Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower is a historic stone tower in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona offering elevated views over the canyon and Colorado River. Located on the South Rim near the East Entrance, it’s one of the park’s most distinctive viewpoints.

Designed by architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932, the tower was inspired by ancestral Puebloan watchtowers found throughout the Southwest. Colter carefully designed it to reflect Indigenous architectural styles, incorporating stonework, layout, and interior details that honor the region’s cultural history. Inside, you’ll find murals painted by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie, adding another layer of cultural significance to the structure.

Visitors can climb the tower for multiple vantage points over the canyon, while the surrounding Desert View area offers sweeping scenery with fewer crowds than other South Rim viewpoints. A great stop for those looking to experience a blend of history, culture, and panoramic views in the Grand Canyon.