Overlooks of the Little Colorado River Gorge run by the Navajo Nation

Archeological site and interpretive museum of ancient Puebloan village circa 1100 AD

At 7,360 feet above sea level, Lipan Poin offers some of the most expansive and clear views of the entire Canyon.

Navajo Point offers a great view of Desert View Watchtower, as well as panoramic vistas to the west and a view north up the Colorado River.

Explore this Mary Colter-designed structure. Also offers gift shop, grocery store and ice cream parlor

The point named for famed nature artist Thomas Moran, Moran Point is an excellent place to see the vibrant colors of the Grand Canyon Supergroup and basement rocks like Vishnu Shist

Fire lookout tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. It is approximately 10 miles east of the Tusayan Ranger District Office and houses an observation deck and informational signage

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shady ponderosa pine forest while stealing glances of the canyon through the trees.


Viewpoint along Desert View Drive that once housed the Grandview Hotel, Pete Berry's mining enterprise. From here, you can hear the Hance Rapids below.

Viewpoint along Desert View Drive that features a Kaibab limestone formation that has eroded into the shape of a duck.

Two quick pullovers for taking in more great canyon views. Twice the sights? Twice as nice.


The trailhead located at Yaki Point that connects to the Bright Angel Trail before descending to the canyon floor.

The first viewpoint on Desert View Drive

Named for Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, Mather Point is located a short walk from the GC Visitor Center and parking areas

        After drinking in the beauty of Mather Point, walk less than a mile (0.7 mi/1.1 km, to be exact) along the flat, paved Rim Trail to the Yavapai Geology Museum. Here you’ll learn more about the geology of the Grand Canyon through interpretive panels and a topographical relief map of the entire canyon. The museum used to be the Yavapai Observation Station, so it offers some of the best panoramic views you’ll see all day. Be sure to stop by the gift shop, too!


The Grand Canyon Village was the first spot at the South Rim to offer tourist accommodations (and you’ll learn all about it on Shaka Guide’s Grand Canyon South Rim tour!). Today, there’s over 120 years of history to explore at the Village. Take some time to explore the historical buildings and Native artwork, shop for souvenirs and grab a bite to eat at iconic restaurants like Fred Harvey Burger diner!

Commisioned by the Fred Harvey Company in 1904, Mary Colter built this "Indian Arts Building" in the style of a 1,000 year-old Native American Pueblo village dwelling. These days it houses local Native American art and gift shop

The first luxury hotel built on the South Rim in 1905

Built in 1935 as a "moderately priced" alternative the luxury El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge offers historic rooms, cozy cabins, two restaurants, a gift shop, and instant access to the South Rim

Mary Colter designed the Lookout Studio in 1914 as a refuge for tourists and artists to six, relax, gaze out at the beauty of the canyon. Today tourists can still do just that, but now there is an added bonus of a gift shop!

The original photography studio of Emery and Ellsworth Kolb is now an art gallery, bookstore and curio shop

Before the time of automobiles, the trains were the life blood of the canyon, bringing in tourists and siupplies. Check out the original log depot with signs and memorabilia to get a feel for the train depot’s heyday.


There are even more surprising viewpoints (and more!) down the 26-mile Desert View Drive!