Navajo Point

Navajo Point is the highest developed overlook on the South Rim, standing at approximately 7,461 feet (2,274 meters) above sea level. Located just west of Desert View Watchtower along Desert View Drive, the overlook rewards visitors with expansive eastern canyon panoramas, distant views toward the Colorado River corridor, and one of the best perspectives of Mary Colter's famous stone watchtower.

Although many travelers continue directly to Desert View, Navajo Point is well worth a stop. Its higher elevation, quieter atmosphere, and sweeping views make it one of the South Rim's hidden highlights and an excellent final overlook before reaching the East Entrance.

Navajo Point at a Glance

Why Visit Navajo Point?

Navajo Point combines spectacular scenery with a sense of openness that few South Rim overlooks can match. Because it sits at the highest developed elevation along the rim, visitors enjoy broad views stretching across the eastern Grand Canyon, distant plateaus, and the rugged landscape surrounding Desert View.

The overlook is often quieter than nearby Desert View Watchtower, making it an excellent place to enjoy the scenery before or after exploring one of the park's most famous historic landmarks.

The Highest Developed Viewpoint

At approximately 7,461 feet above sea level, Navajo Point occupies the highest developed viewpoint on the South Rim. The additional elevation subtly changes the perspective, revealing an even broader sweep of the eastern canyon while emphasizing the immense scale of the surrounding landscape.

Although the height difference compared with nearby overlooks is modest, the combination of elevation and location creates one of the South Rim's most expansive panoramic experiences.

The View from Navajo Point

From Navajo Point, visitors look west across the eastern Grand Canyon while also enjoying excellent views toward Desert View Watchtower. The overlook combines colorful cliffs, distant mesas, broad side canyons, and occasional glimpses into the Colorado River corridor.

Photographers particularly enjoy the opportunity to include the historic watchtower within sweeping landscape compositions, something that cannot be experienced from Desert View itself.

One of the Best Views of Desert View Watchtower

One of Navajo Point's unique advantages is its elevated perspective of Desert View Watchtower. Rather than standing beside the historic building, visitors can appreciate how Mary Colter's design blends naturally into the surrounding canyon landscape.

This makes Navajo Point one of the best locations for photographing both the canyon and one of Grand Canyon National Park's most recognizable architectural landmarks.

Getting to Navajo Point

Navajo Point is located along Desert View Drive immediately west of Desert View Watchtower. Visitors arrive by private vehicle using Highway 64. Parking is available adjacent to the overlook, making it an easy stop while exploring the eastern South Rim.

Most visitors combine Navajo Point with Lipan Point and Desert View Watchtower during the same scenic drive.

Accessibility

The primary overlook is easily reached from the adjacent parking area and is suitable for many visitors with mobility limitations. Those exploring beyond the developed viewpoint should expect uneven terrain near the canyon rim.

Best Time to Visit Navajo Point

Navajo Point is rewarding throughout the day, but sunrise, morning, and late afternoon provide the most interesting light. Early sun illuminates the eastern canyon, while afternoon shadows reveal greater depth across the cliffs, mesas, and Colorado River corridor.

Don't Skip the Overlook Next Door

Photography Tips

Navajo Point offers one of the best opportunities to photograph Desert View Watchtower within its surrounding landscape. The overlook also supports wide panoramic compositions showing the eastern canyon, Colorado River corridor, and distant formations.

• Use a telephoto lens to isolate Desert View Watchtower against the canyon.
• Use a wide-angle lens to show the tower within the broader landscape.
• Visit during morning for clearer long-distance visibility.
• Return during late afternoon for warmer light on the stone tower.
• Bring binoculars to locate river bends before choosing a composition.
• Include foreground vegetation or rock to create depth.

Colorado River Views

Navajo Point provides an expansive view north toward the Colorado River as it winds through the eastern canyon. The river is distant, but its course may be easier to follow with binoculars or a telephoto lens.

Lipan Point offers a more river-focused experience, while Navajo Point combines Colorado River scenery with higher elevation, western panoramas, and exterior views of Desert View Watchtower. The National Park Service specifically identifies Navajo Point as offering an expansive view north along the river corridor. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

What Makes Navajo Point Different?

Nearby Attractions

Desert View Drive connects Grand Canyon Village with Desert View and is normally open to private vehicles unless temporarily affected by weather or another park closure. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Visitor Tips

• Stop here before visiting Desert View Watchtower if you are driving east.
• Bring binoculars for Colorado River and rafting views.
• Carry water because there are no visitor services at the overlook.
• Use the restrooms and other facilities in the nearby Desert View area.
• Visit during morning or late afternoon for the best photography.
• Do not overlook this stop simply because the Watchtower is nearby.

How Long Should You Spend Here?

Most visitors spend 20 to 40 minutes at Navajo Point. Photographers may want additional time to capture the Watchtower, Colorado River corridor, and changing light across the eastern canyon.

Because Desert View is only a few minutes away, allow at least 90 minutes to experience Navajo Point and the Watchtower without rushing.

Can You See...

Pairs Well With

Navajo Point is the perfect transition between the scenic overlooks of Desert View Drive and the historic Desert View visitor area. The viewpoints complement one another, allowing visitors to experience architecture, geology, and panoramic scenery within a very short distance.

Frequently Asked Questions