Desert View - Ranger Programs & Cultural Demonstrations

Most Desert View Facilities Remain Closed

Updated December 4, 2020

Visitors driving on US Route 89 in northern Arizona will be travelling through the Navajo Nation, which requires face masks to be worn at public facilities and businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19.

IMPORTANT > The East Entrance to the park at Desert View remains closed because of COVID-19 lockdowns on the neighboring Navajo Nation. The East Entrance gate is locked.

You must use the South Entrance near the town of Tusayan to enter and exit the park. The driving distance from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View along Desert View Drive (SR 64) necessitates a 50 mile (80 km) round-trip, since you must enter and exit the park through the South Entrance.

The following Desert View areas and services are open for visitors:
• Viewpoints in the Desert View vicinity
• Desert View parking lot and RV parking
• Porta-toilets located near the Desert View parking lot

With public health in mind, the following facilities and areas remain closed at this time:

• The East Entrance to the park on SR 64 CLOSED
• Desert View Watchtower, including visitor contact station and bookstore CLOSED
• Desert View Visitor Center CLOSED
• Desert View Campground CLOSED
• Desert View Chevron Gas Station CLOSED
• Desert View Trading Post & Ice Cream CLOSED
• Desert View Market and Deli CLOSED
• Tusayan Ruin and Museum CLOSED

Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and is adjusting operations as needed. The information presented here is primarily to help you plan a visit during 2021.

Visit this web page for the current list of what is open, and for park-wide updates >

 

 

The information below is for reference only.

We are continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance and adjust operations as needed.

 

Desert View Watchtower with the Colorado River beyond. NPS/M.Quinn

Desert View Cultural Demonstrator Series

Desert View Watchtower: 9 am – 4 pm------ More about Visiting Desert View
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NOTE: Desert View Watchtower Cultural Demonstrations have been suspended until further notice due to concerns about the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19). (Updated 3/13/2020) Grand Canyon National Park is closed until further notice.

• View the extended schedule (subject to change without notice)
• Learn more about the Cultural Demonstrator Program --

Desert View Watchtower, where the cultural demonstrations take place, is located 25 miles (41 km) east of Grand Canyon Village on State Route 64/Desert View Drive.

 

 

All Park Ranger Interpretive Programs have been cancelled due to public health concerns from COVID-19. Park Updates Here >

All outdoor ranger programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or when lightning danger is present.

Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult on all programs. All programs are free of charge.

 

Interior of Desert View Kiva Room in the Watchtower

Visit Desert View Watchtower

• The Watchtower is the official visitor contact station at Desert View.
• Climb 85 steps for a 360° view from the observation deck 70 ft (21 m) above.
• Desert View Services and Hours of Operation.

 

Park ranger leading a tour of Tusayan Pueblo

Visit the Tusayan Pueblo and Museum

• Explore an 800-year-old Ancestral Puebloan site and learn about the people who called this place home.
• Located 3 miles (5 km) west of Desert View, on State Route 64 (Desert View Drive)
• Desert View Services and Hours of Operation.

 

Learn More About Desert View and Tusayan Ruins and Museum

• Return to our Ranger Program Index Page
• South Rim Village Ranger Programs (25 miles west of Desert View)
• North Rim Ranger Programs