Desert View Drive

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon on Desert View Drive! This 38 km (23.6 mile) road trip starts in Grand Canyon Village, Arizona and ends at the Desert View Watchtower. Along the route, you'll pass by Grandview Point, Moran Point, and Lipan Point, all offering stunning views of the canyon and its many formations. The best time to take the drive is during summer and fall, when the weather is warm and the skies are clear, which allows for the best views of the canyon. The road is in excellent condition and is suitable for any driver, but be aware that some of the roads are narrow. Desert View Drive is a great way to experience the Grand Canyon without breaking the bank. The drive takes about a day to complete, so you'll have plenty of time to take in the stunning landscapes and capture lasting memories. With its moderate budget, this road trip is suitable for everyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

Grand Canyon Village is located in Arizona, United States, and is a great starting point for the "Desert View Drive" road trip experience. This area allows visitors to experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon up close, and offers a variety of ways to explore the canyon. From the Village, visitors can take a shuttle bus to nearby viewpoints, where they can get stunning views of the canyon. One of the most popular activities in the village is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that allows visitors to walk out over the canyon and take in the view. The village also offers a variety of restaurants, souvenir shops, and a range of accommodations. For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). There are car rental services available at the airport, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. From the airport, it is a 4-hour drive to Grand Canyon Village, passing through some of the most stunning scenery in the Southwest. Visitors to Grand Canyon Village will be able to experience the natural beauty of the canyon and its many attractions, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Bright Angel Trail, and the Desert View Watchtower. This is a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the Southwest in style.

Welcome to the Grand Canyon Village to Grandview Point road trip stage! Get ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon National Park. This 9-mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can make the most of your time and explore the scenic road. As you make your way to Grandview Point, you’ll be able to experience the stunning views of the Grand Canyon. Grandview Point offers a great view of the canyon and is a great spot for a picnic or a quick hike. Make sure to take plenty of pictures and videos to capture the beauty of the canyon. Along the way, you can also visit the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Desert View Watchtower. Both are great places to learn about the history of the area and the geology of the canyon. Don’t forget to check out the Grandview Trail, which is a great way to experience the canyon up close. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for the perfect road trip? Grandview Point to Moran Point is a 7mi drive that takes less than 1 hour. The scenic drive takes you through narrow sections, so pay attention to the road. You'll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains, the river, and the lush forests. Make sure to take some pictures as you drive, you'll want to remember this trip for years to come! Once you reach Moran Point, you'll be able to explore the area and visit the nearby attractions. You can take a hike in the national park or take a stroll along the river. There are plenty of restaurants in the area, so make sure to grab a bite to eat. You can also find accommodation options, campsites, and more. For more information, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure!

Welcome to your road trip from Moran Point to Lipan Point! This 6mi drive will take you less than an hour, and you will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. The road is narrow in sections, so please be aware and drive carefully. Along the way, you will find some of the most interesting places to visit, including Moran Point and Lipan Point. Enjoy the views and make sure to take some pictures to remember this amazing journey! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Are you ready for a road trip from Lipan Point to Desert View Watchtower? This 2 mi journey will take you less than 0 hours to complete and you will get to experience some of the best views of the area. Start your road trip from Lipan Point, a small town in Arizona. Enjoy the scenic road as you drive east towards Desert View Watchtower. Make sure to take in the views of the desert and the mountains in the distance. Once you reach Desert View Watchtower, you will be able to admire the incredible views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. This is a great spot to take some pictures and marvel at the beauty of nature. This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Desert View Watchtower is an iconic landmark located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. At the end of the Desert View Drive, it offers stunning views of the canyon and its surrounding areas. The watchtower was designed in the early 1930s by architect Mary Colter, and is a great place to admire the beauty of the canyon. The watchtower is situated on a high point and offers panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding area. Inside the watchtower, you can find a museum with artifacts from the area as well as a gift shop. Desert View Drive is a great road trip option for exploring the Grand Canyon. The drive is approximately 25 miles long and it takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete. Along the way, you can find several lookout points with spectacular views of the canyon. The closest international airport to Desert View Watchtower is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). If you are planning a road trip, you can easily drive to the watchtower from Phoenix in just over 3 hours. Desert View Watchtower offers a unique experience of the Grand Canyon and is a great way to end a road trip. Whether you are looking to admire the beauty of the canyon or explore the area’s history, the watchtower is the perfect destination.

Before you set off

Desert View Drive, also known as Arizona State Route 64, offers a breathtaking Road Trip adventure along a 38 km (23 miles) stretch from Grand Canyon Village to the Desert View Watchtower. This scenic byway skirts the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, allowing travelers to witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of one of the world's most famous geological formations.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

As you travel along Desert View Drive, you'll have the chance to stop at several exceptional viewpoints.

• Grandview Point, the first major overlook east of Grand Canyon Village, stands at an elevation of 7,400 feet and once hosted the Grandview Hotel in the early 1900s.
• Moran Point offers a complex view of various rock layers and is named after Thomas Moran, whose art helped popularize the Grand Canyon.
• Lipan Point presents a panoramic vista that includes the Unkar Delta area, where one can see the Colorado River making a dramatic bend. Here, the Tusayan Ruins and Museum provide insight into the Puebloan people who inhabited the area over 800 years ago.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time for a Road Trip on Desert View Drive is from late spring through early fall. The summer months bring warm temperatures, but also larger crowds, while the fall offers cooler weather and fewer visitors, making it a perfect time for those seeking a more tranquil experience. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, as the interplay of light and shadows across the canyon walls creates a stunning display of natural beauty.

Potential Risks:

While Desert View Drive is generally safe, it's essential to drive cautiously, as the Road can be narrow in places with occasional sharp turns. Wildlife may also cross the Road unexpectedly. During winter, the route can be hazardous due to ice and snow, requiring extra precautions.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

The drive is suitable for most vehicles and can easily be completed within a day, including time for stops to take in the views and explore the rim trails. Along the way, you'll find picnic areas, restrooms, and points of interest, making it a comfortable and accessible journey. Since the Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee covers access to this route, it's an exceptionally budget-friendly option for experiencing the park's splendor.

A good choice for:

Desert View Drive is a must-do for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the spectacular landscapes of the Grand Canyon. The combination of accessible viewpoints, historical sites, and the relatively short distance makes it an ideal choice for families, photography enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the grandeur of this natural wonder without the need for strenuous hiking or extensive planning.