Grand Canyon National Park - Desert view tower
Observation tower at the Grand Canyon
A very popular destination for visitors to the Grand Canyon is the Desert View Watchtower. The site is located about 27 km east of the main visitor center on the south rim of the canyon – Grand Canyon Village. It is very easily accessible by car from the center along a road of about forty kilometers, which is also lined with a number of breathtaking viewpoints.
The dominant feature of this popular viewpoint is a 21-meter high stone tower located right on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The tower was built in 1932 to a design by architect Mary Colter and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
View of the Grand Canyon
As in most national parks, there is a large parking lot, toilets and well-marked paths. The observation tower area is such a great place to start or end your trip to the Grand Canyon.
Observation tower
The tower is built in a rustic architectural style reminiscent of the architecture of the Native Americans who inhabited the Grand Canyon area before the arrival of European settlers. The tower has a circular plan and is built of stone and brick. At the top of the tower is an observation deck that offers unique views of the Grand Canyon.
Lookout point under the tower
Since you usually have to wait in line and pay an entrance fee to get to the lookout point on the tower, a very good alternative is the free observation deck below the tower.
Information for tourists
The site offers several options for visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the Grand Canyon. There is a gift shop on the ground floor of the tower where visitors can purchase souvenirs and information about the park. The store also hosts cultural demonstrations of crafts. The tower's observation deck features information boards that provide information about the geology, history, and nature of the Grand Canyon. Visitors can also view a model of the Grand Canyon that displays its size and shape.
