Last updated: 17 June 2025

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viewpointPartially Accessible (short paved path; moderate slope)

Navajo Point

Desert View Drive, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023, USA

Navajo Point is the South Rim’s highest developed overlook (7,461 ft) on Desert View Drive, delivering sweeping views of the Colorado River, Desert View Watchtower and the Painted Desert—especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Elevation: 7461
★ 4.9 (Google Maps)
Entrees $ (included in park entrance fee)

Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit
30 min before sunrise or 1 hr before sunset; clearest skies Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct
Open
Open now · Open 24 hours
Price Range
$ (included in park entrance fee)
Time Needed
15–30 minutes for a quick stop; longer for photography.
Parking
Small roadside pull‑out (≈12 spaces); overflow at Desert View Watchtower 0.6 mi / 1 km east
Reviews from Google
4.9

(2,695 reviews)

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Why Visit Navajo Point

Navajo Point is the South Rim’s highest developed overlook (7,461 ft) on Desert View Drive, delivering sweeping views of the Colorado River, Desert View Watchtower and the Painted Desert—especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Highlights

Highest South Rim viewpoint at 7,461 ft / 2,275 m.
Clear line‑of‑sight to the Colorado River’s Unkar Rapids 1,500 ft below.
Golden‑hour light ignites the Palisades of the Desert—photographers’ favorite.

Description

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 AZ‑64 leads to a stone‑walled platform where interpretive panels explain canyon geology and Indigenous history. From this lofty perch visitors enjoy a 270° panorama: east to the 70‑ft Desert View Watchtower, north to the sinuous Colorado River and west to distant Hermit Canyon. No facilities sit at the overlook, but full services—restrooms, water, snacks and a gas station—are available a half‑mile east at Desert View. Allow 15–30 minutes for a quick stop or linger longer for sunrise, sunset or night‑sky photography.

History

1928
Desert View Drive opens to automobiles.
1932
Desert View Watchtower completed; Navajo Point pull‑out graded.
1950s
Stone safety walls and paved platform installed by the NPS.
1995
Road widening project adds striped parking bays.
2014
New interpretive panels on Colorado River ecology unveiled.
2022
Desert View Inter‑Tribal Cultural Heritage Site plan announced.

Features

Scenic overlook with safety railings
Paved viewpoint platform
Interpretive geology & cultural panels
Limited roadside parking
Photo & astrophotography vantage
Spotty mobile reception
No restrooms or drinking water (nearest at Desert View)

Getting There

Car: 45 min (25 mi) east of Grand Canyon Village via AZ‑64/Desert View Drive. Shuttle Bus: Not served—private vehicle or tour required. Bicycle: Paved road with narrow shoulders; use caution. Tours: Many east‑rim sightseeing tours include a brief stop.

Insider Tips

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

01Good to know

The small lot fills fast at sunrise and sunset

arrive early.

02Be prepared

A 200 mm+ lens captures the whitewater of Unkar Rapids below.

03Local tip

Monsoon afternoons (Jul

Aug) create dramatic skies; watch for lightning.

04Save time

Pair sunrise here with breakfast at Desert View Market for a relaxed morning.

05Stay connected

Bring a headlamp and tripod

Navajo Point is an excellent Milky Way spot.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a park shuttle stop at Navajo Point?

No. Desert View Drive is open to private vehicles; you must drive, bike or join a tour.

Are restrooms available at the overlook?

Not at the point. Restrooms are 0.6 mi east at Desert View Services Area.

Can I see the Colorado River from here?

Yes—look northeast for Unkar Rapids and the broad Unkar Delta.

Is the path wheelchair‑friendly?

The paved path has a moderate slope; many wheelchair users manage with assistance.

Do I need a permit for sunrise photography?

Casual photography is free; commercial shoots require an NPS permit.

Quick Information

Hours

OpenOpen 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours

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

Best Time to Visit30 min before sunrise or 1 hr before sunset; clearest skies Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct

Recommended Duration15–30 minutes for a quick stop; longer for photography.

ParkingSmall roadside pull‑out (≈12 spaces); overflow at Desert View Watchtower 0.6 mi / 1 km east

What to BringWater, sun protection, and a jacket.

What to WearComfortable clothing suitable for outdoor conditions.
Contact Information
Desert View Drive (AZ‑64), Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
You are hereDesert View Drive, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023, USA

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