Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower
Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower
Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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- JRMADAUnited States3,377 contributionsThe Best And Most Popular View PointThis is the best view point to introduce you to the Grand Canyon if you've never been. This view point is close to the East park entrance, and it has lots of parking, a restaurant, and toilets. The tower is open to the public and it yields an even nicer view if you want to climb it. This is a must stop if coming in the park through the east entrance.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2023
- CarolinainDallas93 contributionsClimb the Tower!The Watchtower is open for visitors now. Twenty timed tickets ate given out every 15 minutes for 15 minutes forward so tickets given out at 2:46 are for 3:00. The tickets allow you to climb up to the 2nd, 3rd, and top floors. The interior and view on these floors are amazing! This is what made our visit special. There is a lot of construction going on around the tower which is distracting. And the bathrooms are closed with only ports-potties available. The first time we stopped here for sunset, the porta-potties were full and dirty. We stopped three days later at midday and the porta-potties were decently clean.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 April 2023
- Todd S3 contributionsAllow Time for Tower ClimbThe Tower first floor is open to the public; however, to access the floors above (and the great view & Native American murals on the walls) you have to stop at the pop-up tent outside the entrance to the tower; it is manned by a volunteer group that helps maintain the Tower. When we visited the tickets were only given out 25 at a time, for a 20 minute time window. We found 20 minutes was plenty of time to climb the stairs and take in the views.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 July 2023
- Zoom_GottiHenderson, Nevada1,559 contributionsCheck Out The SunsetRight at the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Stop here for breathtaking views of not only the Canyon, bthe Painted Desert as well. Focal point of this vast overlook is the Mary Colter Watchtower filled with designs taken from her experiences researching the surrounding Native American cultures. Visitation is once again allowed in the building, albeit in reduced and monitored numbers. Best buy the descriptive book available from the sponsoring Conservancy to better understand your visit. The surrounding site also houses a grocery, two snack bars, a gift shop, and campground. And picnic tables right near the Canyon rimVisited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 August 2023
- Astri Ratna SariChicago, Illinois19 contributionsDo not miss this spot!One great spot you should never miss when visiting Grand Canyon. We spend 3 days exploring Grand Canyon, such a wonderful experience. You will learn about Mary Colten and her designs; simply amazing!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,269 reviews
Excellent
954
Very good
259
Average
48
Poor
7
Terrible
1
Diana S
North Branch, MN133 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Be sure to go into at least the lower level of the tower; there are some views that you can't see as well from the main outlook.
It is a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint and tower, and there are restrooms and a gift shop.
We very much enjoyed coming up from Flagstaff to the eastern entrance. There is a lot more to see--those huge vistas, different plants, ranches and other land forms--than driving back south from the main visitor center. We didn't have a wait to get in (Thursday morning).
It is a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint and tower, and there are restrooms and a gift shop.
We very much enjoyed coming up from Flagstaff to the eastern entrance. There is a lot more to see--those huge vistas, different plants, ranches and other land forms--than driving back south from the main visitor center. We didn't have a wait to get in (Thursday morning).
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astri Ratna Sari
Chicago, IL19 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
One great spot you should never miss when visiting Grand Canyon. We spend 3 days exploring Grand Canyon, such a wonderful experience. You will learn about Mary Colten and her designs; simply amazing!
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve V
62 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Beyond the incredible views of the canyon, the tower itself was very anticlimactic! Very busy, and you had to get tickets and times for you to climb the watchtower to the upper floors.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CINDYROSE720
Denver, CO967 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
2023-September
It's God's reminder that we are just a mist compared to his greatness!
We entered from the east and stopped at most of the viewpoints on the map given at the entrance.
Desert View Drive is a few-mile stretch from the east to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. There is a $35 per vehicle entrance fee to the Grand Canyon National Park. There are no toll fees for using any of the roadways from and to the Grand Canyon National Park (Google Maps shows toll fees, but there is no toll fee). Just pay the entrance fee.
All viewpoints are free. Not all viewpoints have restrooms. See the photo attached) All viewpoints have parking spaces.
(The photo with a green heart pendant is a Memorial pendant with my son's ashes (the white part that resembles an angel's wings) who passed away in June 2023.. he was supposed to come with us here in Grand Canyon National Park to celebrate my birthday)
Hope you take a magnificent picture of the canyon from this viewpoint!
Be safe 😊
It's God's reminder that we are just a mist compared to his greatness!
We entered from the east and stopped at most of the viewpoints on the map given at the entrance.
Desert View Drive is a few-mile stretch from the east to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. There is a $35 per vehicle entrance fee to the Grand Canyon National Park. There are no toll fees for using any of the roadways from and to the Grand Canyon National Park (Google Maps shows toll fees, but there is no toll fee). Just pay the entrance fee.
All viewpoints are free. Not all viewpoints have restrooms. See the photo attached) All viewpoints have parking spaces.
(The photo with a green heart pendant is a Memorial pendant with my son's ashes (the white part that resembles an angel's wings) who passed away in June 2023.. he was supposed to come with us here in Grand Canyon National Park to celebrate my birthday)
Hope you take a magnificent picture of the canyon from this viewpoint!
Be safe 😊
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,559 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Right at the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Stop here for breathtaking views of not only the Canyon, bthe Painted Desert as well. Focal point of this vast overlook is the Mary Colter Watchtower filled with designs taken from her experiences researching the surrounding Native American cultures. Visitation is once again allowed in the building, albeit in reduced and monitored numbers. Best buy the descriptive book available from the sponsoring Conservancy to better understand your visit. The surrounding site also houses a grocery, two snack bars, a gift shop, and campground. And picnic tables right near the Canyon rim
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todd S
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The Tower first floor is open to the public; however, to access the floors above (and the great view & Native American murals on the walls) you have to stop at the pop-up tent outside the entrance to the tower; it is manned by a volunteer group that helps maintain the Tower. When we visited the tickets were only given out 25 at a time, for a 20 minute time window. We found 20 minutes was plenty of time to climb the stairs and take in the views.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenwell22
Carleton, MI19 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We had a great time visiting here. The tower was open when we visited. Gorgeous views! I also highly recommend the Desert View Market and Deli adjacent to the tower for lunch. We had an amazing Cuban sandwich from the deli for lunch. They also have a super friendly staff and were quick in preparing the food.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolinainDallas
Dallas93 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
The Watchtower is open for visitors now. Twenty timed tickets ate given out every 15 minutes for 15 minutes forward so tickets given out at 2:46 are for 3:00. The tickets allow you to climb up to the 2nd, 3rd, and top floors. The interior and view on these floors are amazing! This is what made our visit special. There is a lot of construction going on around the tower which is distracting. And the bathrooms are closed with only ports-potties available. The first time we stopped here for sunset, the porta-potties were full and dirty. We stopped three days later at midday and the porta-potties were decently clean.
Written 24 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mudeford 123
113 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Well worth the drive from village. Staff very friendly. Need a ticket but it is free. When you arrive ask for timed ticket. Plenty of parking. Would recommend.
Written 19 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRMADA
United States3,377 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This is the best view point to introduce you to the Grand Canyon if you've never been. This view point is close to the East park entrance, and it has lots of parking, a restaurant, and toilets. The tower is open to the public and it yields an even nicer view if you want to climb it. This is a must stop if coming in the park through the east entrance.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ursula F
Austria
to visit the sightseeing points along the route Grand Canyon Village to Desert View Watchtower, an entrance fee for the Grand Canyon is due - right???
aliveinsf2015
San Francisco, CA9 contributions
Better to drive rather than shuttle?
Terrence K
Decatur, GA277 contributions
Plenty of parking at this location so driving is NOT. A problem. Gives you more flexibility for sure.
KayDarlene
La Feria, TX84 contributions
Is it $35 per person or per car? Is it free to go inside the tower.
jesse o
Jackson, WY6,614 contributions
$35 per car for a seven day pass. If there is a US citizen in your car aged 62 or more they may buy a senior pass for $20/year or $80/lifetime which will get four people in.
The tower is free.
mariannelouisemac
Bristol, UK47 contributions
Hi, is this a good place for stargazing or is there a lot of artificial light pollution? Thanks
Jen M
Casco, ME105 contributions
There is minimal to no light pollution.
Teri_12
New York City, New York101 contributions
What is the latest time we can climb the stairs to the top?
LesleyGulledge
Salt Lake City, UT188 contributions
I believe they closed down at 6pm
Raylynn2014
Grants Pass, OR53 contributions
Is there a shuttle bus that travels out to the watchtower? Having a hard time deciding to drive our own vehicle from Williams for the day to visit the canyon or ride the train and have 3 1/2 hours to sight see.
Thanks!
Rajiks
Colombo, Sri Lanka228 contributions
Based on the map the shuttle bus does not go to the watch tower and the view from their is spectacular , you can see the Colorado river from the watchtower. I was told it is one of the best places to see a sunset ! Don't go for the day , we were there for 3 nights and I felt it was not enough ( we missed the sunset as it was raining ), each view point gives you a different glimpse of the canyon and you cannot see it's true beauty unless you have not seen it at sunrise or sunset
Denise F
Charlotte, NC141 contributions
How may steps to the top of the tower ?
btr-L8-thn-nvr
United States11,539 contributions
85
CourtneyDarby
Brighton and Hove, UK20 contributions
Hi All,
Could anyone advise on entrance fee for the watch tower and also if it is required to book tickets in advance?
Many thanks
identicaltwin
Marietta, GA236 contributions
No fee and you don't reserve a time. We were there in December and it was fine. I would think in high season it would be crazy busy and difficult getting in and out of there.
Svej591
Daphne, AL70 contributions
We are staying at the Bright Angel Lodge, dependent on public transportation. Is there a way to get to the Watchtower if we don;t have a car? The only "bus tours" I could find started in Las Vegas. Are there any at the South Rim for half a day?
Phil W
Midland, Australia87 contributions
Sorry to be so long in answering. The Desert Watchtower is a fair way from Bright Angel. There is a bus once a day North to South Rim I both directions. If that did stop at the Desert Watchtower you would have a fair wait before it returned.
Hi, if I am travelling from monument valley can I drive to the grand canyon desert view in our hire car ?.
HiMyNameIsKathryn
Flint, TX138 contributions
We drove through there in a rental car - no issues at all.
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Claim your listingGRAND CANYON DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower:
- Private Grand Canyon Sightseeing Tour from Williams Tusayan GCV (From £486.12)
- 3-Day National Parks Tour from Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon (From £482.24)
- Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Flagstaff (From £144.40)
- Grand Canyon Deluxe Day Trip from Sedona (From £144.40)
- Small-Private Group Grand Canyon Tour From Flagstaff (From £229.84)
- Hotels near Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower:
- (0.17 mi) Red Feather Lodge
- (0.15 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel
- (0.18 mi) 7 Mile Lodge
- (0.21 mi) Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon BW Signature Collection
- (0.19 mi) Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
- Restaurants near Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower:
- (0.17 mi) Coronado Room
- (0.23 mi) Plaza Bonita
- (0.19 mi) Wagon Wheel Saloon
- (0.19 mi) JJK's Restaurant
- (0.22 mi) Grand Canyon Squire Inn
- Attractions near Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower:
- (0.23 mi) Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris
- (0.27 mi) Pink Jeep Tours Grand Canyon
- (0.34 mi) Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours
- (0.28 mi) Grand Canyon Visitor Center
- (0.25 mi) Little Colorado River Overlook