You just have to pay for the Grand Canyon park pass. There wasn't many people there at all. We went off on a trail to the left. The sights are more and more amazing!!
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise for warm light and fewer crowds; April–October offer the clearest visibility.
Open
Open now · Open 24 hours
Price Range
$ (free)
Time Needed
10–20 minutes for photos and canyon viewing.
Parking
Small paved pull‑out on Desert View Drive; spaces for cars, RVs, and buses—often full at midday.
Best place to watch the sunrise in Grand Canyon! Unlike that tourist trap Mather point, full of loud, annoying, rude and inconsiderate tourist, this spot was absolutely peaceful with a completely different perspective of sunrise are the canyon! I was the only person there and it was absolutely amazing!
This is one of the more unique viewpoints at Grand Canyon due to the proximity of the “Duck of a Rock” formation. There is still a small pull-out parking area, but usually you will find a parking space since people do not spend much time here. There are no restrooms available but the view from here is worth the stop. You will also have foot access to several outcrops on either side of the parking lot.
This was a nice stop between view points. Had some interesting formations. Would recommend for a quick stop from either way since there’s not much else for another 5-10 minutes in each direction.
If you go on Saturday or Sunday, get to the entrance early cuz it stacks up quick.. got there at 815 and had a 10 min wait on both Saturday and Sunday but still not bad.. on the way out of the park around 11am there was a 2 lane mile long wait..
Why Visit Duck on a Rock Viewpoint
Roadside overlook famed for its duck‑shaped sandstone hoodoo and sweeping vistas into the upper Granite Gorge. A quick, wheelchair‑friendly stop along Desert View Drive, perfect for sunrise photos or a short break between larger viewpoints.
Highlights
Duck‑shaped rock formation perched dramatically on the canyon rim.
Panoramic views of the Colorado River and multicolored canyon layers.
Interpretive sign, level sidewalk, and easy pull‑out make it a convenient photo stop.
Description
Duck on a Rock Viewpoint sits 6 mi / 9.7 km east of Grand Canyon Village on Desert View Drive. The overlook’s namesake hoodoo—carved from Kaibab Limestone—resembles a duck resting on a nest. Visitors enjoy unobstructed views 3,000 ft/915 m down to the Colorado River, plus a textbook cross‑section of canyon geology from the Kaibab Formation to the Vishnu Schist. Because it is a roadside stop with no guardrails, caution is advised near the rim. The site is open year‑round; winter storms may temporarily close the road.
History
1920s
Desert View Drive first graded for motor tourists.
1935
CCC crews install the original interpretive sign identifying the “duck” formation.
1960s
Paved pull‑out and sidewalk added to improve safety and ADA access.
2010
Roadside exhibits updated by the National Park Service.
Features
Interpretive exhibit panel
Wheelchair‑accessible sidewalk
Paved auto & RV parking
Scenic photo spot
Getting There
Car: 6 mi / 9.7 km east of Grand Canyon Village on AZ‑64 (Desert View Drive). Seasonal Shuttle: Desert View Shuttle (summer) stops at nearby viewpoints; check NPS schedule. Bike: Paved road with moderate traffic; use caution.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Arrive 30 min before sunrise for golden light on the hoodoo and canyon walls.
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duck on a Rock wheelchair‑accessible?
Yes, the sidewalk from the parking pull‑out is paved and level.
How long should I plan to stay?
Most visitors spend 10–20 minutes.
Are pets allowed?
Leashed pets are allowed on paved areas but must stay 6 ft/1.8 m from the rim.
Can I fly a drone?
No. Drones are prohibited inside Grand Canyon National Park.
Is there cell service?
Intermittent; expect weak or no signal.
