The barman displayed a notably discourteous attitude. I appreciate the need to suppress common sense in-order to adhere to resort policy or state law by requesting identification from every individual, regardless of how obvious it is they are well over 21 years of age. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible to do so with a welcoming demeanour and uphold essential customer service standards, particularly when you are employed at a resort.Also, the price of a beer here is criminal.
Travis T.
The Desert View Watchtower is a 70 foot iconic stone structure that can be seen from quite a distance away. It has four stories and was designed by architect Mary Colter in 1932. The Watchtower is located in the Desert View area next to the East entrance. You are able to enter and explore the lower level of the Watchtower called the Kiva Room. There are many windows that you can view the Grand Canyon from. The interior of the tower also has a lot of beautiful stone carvings on the walls. In the Desert View area are bathrooms, a gift shop, general store, and a trading post. Just outside the watchtower is Desert View Point. At this viewpoint you can see the Colorado River make a sharp 90-degree turn to the west. If you drive west on Desert View Drive, there are quite a few other beautiful viewpoints along the way until you get to Grand Canyon Village. If you are traveling on the on US 89, you can get to Desert View by turning west onto State Route 64 in Cameron, AZ. Then travel about 25 miles until you get to the East Entrance. The Desert View area is right after you enter the park. The Watchtower is easy to locate as soon as you enter. It is a popular spot because this is the first viewpoint you can visit as you enter the park. So expect some crowds.
Beth B.
I love our National Parks and the Grand Cayon is my favorite. I love the history of this building. There's so many that Mary did there that are just spectacular. Check it out for sure.
Tracy L.
The Watchtower is an impressive stop. There's plenty of parking, restrooms, a shop to buy souvenirs and food. The rim is an east flat walk from the parking lot, and it is a gorgeous outlook. If you're entering or leaving through the east gate, definitely make a stop here.
John L. H.
The Desert View Watchtower is a place you must see to believe. I mean it. Throughout my life I have heard about places that I had to see to believe. That phrase is pretty overused in my opinion so I don't use it lightly. I will even upload photos that you might think are cool or pretty, but trust me when I tell you that they do not do this place justice. This is a special place and you owe it to yourself to see it in person. If you can get here early and see it before it gets crowded, it will be even better. Scouts honor. Before my first trip to the GC I read a lot of stuff online. One of the best tips I received was that I should skip the main entrance and head for the Desert View entrance instead. If you listen to anything I say, take that advice. When you first arrive at the Watchtower you are greeted by a giant parking lot. The walk to the tower is not difficult, but it isn't exactly close. It is well worth it though, so start walking. When I first saw the tower I actually had to stop walking. Not because I was winded, but because it was so incredible. I actually had to stop and just stare at it. Then I walked closer and was mesmerized. The view from this lookout is likely the best in the entire canyon. Inside the tower there is a small gift shop where you can stamp your passport. Once that is done you need to head up the stairs and look out to the canyon from one of the many windows, or preferably, the exterior lookouts. Trust me when I tell you, the view will change you. It is that spectacular. I do not have the words or the photos to accurately describe the beauty of this place. Visiting it changed my life. I hope you heed my advice and let it change yours too.
Robert Y.
We came here on Christmas Day, partially out of interest, but mostly because it was the only attraction available on our side of the highway, thanks to the snow and ice forcing many of the the roads to close. Still, it's a very interesting structure to visit that offers some grand views of the canyon, and well worth the price of admission. Near this site are bathrooms, a food market and cafe, and a plethora of shops where you can buy souvenirs. It isn't the greatest attraction that the Grand Canyon possesses, but it was good enough to spend a few hours. Plus we got in for free because my friend is active duty military.
Olivia B.
The Desert View Watchtower is worth the visit! This was my favorite view of the Grand Canyon. It is definitely worth the drive, and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop at between Mather Point and here. I think that this viewpoint has the best view of the Colorado River on the South Rim. The interior is gorgeous! As you work your way up to the top of the tower, make sure you take the time to appreciate the stone carvings and intricate painting on the walls. This is an absolute must see if you're visiting the Grand Canyon! It's an absolutely breathtaking view!
Kellyo O.
This is a MUST! For sure go and check this out! This is super cool and you can go up several flights and look out windows. There is indigenous art as well as early settler furniture to check out. We loved exploring this site, taking photos, being able to interact with the building and the nature.
Laura G.
The Desert View Watchtower sits at the edge of the Grand Canyon. It is a stone tower but in 1932 as a monument to remember a time, a place and the Puebloan people. From the tower you can see the Colorado River and miles of the Grand Canyon. On the main floor there is a small gift shop and information area. If you look up on the first floor you will see a beautiful spiral staircase leading up to the top. The building is a four story structure with beautiful murals painted on the stone. My favorite was the Hopi Room where the artist used the Hopi Snake Dance as inspiration for his artwork. You can take all the time that you want admiring the views and the artwork. The staircase gets crowded at times but everyone seemed relaxed and patient. It is a very enjoyable experience.
Lei S.
If you're visiting the Grand Canyon, make sure you stop here! Better yet, take the Desert View Entrance to GC (less crowded) and it's right after you enter. There are bathrooms, market, and a little deli for some grub. The views are amazing here too! Unfortunately we didn't get to climb up the tower since we had our dog with us, but make the time to do it!
Love that all floors were open. (I don't know why they weren't on our last visit.) This place is well kept. Employees are extremely friendly. I love that they had an area for my kids to passport stamp their postcards. Those will be great keepsakes.
Philip L.
This place is awesome. Definitely worth seeing. The view is spectacular and if you have a pair of binoculars you can see rafts on the river close to the rapids. The climb to the top floor is worth it. There are by numerous indigenous artifacts and paintings.
Stella L.
A dessert view watch tower? Yes! A watchtower located at the eastern end of South Rim of Grand Canyon. The tower has a very interesting structure that has steps that leads you all the way to the top, overlooking the view of the Grand Canyon. What I love most is the interior of the tower filled with stone carvings on the walls. It's like a mini history museum in a tower. Tips: ~ Walk up the watch tower, walk out to the outdoor area on level 2. It's a great place to take pretty photos of the watch tower and the amazing views ~ If you feel castrophonic, try not to walk to the highest level, you might feel stuffy and dizzy due to the lack of air at the top. ~ Wear covered shoes, a lot of walking and steps to climb up the watch tower
Laramae E.
First stop we checked out while we were in the national park. Tourist spot. Great for picture opportunities especially that it doesn't require any hike. There's a little patio that outlook the canyon, you can also go up the tower to get a better view. Spiral stairs heading up, musty people -_- There's a little gift shop inside as well. I loved the observational deck that offers amazing views of the canyon! Worth checking it out while at the Grand Canyon.
Shirley N.
Definitely worth a visit while at the Grand Canyon. For a great view, take the spiral steps up to the top. We were here in the heat of summer so bring water. There's a store on the grounds where you can pick up a snack and souvenirs.
The barman displayed a notably discourteous attitude. I appreciate the need to suppress common sense in-order to adhere to resort policy or state law by requesting identification from every individual, regardless of how obvious it is they are well over 21 years of age. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible to do so with a welcoming demeanour and uphold essential customer service standards, particularly when you are employed at a resort.Also, the price of a beer here is criminal.
The Desert View Watchtower is a 70 foot iconic stone structure that can be seen from quite a distance away. It has four stories and was designed by architect Mary Colter in 1932. The Watchtower is located in the Desert View area next to the East entrance. You are able to enter and explore the lower level of the Watchtower called the Kiva Room. There are many windows that you can view the Grand Canyon from. The interior of the tower also has a lot of beautiful stone carvings on the walls. In the Desert View area are bathrooms, a gift shop, general store, and a trading post. Just outside the watchtower is Desert View Point. At this viewpoint you can see the Colorado River make a sharp 90-degree turn to the west. If you drive west on Desert View Drive, there are quite a few other beautiful viewpoints along the way until you get to Grand Canyon Village. If you are traveling on the on US 89, you can get to Desert View by turning west onto State Route 64 in Cameron, AZ. Then travel about 25 miles until you get to the East Entrance. The Desert View area is right after you enter the park. The Watchtower is easy to locate as soon as you enter. It is a popular spot because this is the first viewpoint you can visit as you enter the park. So expect some crowds.
I love our National Parks and the Grand Cayon is my favorite. I love the history of this building. There's so many that Mary did there that are just spectacular. Check it out for sure.
The Watchtower is an impressive stop. There's plenty of parking, restrooms, a shop to buy souvenirs and food. The rim is an east flat walk from the parking lot, and it is a gorgeous outlook. If you're entering or leaving through the east gate, definitely make a stop here.
The Desert View Watchtower is a place you must see to believe. I mean it. Throughout my life I have heard about places that I had to see to believe. That phrase is pretty overused in my opinion so I don't use it lightly. I will even upload photos that you might think are cool or pretty, but trust me when I tell you that they do not do this place justice. This is a special place and you owe it to yourself to see it in person. If you can get here early and see it before it gets crowded, it will be even better. Scouts honor. Before my first trip to the GC I read a lot of stuff online. One of the best tips I received was that I should skip the main entrance and head for the Desert View entrance instead. If you listen to anything I say, take that advice. When you first arrive at the Watchtower you are greeted by a giant parking lot. The walk to the tower is not difficult, but it isn't exactly close. It is well worth it though, so start walking. When I first saw the tower I actually had to stop walking. Not because I was winded, but because it was so incredible. I actually had to stop and just stare at it. Then I walked closer and was mesmerized. The view from this lookout is likely the best in the entire canyon. Inside the tower there is a small gift shop where you can stamp your passport. Once that is done you need to head up the stairs and look out to the canyon from one of the many windows, or preferably, the exterior lookouts. Trust me when I tell you, the view will change you. It is that spectacular. I do not have the words or the photos to accurately describe the beauty of this place. Visiting it changed my life. I hope you heed my advice and let it change yours too.
We came here on Christmas Day, partially out of interest, but mostly because it was the only attraction available on our side of the highway, thanks to the snow and ice forcing many of the the roads to close. Still, it's a very interesting structure to visit that offers some grand views of the canyon, and well worth the price of admission. Near this site are bathrooms, a food market and cafe, and a plethora of shops where you can buy souvenirs. It isn't the greatest attraction that the Grand Canyon possesses, but it was good enough to spend a few hours. Plus we got in for free because my friend is active duty military.
The Desert View Watchtower is worth the visit! This was my favorite view of the Grand Canyon. It is definitely worth the drive, and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop at between Mather Point and here. I think that this viewpoint has the best view of the Colorado River on the South Rim. The interior is gorgeous! As you work your way up to the top of the tower, make sure you take the time to appreciate the stone carvings and intricate painting on the walls. This is an absolute must see if you're visiting the Grand Canyon! It's an absolutely breathtaking view!
This is a MUST! For sure go and check this out! This is super cool and you can go up several flights and look out windows. There is indigenous art as well as early settler furniture to check out. We loved exploring this site, taking photos, being able to interact with the building and the nature.
The Desert View Watchtower sits at the edge of the Grand Canyon. It is a stone tower but in 1932 as a monument to remember a time, a place and the Puebloan people. From the tower you can see the Colorado River and miles of the Grand Canyon. On the main floor there is a small gift shop and information area. If you look up on the first floor you will see a beautiful spiral staircase leading up to the top. The building is a four story structure with beautiful murals painted on the stone. My favorite was the Hopi Room where the artist used the Hopi Snake Dance as inspiration for his artwork. You can take all the time that you want admiring the views and the artwork. The staircase gets crowded at times but everyone seemed relaxed and patient. It is a very enjoyable experience.
If you're visiting the Grand Canyon, make sure you stop here! Better yet, take the Desert View Entrance to GC (less crowded) and it's right after you enter. There are bathrooms, market, and a little deli for some grub. The views are amazing here too! Unfortunately we didn't get to climb up the tower since we had our dog with us, but make the time to do it!
Restaurantji Recommends
Love that all floors were open. (I don't know why they weren't on our last visit.) This place is well kept. Employees are extremely friendly. I love that they had an area for my kids to passport stamp their postcards. Those will be great keepsakes.
This place is awesome. Definitely worth seeing. The view is spectacular and if you have a pair of binoculars you can see rafts on the river close to the rapids. The climb to the top floor is worth it. There are by numerous indigenous artifacts and paintings.
A dessert view watch tower? Yes! A watchtower located at the eastern end of South Rim of Grand Canyon. The tower has a very interesting structure that has steps that leads you all the way to the top, overlooking the view of the Grand Canyon. What I love most is the interior of the tower filled with stone carvings on the walls. It's like a mini history museum in a tower. Tips: ~ Walk up the watch tower, walk out to the outdoor area on level 2. It's a great place to take pretty photos of the watch tower and the amazing views ~ If you feel castrophonic, try not to walk to the highest level, you might feel stuffy and dizzy due to the lack of air at the top. ~ Wear covered shoes, a lot of walking and steps to climb up the watch tower
First stop we checked out while we were in the national park. Tourist spot. Great for picture opportunities especially that it doesn't require any hike. There's a little patio that outlook the canyon, you can also go up the tower to get a better view. Spiral stairs heading up, musty people -_- There's a little gift shop inside as well. I loved the observational deck that offers amazing views of the canyon! Worth checking it out while at the Grand Canyon.
Definitely worth a visit while at the Grand Canyon. For a great view, take the spiral steps up to the top. We were here in the heat of summer so bring water. There's a store on the grounds where you can pick up a snack and souvenirs.