rim that is open to private vehicles. Large RVs and buses are prohibited at several of the smaller overlook parking lots.
Where is Desert View in Grand Canyon?
Located east of Grand Canyon Village, Desert View has some of the South Rim's best views along with multiple trailheads and attractions. Below you'll find a couple tips to help you explore Desert View Drive.
What is the name of the watch tower in Desert View?
Desert View Watchtower. The most famous draw for park visitors at Desert View is the structure that rises 70 feet above the canyon rim, offering incredible 100-mile views in every direction: the Desert View Watchtower. One of architect Mary Jane Colter’s many structures on the South Rim, the Desert View Watchtower was built in 1932 ...
What is the best way to see the Grand Canyon?
The road weaves through ponderosa pines forests with stunning peek-a-boo views along the way. The best views, however, are at the signed overlooks which require you to turn off the main road and park along the canyon’s rim. At the overlooks you can to take in large-scale views of the canyon including the various rock layers and much better views of the Colorado River than you will find in the Grand Canyon Village area. As you head further east along the road the canyon becomes shallower and wider, revealing broad expanses of the river by the time you’re at the Desert View Watchtower.
What is a guided tour of the Grand Canyon?
A guided tour is a great way to really experience the Grand Canyon and having a reservation means you won't have to worry about finding activities when your on vacation. Learn more about tours with our complete list of Grand Canyon Guided Tours.
Is Desert View Drive open in the summer?
Desert View Drive is also home to several trailheads for more adventurous Grand Canyon hikers. In general, these trails are steep, hot in the summer and icy in the winter, and don’t have water access until you reach the bottom of the canyon but the payoff is the quiet solitude and sweeping views along the way.
Is Desert View Drive crowded?
There is generally enough parking as you drive from scenic point to scenic point, but early morning is usually the least crowded time of day. Overlook can become crowded right before sunset, especially at Lipan Point and Desert View. Desert View Drive entrance station is much less crowded than the South Entrance station, ...
When is Desert View Drive 2021?
Grand Canyon: Driving Desert View Drive. On February 24, 2021. April 10 , 2021. By Heather In Arizona. Our last day in Grand Canyon National Park was beautiful. After clouds, snow, and hail, we had bright sunshine and brilliant blue skies for our morning hike on the South Kaibab Trail and our mid-day cruise on Desert View Drive.
Can you see the canyon from Desert View Drive?
This worked well because unlike Hermit Road, you really can’t see much of the canyon from Desert View Drive.
Where to take Desert View Scenic Drive?
You can take the Desert View Scenic Drive from either Grand Canyon Village (West Side) or from the Desert View East Entrance. If you are coming from Flagstaff, we suggest entering from the East Entrance. It is a beautiful scenic drive past San Francisco Peaks with a stop-over at Cameron on the Navajo Indian Reservation. See the South Rim Directional Map.
Where to park in Desert View?
Take the short 1/4 mile hike to Desert View Point, the most eastern-point at the South Rim. You will experience incredible views of the Colorado River where it takes its big bend to the west.
What is the southernmost point in the Grand Canyon?
The southernmost lookout point on the Grand Canyon South Rim is Grandview Point. Reach these scenic panoramic views by the public via a one-mile road. Looking west you will see distant bends of the Colorado River. The Grandview Trail begins here. It is a very steep trail. If you plan to hike the trail, use caution, it can be somewhat treacherous when covered with snow and ice during the winter months.
What are the best places to see in the Grand Canyon?
Climb the Historic Watchtower and witness astounding views. To the east you can see the majestically beautiful Vermillion Cliffs and Marble Canyon which mark the beginning of the Grand Canyon. To the northwest you will see the temples of Jupiter, Venus and Apollo.
Where is Moran Point in the Grand Canyon?
Looking north you can see Cape Royal across to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Although the view of the North Rim is only 8 visible miles, it would take a 215 mile drive to reach the other side.
Where is Navajo Point?
Navajo Point is just a few minutes drive west of Desert View Point. Parking is located next to the rim off of East Rim Drive. It features great views of the Watchtower and panoramic views to the west. Navajo is the highest point along the South Rim at almost 7,500 feet of elevation. It is the perfect spot to have an early morning picnic breakfast and you enjoy a gorgeous sunrise.
Where to see the sunset in Colorado?
Look west and see Seventy Five Mile Creek as it winds its way to the Colorado River. You can see Temple Butte and Chuar Butte where the collision of two commercial planes took place in 1958. This is an ideal place to watch the sunset over the west horizons.
Navajo Point
Most folks skip Navajo Point since its only half a mile west of Desert View. All it really offers is an alternative view of the Colorado’s ‘big bend’ area and a distance shot of the watchtower.
Lipan Point
Lipan Point is a little less than 2 miles from Navajo Point and is located on a spur road. The road climbs 80 feet to the parking area where atop a small summit would be a 360° view of the canyon area if it wasn’t for all the darn pine woodland on the east side.
Tusayan Museum and Pueblo Ruins
We stopped at Tusayan Museum and Ruins for a change of pace. This 800-year-old Pueblo Indian site is located 2 miles west of Lipan Point on Desert View Drive. The small museum features exhibits and artifacts of the local Indian culture. Outside, we arrived just in time for a ranger-led tour of the well-preserved pueblo ruins built in 1185 CE.
Pinal, Papago and Zuni Points
In my research, I discovered three points not accessible directly from Desert View Drive. Regrettably, I also didn’t get to visit these points due to time constraints. But I’ll share my information here in hopes of going back later.
Moran Point
Directly on Desert View Drive and four miles from Tusayan Ruin is Moran Point. Moran is one of the most visited points but offers far reaching views of the Directly north is Cape Royal on the North Rim which is 8 miles as the crow flies, but is 215 miles by road.
Grand View Point
At the halfway point between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Watchtower, is Grand View Point. This also happens to be the most southerly point on Grand Canyon South Rim. And of course, this is where you can see the most of Grandview Trail. Here you can watch hikers descend along the side of a narrow ridge towards Horseshoe Mesa.
Shoshone Point
Shoshone Point is one of my regrets. I really wanted to visit this particular viewpoint because it is a great picnic area and relatively easy to get to. The trailhead is only two miles southeast of Yaki Point and has a road leading to it. The road to Shoshone Point requires advance permission from the NPS.
How long is Desert View?
Hugging the South Rim for 25-miles, Desert View connects a half dozen scenic overlooks en route to the park’s east entrance. Private vehicles are allowed year-round; public park shuttle only goes as far a Yaki Point.
How far is Grandview Trail from Horseshoe Mesa?
From Grandview Point, the Grandview Trail drops 2,600 feet in elevation as it descends to Horseshoe Mesa– a steep 3 mile trip (one way) and an excellent day hike (no water).
