Can you go in the Desert View Watchtower?
The Watchtower is the official visitor contact station at Desert View. Watchtower Retail Store (Kiva Room) 9 am — 5 pm Daily.
Why was the Desert View Watchtower built?
Perched on the edge of the south rim, what appears to be an ancient Native American ruin is actually the Desert View Watchtower, which was designed in 1932 by Mary Colter to overlook the eastern end of Grand Canyon National Park. She investigated ancient Puebloan ruins, and dabbled in learning about Hopi culture.
What is the Desert View Watchtower made of?
The structure is composed of a circular coursed masonry tower rising from a rubble base. The base was intentionally designed to convey a partly ruinous appearance, perhaps of an older structure on which the watchtower was later built.
How long is Desert View Drive?
about four hours
How long does the Desert View Drive take to drive? To drive the scenic Desert View Drive takes about four hours when you stop along the way to take in the sights. It is 25 miles of scenic opportunities along the southern rim of Grand Canyon.
Can you drive around the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?
There is just one scenic drive on the South Rim that is open to private vehicles all year. The 23 mile (37 km) long Desert View Drive features marvelous panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. There is parking at every viewpoint. Most Desert View services are open at this time.
Is Grand Canyon in the desert?
Grand Canyon National Park is an intriguing composition of desert geography encompassing one of the most extraordinary natural landmarks in North America. The South Rim of Grand Canyon is by far the most visited area of the park. …
When was the Grand Canyon watchtower built?
1932
Desert View Watchtower/Opened
Can you view the Grand Canyon for free?
Grand Canyon National Park has had an entrance fee since 1926. The park is one of 117 in the National Park System that charges an entrance fee. The remaining 300 sites are free to enter.
Where is the east entrance to the Grand Canyon?
The town located right at the South Entrance to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is Tusayan, Arizona. The town at the East Entrance to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is Cameron, Arizona.
What is the main entrance to the Grand Canyon?
The vast majority of visitors come through the South Rim entrance, each in search of the best place to see the awe-inspiring sight. Few are aware that there is actually an East Entrance to the Grand Canyon, also known as Desert View. The Desert View (or East Entrance) is home to probably the best Grand Canyon view.
Where is the east rim of the Grand Canyon?
The East Rim Drive covers 26 miles between Grand Canyon Village and the Desert View overlook at the East Gate of the park. Lookouts are along the way.
What is the Grand Canyon tower?
The tower is located at Desert View, more than 20 miles (32 km) to the east of the main developed area at Grand Canyon Village, toward the east entrance to the park. The four-story structure, completed in 1932, was designed by American architect Mary Colter , an employee of the Fred Harvey Company who also created…