Desert View Watchtower — Attraction in Tuba City

Our family visited the Desert View Watch Tower on the East rim of the Grand Canyon last weekend, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. Situated just after the East entrance, the parking area was spacious and convenient. The vistas of the magnificent Grand Canyon, stretching from the lot to the tower, were awe-inspiring, reminding us of our small place in this colossal masterpiece of nature.

Even before reaching the tower, we were captivated by the mesmerizing views. The tower itself stands as a testament to the visionary architects of its time, offering a stunning perspective of the Grand Canyon's beauty.

Entry is complimentary for all visitors, and the lobby boasts multiple glass windows that serve as additional viewpoints. Additionally, there's a shopping center on the same level.

Visitors are permitted to ascend to the upper levels in groups spaced out every 20 min, starting 09 am through 5 PM, and you can find this information in one of the attached photos accompanying this review. To ensure the accuracy of these timings during your visit, I strongly recommend checking online sources. This precaution will help you avoid any unnecessary wait times.

When it's time, visitors have the opportunity to ascend to the higher levels of the tower. While the stairway is somewhat narrow, it easily accommodates controlled two-way traffic. It's advisable for those going up to yield the right of way to those descending to keep the stairway clear.

The tower features lobbies on three levels. The first level includes a patio for outdoor viewing, providing a unique perspective. The third floor offers paid telescopes, which, although we regrettably missed them due to not having coins on hand, are undoubtedly worth the experience. Take my advice and come prepared with some change!

One of the tower's most notable attractions is its architecture. The spiral staircase design and the Native American artwork adorning the interior walls draw visitors into the rich history of the native tribal civilization. It's a deeply respectful homage.

In summary, the Desert View Watch Tower is an absolute must-visit if you find yourself at the Grand Canyon. The combination of breathtaking views, architectural marvel, and cultural significance make it an essential stop on any itinerary.

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Great First Stop at the Grand Canyon

Our visit to the Desert View Watchtower was a great way to start exploring the Grand Canyon. The views were impressive, the lot and site were easily accessible, and the Watchtower added a cool element to the experience.

We entered the Park through the East Entrance on President’s Day (approx 11 am) without waiting and reached this site within a few minutes. The paved path from the parking lot to the viewing area was under .25 miles of walking and felt manageable with young kids.

What We Noticed and Appreciated: -Scenic Views (Safely): The outdoor viewing area provided wide, open views of the canyon, and the low fencing made it easier to enjoy while keeping an eye on kids. Inside the Watchtower, windows offered another way to take in the scenery, which felt like a good option for those who prefer a more enclosed space. -The Watchtower Experience: Inside, there was a gift shop, artwork, and access to the tower stairs. The wait to go up was about 15-20 minutes - they limit the number of people at a time. We thought the wait was worth it. The higher floors gave a different perspective, and the rooftop viewing deck on the second floor was a nice spot to pause and take in the view. -Facilities & Staff: We noticed that the bathrooms were adequate and easy to access. There were also a few smaller buildings where we saw treats like coffee and ice cream available. The staff members we interacted with were really kind, patient, and helpful, which left a good impression.

Things to Keep in Mind: -During our visit, the wait for the Watchtower stairs was about 15-20 minutes, but it moved steadily. It didn’t appear to be a busy day, so I imagine this line could get long on peak days—it may be worth researching. -There seemed to be smaller trails nearby, though we didn’t explore them. -This stop felt easy to access and worked well for our family, including kids.

This was our first stop at the Grand Canyon, and we were glad we started here. It gave us an easy introduction to the park, and the views made it feel worthwhile. I’d recommend this as a stop, especially for families or those wanting a mix of views and an interesting structure to explore. I hope you enjoy it as...

We recently made a short visit to the Desert View Watchtower, located at the eastern edge of the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park, and even in the limited time we had, it left a lasting impression.

Designed by renowned architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932, the Watchtower stands as a striking example of Southwest-inspired design, meant to echo the architecture of ancient Ancestral Puebloan towers. From the outside, it’s an architectural landmark that blends beautifully with the landscape, standing tall above the canyon rim and offering one of the most expansive vantage points in the park.

While we didn’t have the chance to go up the tower itself during our visit, we did stop inside to browse the gift shop, which is located at the base of the tower. It’s a charming little store with a great selection of souvenirs, books, and Native American crafts—perfect for picking up a thoughtful keepsake.

The real highlight, though, was stepping outside to take in the incredible views from Desert View Point. Even without climbing the tower, the overlook offers a sweeping panorama of the Grand Canyon, stretching all the way to the Painted Desert and down to the Colorado River far below. It was quieter than some of the more central viewpoints, and the peaceful setting made it easy to slow down and appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape.

Though our visit was brief, Desert View is absolutely worth the stop, especially if you’re entering or exiting the South Rim from the east. It’s a scenic, less-crowded alternative to the busier overlooks, and we’d love to return one day to explore the tower more fully and take in the views from the top. Even in a short window of time, it ended up being one of the most serene and memorable spots we visited at the...