Roadside Sights of Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, has some of the most stunning views from both above- and below-the-rim hiking trails. The trails that are 2 miles or less are covered in our Short Hikes of Grand Canyon National Park article.
But when your hiking energy (or time) is used up, roadside sights and visitor centers can be great ways to see and learn even more about what this fantastic park offers. Check out both of these categories for Grand Canyon National Park below.
Jump to: Roadside Sights | Visitor Centers | Read More
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Roadside Sights
Roadside sights are not hikes, but they are located within the National Park. They are visible from the road or parking area or are just a few steps away.
Roadside sights are great if you or one of your traveling companions has very limited walking capacity. They make excellent lunch spots, and they can add variety to your trip if you are out of energy or time from prior hiking.
Read on for roadside sights within Grand Canyon National Park.
Jump to: South Rim | North Rim
South Rim
Desert View Drive and Rim Drive
There are lengthy pulloff and parking lot areas at various points along the canyon side of Desert View and Rim Drives, each of which provide different perspectives and views of the Grand Canyon at rim level.
Pipe Creek Vista
Pipe Creek Vista is located a few steps away from the Pipe Creek Vista parking lot in the eastern part of the South Rim.
Yaki Point
Yaki Point has canyon views both to the east and to the west, making it ideal for both sunrise and sunset vistas.
Duck on a Rock Viewpoint
So named because of a rock formation that resembles a duck sitting on a rock, the Duck on a Rock Viewpoint is located along Desert View Drive and is near a small parking area.
Grandview Point
This roadside viewpoint indeed provides a grand view of the canyon and a variety of local flora. It also includes information boards and plaques with details about the ecology of the area. It tends to be less crowded than other viewpoints since it is not on the shuttle route, but this also depends on the season and time of day you visit.
Buggeln Picnic Area
Buggeln Picnic Area has picnic tables, restrooms, and canyon views.
Moran Viewpoint
Moran Viewpoint is also not on the shuttle line, making it less crowded most of the time. It has panoramic canyon views at any time of the day, but its western view is especially spectacular at sunset.
Navajo Point
Navajo Point is located near Desert View on the eastern part of the South Rim. It has its own parking area and perspective. It provides a nearly head-on view of the Colorado River that runs through the canyon.
Hermit Road Points
The hikes and viewpoints on Hermit Road are accessible only via shuttle bus from March 1 to November 30. They can only be accessed by vehicle in December, January, and February. Whether you reach them by shuttle or personal vehicle, you can create your own Short Hike between or among the Roadside Sights and Shortest Hikes on Hermit Road because they are all connected by a paved trail. See this page from the National Park Service for more information about the distance between each point.
The following roadside viewpoints are located on Hermit Road:
- Trailview Overlook
- Hopi Point
- Great Mohave Wall Viewpoint
- The Abyss
- Monument Creek Vista
- Pima Point
- Hermit's Rest
North Rim
Vista Encantada Picnic Area
This picnic area overlooks Vista Encantada, a mountainous part of the canyon. It is located on Cape Royal Road near the Roosevelt Point Trail.
Walhalla Overlook
Walhalla Overlook has a variety of views, including pine and spruce forests and both close-up and faraway canyon views.
Angels Window Viewpoint
This viewpoint does not get as close to Angels Window as the Cape Royal hike does, but it does provide an overlook of this formation.
Visitor Centers
The visitor centers of the National Parks are typically informative and accessible. Many of them have fascinating exhibits about the park, including its history, wildlife, geography, surrounding area, and more. Most of them offer clean, reliable restrooms and large, detailed maps.
Below are the visitor centers for Grand Canyon National Park:
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center (South Rim)
- Desert View Visitor Center (South Rim, just inside the park's east entrance)
- Verkamp's Visitor Center (South Rim)
- North Rim Visitor Center (North Rim)
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