This Grand Canyon landmark is a 70-foot stone structure designed by architect Mary Colter in 1904 to look like a Pueblo watchtower. Desert View Watchtower is located within Grand Canyon Village in Grand Canyon National Park. It mainly contains the Kiva Room with a fireplace, furnishings and a ceiling made from materials from the old Grandview Hotel. There's also a gift shop and observation deck within the building. It is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
How do I get to Desert View Watchtower from Grand Canyon Village?
Take AZ-64 south for 25 miles (about 30 minutes) from Grand Canyon Village to reach Desert View Watchtower. The drive is fully paved and accessible year-round. No shuttle service runs directly to the site, so a personal vehicle or guided tour is required. Parking is available on-site.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Desert View Watchtower?
Yes - access is included with Grand Canyon National Park’s $35 per vehicle entrance fee, valid for 7 days. No separate ticket is required for the watchtower. Fees support park maintenance and visitor services. Payment methods accepted: credit cards only; cash not accepted.
Can visitors go inside the Desert View Watchtower, and is it open year-round?
Yes, the watchtower is open year-round, typically from 8 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting. Visitors can climb all four levels to the top observation deck. Hours may vary seasonally; check the National Park Service website for current status before visiting.
Who designed the Desert View Watchtower and what is its cultural significance?
Designed by architect Mary Colter in 1932, the watchtower mimics ancestral Puebloan stone structures. It aligns with celestial events and incorporates Hopi and Ancestral Puebloan symbolism. The site honors Indigenous heritage and provides insight into pre-Columbian architecture and regional history.
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Tour Code: 744555
Duration1 Day
LanguagesEnglish Live
Tour Code: 743319
Tour Code: 671151
