Desert View

The Desert View Watchtower® was built in 1932, and opened to the public in 1933. It was designed by Mary Jane Elizabeth Colter, whose vision was to have the highest view point with a 180-degree lookout into the canyon. From the overlook, one can see the Colorado River, Tanner Rapids, the Little Colorado Gorge, Painted Desert and the North Rim. The Tower has 85 stairs and 4 levels, with about 20 stairs on each level. The design is based on ancient Native pueblos and ruins.

Desert View is located 23 miles east of the South Rim (roughly a 35 minute drive).

Yes! Grand Canyon National Park allows leashed dogs on named trails above the rim (not on any inner canyon trails for their safety and yours).

1. 1. Walk the South Rim for great views and a safe, pet-friendly hike. You’ll get to see the big draws to the Grand Canyon: Yavapai, Hopi, Mojave and Mather Points.
   2. Stop by Yavapai Tavern to grab a drink and enjoy lunch on the patio with your fur baby.
   3. Check out Desert View to cool off with some ice cream.
   4. Shop at Yavapai Lodge Gift Shop and pick pup a souvenir!

The Trading Post proudly offers at least 70% Made-in-America products and features at least 60% authentic Native American goods. Our collection spans the Four Corners region, showcasing the artistry and traditions of Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, Jemez, Acoma, and Santa Clara communities.

The Trading Post Deli provides healthier choices all made to order, such as deli sandwiches, pizza, soup, hot dogs, chili dogs and ice cream. There is also a Grab ‘n Go section for those who are on a time limit, filled with sandwiches, yogurt, fruit cups, hummus, desserts and juices.

The General Store has a variety of dry food items, which works well for those camping at Desert View. There is ice, firewood, wine, beer (no liquor), milk, eggs, and hot dogs. There is no produce and no meat other than sandwich meat at Desert View General Store. The Store also has a variety of souvenirs including T-shirts, hats, magnets, postcards, DVDs, a youth section with plush items, games and apparel, a stamp machine, ATM and sundries.

Yes, the hours vary from season to season. There is a Chevron service station (the only one in the park), which also has seasonal hours, but visitors can pay at the pumps with a credit card year-round.

There are no hiking trails at Desert View. The closest hiking trail is at Lipan Point, which is 3 miles west of Desert View. Tanner Trail goes to the river and is very strenuous, even for the experienced hiker..

The Desert View campground is run by the National Park Service. It has 50 camp sites, which are full from opening day (mid-April) until closing (mid-October). Reservations are $12.00 per night, and may be purchased through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.