Desert View Scenic Drive

By Tony Subia

Last updated on May 1, 2026.

Desert View Scenic Drive is one of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon South Rim by car, offering one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. This scenic 25-mile route features canyon overlooks, picnic areas, rim viewpoints, trail access, and wide-open views of the Colorado River, making it ideal for travelers who want a flexible self-guided drive through some of the South Rim’s most dramatic scenery.

Over 5 million visitors come to the Grand Canyon each year, with most concentrating around Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim’s western end. If you prefer solitude and fewer crowds, enter the South Rim from the East Desert View Entrance. Desert View features magnificent views and similar amenities found at the Village including a Visitor Center, marketplace, service station, snack bar, museum, and the Desert View Campground.

Desert View Scenic Drive Map

Why Take The Desert View Scenic Drive

The Desert View Scenic Drive is especially appealing because it offers multiple Grand Canyon viewpoints without relying on shuttle buses for most of the route. Visitors can stop at Desert View Point, Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point, Grandview Point, and other overlooks while traveling between Grand Canyon Village and the East Entrance - all shown on the Grand Canyon map. It is also a great route for photography, sunrise and sunset views, short walks, picnic stops, and travelers entering the park from Cameron, Flagstaff, Page, or the Navajo Nation area.

Best Things To Do & See On Desert View Scenic Drive

Desert View Point & Watchtower

• Visit the easternmost major viewpoint on the Grand Canyon South Rim
• See sweeping views of the Colorado River and the beginning of the canyon’s eastern section
• Explore the historic Desert View Watchtower and surrounding visitor area

Navajo Point

• Stop at one of the highest viewpoints on the South Rim
• Enjoy panoramic canyon views and distant views of the Desert View Watchtower
• Excellent location for sunrise photography and early morning sightseeing

Lipan Point

• View wide canyon scenery and dramatic layers of Grand Canyon geology
• Look for visible sections of the Colorado River far below
• Popular stop for sunset views and photography

Moran Point

• See colorful rock layers and long-distance views toward the North Rim
• Good stop for photography during changing light conditions
• Easy overlook access from the scenic drive

Grandview Point

• Visit one of the South Rim’s classic panoramic overlooks
• See distant bends of the Colorado River and broad canyon formations
• Access the steep Grandview Trail for experienced hikers

Shoshone Point

• Take a quiet walk through forested terrain to a less-crowded canyon viewpoint
• Enjoy peaceful rim views away from the busiest overlooks
• Popular area for permitted private events and small gatherings

Yaki Point, Mather Point & Yavapai Point

• Visit major South Rim overlooks near Grand Canyon Village
• Use shuttle access where private vehicles are restricted seasonally
• Walk portions of the Rim Trail for easy canyon views near the visitor center

Scenic Overlooks and Experience

You can take the Desert View Scenic Drive from either Grand Canyon Village (West Side) or from the Desert View East Entrance. If you are coming from Flagstaff, we suggest entering from the East Entrance. It is a beautiful scenic drive past San Francisco Peaks with a stop-over at Cameron on the Navajo Indian Reservation. See the South Rim Directional Map.

Desert View Point

Park at the Desert View Visitor Center where you will find restrooms, snack bar, general store, trading post, picnic facilities, and a gas station. Take the short 1/4-mile hike to Desert View Point, the easternmost viewpoint on the South Rim. You will experience incredible views of the Colorado River where it takes its big bend to the west.

Climb the Historic Watchtower and witness astounding views. To the east you can see the majestically beautiful Vermillion Cliffs and Marble Canyon which mark the beginning of the Grand Canyon. To the northwest you will see the temples of Jupiter, Venus and Apollo.

Navajo Point

Navajo Point is just a few minutes drive west of Desert View Point. Parking is located next to the rim off of East Rim Drive. It features great views of the Watchtower and panoramic views to the west. Navajo is the highest point along the South Rim at almost 7,500 feet of elevation. It is a perfect spot for an early morning picnic breakfast while enjoying a gorgeous sunrise.

Lipan Point

Lipan Point captures some of the most breathtaking views of the Canyon. A full visual feast for the eyes. Look west and see Seventy Five Mile Creek as it winds its way to the Colorado River. You can see Temple Butte and Chuar Butte where the collision of two commercial planes took place in 1958. This is an ideal place to watch the sunset over the west horizons.

Moran Point

Just east of Lipan Point, a short spur road takes you to one of the Canyon's most popular overlooks - Moran Point. Looking north you can see Cape Royal across to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Although the view of the North Rim is only 8 visible miles, it would take a 215 mile drive to reach the other side.

Grandview Point

The southernmost lookout point on the Grand Canyon South Rim is Grandview Point. Reach these scenic panoramic views by the public via a one-mile road. Looking west you will see distant bends of the Colorado River. The Grandview Trail begins here. It is a very steep trail. If you plan to hike the trail, use caution, it can be somewhat treacherous when covered with snow and ice during the winter months.

Shoshone Point

Shoshone Point is not marked on the Desert View Scenic Drive. Although there is a one-mile dirt road leading to the point, it is closed to public access without permission from the National Park Service. About a 20 minute hike to the point is permitted through a pleasantly flat trail amid a pine forest. With advance reservations and a special permit, it is a popular wedding venue that features picnic tables, grills, and a covered ramada along with great views across the canyon.

Yaki Point

Due to heavy congestion during peak season, the road leading to Yaki Point is closed from March 1 through November 30 to private vehicles. However, you can experience Yaki Point via the Free Shuttle Bus from Grand Canyon Visitor Center at Grand Canyon Village all year long.

Mather Point

Mather Point is the most visited lookout point at the Grand Canyon South Rim primarily because it is the closest to Visitor Center at the Canyon View Plaza. Located along the Rim Trail, its viewing area is quite expansive with two narrow railed overlooks. It's not unusual that several hundred people are sharing the trailed area at any given time particularly during the peak season.

Tourists can easily spend several hours here enjoying the wonderful views and walks along the Rim Trail which also connects to Yavapai Point. Parking lots can be a bit confusing. The following video will help explain parking lot options.

Parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Tourists can park at the Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center and then walk to the Rim Trail and Mather Point. Or you can catch the free bus shuttles around the Grand Canyon Village. Choose among the following parking lots:

1) Lot 1 is the closest to the canyon and has pull-through spaces for RVs and vehicles with trailers.
2) Lot 2 is closer to the Visitor Center/ Plaza
3) Lot 3 often acts as the overflow lot is a short walk to the Visitor Center/ Plaza
4) Lot 4 is close to the Bicycle Rental/ Café, Bookstore and Visitor Center/ Plaza
Easily accessible shuttle bus stops are located or near all parking lots.

Yavapai Point

Expect more great views of the Grand Canyon from Yavapai Point, but there is limited parking which can become congested during the busy season. Vehicles over 22 feet are not permitted, but it's an easy walk along the Rim Trail from the parking lots near Mather Point. The Visitor Center at the Yavapai Observation Station provides a wealth of information about the geology and history of the Grand Canyon. It is the northernmost point on the South Rim with amazing views.

Best Times To Take The Desert View Scenic Drive

Spring (March – May)

• Comfortable daytime temperatures and improving travel conditions
• Good season for scenic overlooks, photography, and short walks
• Possible late-season snow or icy spots early in spring

Summer (June – August)

• Peak travel season with the largest crowds at major viewpoints
• Best to drive early in the morning or later in the afternoon
• Afternoon thunderstorms can create dramatic skies but require caution near exposed overlooks

Fall (September – November)

• One of the best seasons for clear views and comfortable weather
• Fewer crowds than summer, especially on weekdays
• Excellent time for photography, scenic stops, and relaxed driving

Winter (December – February)

• Quietest season with fewer visitors and peaceful viewpoints
• Snow and ice can occur, so check road conditions before driving
• Cold weather can create beautiful canyon scenery and crisp long-distance views

Planning your visit? Here are answers to the most common questions about Desert View Scenic Drive, including access, timing, and the best stops along the route.

Desert View Scenic Drive FAQ

Where is Desert View Scenic Drive?

Desert View Scenic Drive is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon along Arizona Highway 64, between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View near the park’s East Entrance.

How long is Desert View Scenic Drive?

The scenic drive is about 25 miles long from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View.

Can you drive your own car on Desert View Scenic Drive?

Yes. Most of Desert View Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles, making it one of the easiest self-guided scenic routes on the Grand Canyon South Rim.

How long does it take to drive Desert View Scenic Drive?

The drive itself can take less than an hour without stops, but most visitors should allow two to four hours to enjoy overlooks, short walks, photos, and picnic areas.

What are the best stops on Desert View Scenic Drive?

Top stops include Desert View Point, the Desert View Watchtower, Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point, Grandview Point, and nearby South Rim viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point.

Is Desert View Scenic Drive open year-round?

Desert View Scenic Drive is generally open year-round, but winter snow, ice, weather events, or road work can affect access. Always check current Grand Canyon road conditions before traveling.

Is Desert View Scenic Drive good for sunrise or sunset?

Yes. Navajo Point and Desert View Point are excellent for sunrise, while Lipan Point and several west-facing overlooks are popular for sunset photography.

Grand Canyon

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South Rim Free Shuttle Bus Routes

The Spectacular Grand Canyon