Grand Canyon is Open. South Rim hotels in Tusayan are open for business.

Love
storeFully Accessible

Desert View Trading Post

Desert View, South Rim

A historic gift shop at Grand Canyon’s Desert View Point offering Native‑made arts, Southwest souvenirs, snacks, and trip essentials in a rustic 1930s trading‑post setting.

★ 4.2 / 5
Entrees $
Drive NowWalk Now

View Story

Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit
09:00–11:00 or 15:30–17:00, Apr–May & Sep–Oct
Open
Open now · 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price Range
$
Time Needed
20–30 minutes
Parking
Free Desert View Lot (≈2‑min paved walk)
Ideal For
Native American arts & crafts, souvenirs, books, maps, grab‑and‑go snacks & beverages, water‑refill station, public restrooms (adjacent), accessible entrance & aisles, shaded outdoor seating, ranger information kiosk (seasonal)
Reviews from Google
4.2

(77 reviews)

Write a review

BradandJen McCleary1 year ago

Desert View Trading Post is a great little stop—perfect for a cool treat after climbing the Watchtower! We grabbed some ice cream here after enjoying the incredible views, and it totally hit the spot. The shop itself has a fun, classic park vibe with plenty of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, all in a super convenient location near the Desert View parking area.The staff was friendly, and it’s a nice spot to take a quick break before continuing along the scenic drive. Definitely worth a stop—especially if you’re looking for a refreshing treat and a few keepsakes to take home!

Thomas B1 year ago

This is another gift shop and convenience store within throwing distance of the market and deli store, which are both located near the Desert View Watch Tower. Like the marketplace store, this location sells a variety of park souvenirs, clothing, food, Native American goods, but most of all, ICE CREAM! Yes, ice cream, making this one of our favorite places, because who does not like ice cream. I know, carried away, but I still had some even though it was cold and snowing outside this morning. Like the marketplace beside this shop, prices are what you would expect inside any National Park, but still reasonable – and they have ICE CREAM.

Adam Cook2 years ago

Large selection of South West Indian art, dream catchers, and figures. If looking for that one of a kind suvioners, then this is your first chance to get one from the east side entrance of the Grand Canyon.There is also an attached 6 you need a coffee, pick me up or a sweet treat.

Kevin Zhang1 year ago

If I could give six stars I could!I got ice cream here with my family. The man serving the ice cream immediately offered us a generous sample. I got two scoops, and he filled the cup up to the brim with two massive scoops, stuffing it full.This is by far the best ice cream shop I've ever been to.

Kristol B1 year ago

Wonderful place with unique souvenirs, sodas, coffee, water and ice cream for those hot days. There are rocking chairs on the deck of the post for watching the world go by while you enjoy your ice cream. Please tip the people making your ice cream. There's always a ton of people in line and they work quickly with a smile on their faces to get everyone their coffees and ice creams as soon as they can. This is a nice pit stop before you tackle the Watchtower, or a nice reward for tackling the 85 steps inside the Watchtower.

Why Visit Desert View Trading Post

A historic gift shop at Grand Canyon’s Desert View Point offering Native‑made arts, Southwest souvenirs, snacks, and trip essentials in a rustic 1930s trading‑post setting.

Highlights

Wide selection of authentic Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni crafts.
Convenient stop for drinks, grab‑and‑go food, and restrooms near the East Entrance.
Steps from Desert View Watchtower and sweeping canyon panoramas.

Description

Built in 1932 beside Mary Colter’s Desert View Watchtower, the Desert View Trading Post continues the Fred Harvey Company tradition of showcasing regional Native American artistry. Inside the stone‑and‑timber building you’ll find hand‑woven baskets, turquoise jewelry, pottery, books, maps, and practical items like sunscreen and refillable water bottles. Operated today by Delaware North under a National Park Service concession, the shop supports Indigenous artisans through direct purchasing agreements. Its shaded porch and nearby picnic tables make it a relaxing pause on the 25‑mile Desert View Drive.

History

1930
Construction of Desert View complex begins under architect Mary Colter.
1932
Trading Post opens alongside the Watchtower as part of the Fred Harvey system.
1956
Desert View becomes the official East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
1972
Watchtower (and surrounding complex) listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2002
Xanterra assumes concession operations, modernizing inventory and accessibility.
2014
NPS upgrades parking and walkways for ADA compliance.
2023
Ongoing sales partnership with Hopi & Navajo artisans expanded.

Features

Native American arts & crafts
Souvenirs, books, maps
Grab‑and‑go snacks & beverages
Water‑refill station
Public restrooms (adjacent)
Accessible entrance & aisles
Shaded outdoor seating
Ranger information kiosk (seasonal)

Getting There

By Car: 25 mi/40 min east of Grand Canyon Village via Desert View Drive (AZ‑64). By Tour Bus: Many commercial sightseeing tours pause here. By Bicycle: Paved shoulder along Desert View Drive; bike racks on‑site.(No park shuttle currently serves Desert View.)

Insider Tips

Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.

01Good to know

Ask staff for the artist bio cards that accompany many handcrafted items.

02Be prepared

Lines grow after tour buses arrive; shop before 10 AM for the best selection.

03Local tip

Bring a reusable bottle

the free water‑refill station is right outside.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a park pass to reach the Trading Post?

Yes, Desert View is inside Grand Canyon National Park; standard entrance fees apply at the East Entrance Station.

Are credit cards accepted?

All major cards, mobile pay, and cash are accepted.

Is the shop open year‑round?

Yes, but winter hours are shorter and closures may occur during heavy snow.

Quick Information

Hours

Open8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Hours may change. Please call ahead to confirm before you visit.

Best Time to Visit09:00–11:00 or 15:30–17:00, Apr–May & Sep–Oct

Recommended Duration20–30 minutes

ParkingFree Desert View Lot (≈2‑min paved walk)

FacilitiesNative American arts & crafts, souvenirs, books, maps, grab‑and‑go snacks & beverages, water‑refill station, public restrooms (adjacent), accessible entrance & aisles, shaded outdoor seating, ranger information kiosk (seasonal)

Get Directions

Drive NowWalk Now
View Story
Contact Information
Desert View Road (AZ‑64), Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

References

Google Maps listing – Desert View Trading Post, accessed 17 Jun 2025.National Park Service, Desert View Watchtower Historic Structure Report, 2023.

You are hereDesert View, South Rim

Open full map

Explore Nearby

Discover attractions, viewpoints, restaurants and experiences within a short distance.

Centered on Desert View Trading Post · showing places within 1.9 mi

Desert View WatchtowerViewpoint0.1 mi

Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower was conceived as a “re‑creation” of ancestral Puebloan towers, blending seamlessly with the canyon’s rim. Architect Mary Colter collaborated…

4.8 (13,915)Allow 45–60 minutes to explore the tower and murals, plus extra time for the surrounding Desert View complex.
Learn More

Navajo PointViewpoint0.8 mi

Navajo Point

Perched 25 mi / 40 km east of Grand Canyon Village, Navajo Point takes its name from the neighboring Navajo Nation. A short, paved spur off…

4.9 (2,695)15–30 minutes for a quick stop; longer for photography.
Learn More

Check out other touring options

  • North Canyon Tour
    $
    349
    /
    person

    North Canyon Tour

    This Grand Canyon helicopter tour over the North Canyon sets off from the South Rim. Soar over the Grand Canyon National Park’s most astonishing rock formations and…

    Tour Duration:

    25-30 minutes

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon National Park

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon
    VIew Details & Book
    Booked 48 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: North Canyon Tour
  • Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours
    $
    157
    /
    person

    Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours

    Go Buck Wild over a Grand Canyon Sunset with our evening tour. This experience builds upon the 2 hour Signature Tour by adding more exposure to the Grand…

    Tour Duration:

    3 Hours

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon
    VIew Details & Book
    Booked 66 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: Sunset Grand Canyon Hummer Tours
  • Grand Discovery Air Tour
    $
    199
    /
    person

    Grand Discovery Air Tour

    The Grand Discovery Air Tour is one of the best ways to see the natural wonders Grand Canyon has to offer with a scenic flight starting from…

    Tour Duration:

    40-45 minutes

    Departure:

    Grand Canyon National Park

    Destination:

    Grand Canyon

    Activities:

    • Airplane Tour
    • Multilingual narration
    VIew Details & Book
    Booked 42 times in the last 7 days
    View Details: Grand Discovery Air Tour
Browse All Tours