Check out our Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower Video and Photos. During any visit to the Grand Canyon, definitely add a drive out to the Desert View Watchtower to your Must Do List. It’s 22 miles from the main visitor center, but absolutely worth the spectacular views — both at the numerous scenic pull outs along the drive and then of course at the actual Desert View Watchtower itself.
This ride might sound like a bit of a hike but it was well worth it as we thought it was a marvelous highlight of our trip. When my husband and I visited – before having children 18 years ago – we never made it out to the Desert Watch Tower somehow and on this trip we added it to our itinerary – it’s now an absolute MUST DO and we’ve added it to our list of top 10 things to do when visiting the Grand Canyon.
Desert View Watchtower Video and Photos
Why Visit the Desert View Watchtower?
- On a clear day, you really can see well over 100 miles! We were WOWED by the views!
- Architect Mary Colter designed the Desert View Watchtower in 1932 in the style of Ancestral Puebloan towers. It’s beautiful and looks like it’s a been a part of the landscape for centuries!
- Climb the watch tower and soak up the history & vast views for miles. Climb 85 steps for a 360° view from the observation deck 70 ft (21 m) above.
- Climbing the tower, enjoy the Native American style architecture – it’s fascinating and designed to look like a Kiva.
- Lots of spots to stop for photos along your 22 mile drive out to Desert View. Plus, you can stop in to the Tusayan Museum a few miles from Desert View to take a peek at ancient indian ruins.
How to Get to the Desert View Watchtower
Learn all the details, driving directions, and visiting hours for the Desert View Watchtower from the Grand Canyon National Park website here. You can drive here in you own car or take the free park bus.
We took the free bus many times during our Grand Canyon 3 day visit for short trips, but for this trip to Desert View, if you have a car with you, I highly recommend taking your own car so you can be on your own schedule since this location is farther away from the main visitor center area.
