Desert View - Ranger Programs & Cultural Demonstrations

Most Desert View Facilities Remain Closed

Updated April 9, 2021

Visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park may enter the park through the East Entrance at Desert View. Details >

The following Desert View areas and services are open for visitors:
• Viewpoints in the Desert View vicinity
• Desert View parking lot and RV parking
• Restrooms located between the Desert View parking lot and the canyon rim.

Most Desert View services remain closed at this time. Be sure to bring enough food and water for everyone in your group.

With public health in mind, the following facilities and areas remain 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

 

 

The information below is for reference only.

The park is 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.

 

 

Park Ranger Interpretive Programs have been suspended 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 CLOSED

• 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

Tusayan Pueblo and Museum CLOSED

• 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