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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USAArizonaDesert View Drive
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Desert View Drive

Grand Canyon Village - Grandview Point - Moran Point - Lipan Point - Desert View Watchtower

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Comfort Comfort
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Desert View Drive ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km38 h/stage0.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Desert View Drive in Arizona?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 0EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 149EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 194EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 355EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 445EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 140EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 365EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Desert View Drive Itinerary

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.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 38 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Grand Canyon Village

Distance 38 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: modest 10.0 kWh Airports GCN
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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.

1 Grand Canyon Village - Grandview Point

Distance 15 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: fast 4.5 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road junction of road trips
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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!

2 Grandview Point - Moran Point

Distance 11 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: fast 3.2 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road sections of narrow road
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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!

3 Moran Point - Lipan Point

Distance 9 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 2.4 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road sections of narrow road
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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!

4 Lipan Point - Desert View Watchtower

Distance 3 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: modest 0.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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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

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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.

Desert View Drive at a glance

With Desert Drive, you have completed one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world and truly it will not be easy to top what you have experienced and seen. You can simply drive the route back to Grand Canyon Village to declare your trip over or go in search of more natural wonders in the area. Monument Valley, Arches National Park or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon would be our recommendations here.

Facts for safer driving in Arizona

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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