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Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Arizona The Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona

Desert View Drive

Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona · Grand Canyon Village → Desert View

Leisurely21 mi30 min1,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 7,500 ftOne way
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The drive

Desert View Drive follows Highway 64 along the South Rim from Grand Canyon Village east to Desert View. It is the one scenic drive on the South Rim open to private cars. Stops include Grandview Point, where the steep Grandview Trail starts, Moran Point and Navajo Point, the highest overlook on the South Rim.

The drive ends at Desert View and its watchtower, a quarter-mile walk from the parking area to the rim. The East Entrance there is open all year, 24 hours a day.

Along the way

  1. Grand Canyon Village
  2. Grandview Point
  3. Moran Point
  4. Navajo Point
  5. Desert View
Elevation
1,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 7,500 ft
Grand Canyon VillageDesert View
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
Grand Canyon VillageDesert View
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There is a park entrance fee.
  • Bring enough food and water for your group.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check National Park Service: Grand Canyon conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Desert View Drive take?

Desert View Drive from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View is 21.3 miles and takes about 30 minutes without stops.

Is Lipan Point closed?

Lipan Point and its road can close for rehabilitation work. Check the park's road status before you go.

Can you drive Desert View Drive in your own car?

Yes, it is open to private vehicles.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Desert View Drive, from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View