Grand Canyon, Arizona (Driving the Magnificent Gorge)
Places: 17 POIsDistance: 27.07 miDuration: 1h:38m
Tour #2069
About this English self-guided 1h:38m driving tour in Grand Canyon Village
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of the Grand Canyon. My name is Dave, and I will be your co-pilot today as we embark on an awe-inspiring journey along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where time stands still amidst nature's grandeur. As you navigate the winding roads that hug the edge of this colossal chasm, prepare to be enveloped in a symphony of colors, shapes, and shadows carved by millions of years of geological evolution. Each turn reveals a new vista, each viewpoint offering a glimpse into the depths of the earth's history. From the dizzying heights of towering cliffs to the serene beauty of the Colorado River below, this driving tour promises an unforgettable exploration of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
UCPlaces will be right there with you providing commentary and direction to help you enjoy your experience to the max. We will begin today at one of the eastern entrances to the south rim at Desert View Watchtower. Here you can fill up at the Chevron station, and grab some sandwiches and other refreshments at the Desert View Market and Deli. We will pass some picnic areas, and each stop will have a place to sit and enjoy a snack if you wish.
Today’s journey will take us approximately 30 miles, and from one and a half to two hours in duration. Ok, follow your navigation, and we will begin shortly heading west on Desert View Drive.
1 Desert Vw Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Desert View Watchtower
First up today is The Desert View Watchtower, an iconic structure located on the South Rim. It was designed by architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932. The watchtower was constructed to resemble an ancient Native American tower, specifically inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people.
Always fascinated by Native American cultures, Colter carefully studied indigenous building techniques and the natural materials they used. She investigated ancient Puebloan ruins, and dabbled in learning about Hopi culture. These influences all came into play when she planned the Watchtower.
The tower stands at a height of 70 feet (21 meters) and offers panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and the surrounding landscape. It's strategically positioned at Desert View Point, providing visitors with a breathtaking vista of the canyon and the Colorado River below.
The interior of the watchtower is just as fascinating as its exterior. The lower floors feature murals and paintings by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie, depicting various aspects of Native American culture and mythology. Each story of the Watchtower has several windows that allow visitors to gain different views of the Canyon and the surrounding area. The first floor displays a Hopi snake altar. The walls and ceiling are covered in Native American symbols and pictographs. This includes a mural of the Hopi Snake Legend by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie that describes their cultural connection to the Grand Canyon. This painting tells the story of a Hopi man who floated down the Colorado River through the canyon in a hollow log.
Visitors can climb to the upper floors via a spiral staircase to enjoy even more stunning views from the tower's windows and observation deck.
Aside from its scenic vistas and architectural significance, the Desert View Watchtower serves as a cultural and historical landmark, showcasing the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples of the region. It's a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, offering both natural beauty and cultural insights.
Let’s head west on Desert View Drive and make our way to the next place on our tour today, Navajo Point.
We are arriving now at Navajo Point, one of the most iconic viewpoints along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Situated at an elevation of over 7,000 feet (about 2,134 meters), it offers visitors breathtaking panoramic vistas of the canyon's vastness and depth. Named after the Navajo Nation, whose land borders the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon, Navajo Point provides unparalleled views of the Colorado River winding its way through the canyon's ancient rock layers. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the sheer scale and grandeur of the canyon, with its colorful cliffs, rugged terrain, and intricate network of side canyons.
This expansive viewpoint is a popular stop along the South Rim, allowing visitors to take in the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon while enjoying interpretive displays that provide insights into the geological and cultural significance of the area. Navajo Point also serves as a prime spot for sunrise and sunset viewing, offering visitors the chance to witness the canyon bathed in the warm hues of dawn and dusk, creating unforgettable memories of this natural wonder.
In addition to its stunning vistas, Navajo Point also features picnic areas and interpretive displays that provide information about the geology, ecology, and cultural significance of the Grand Canyon. It's a popular stopping point for travelers exploring the South Rim, offering a memorable experience and a chance to connect with the natural wonders of the canyon.
The Navajo Nation, also known as Dinetah in the Navajo language, is a sovereign Native American territory covering approximately 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) in parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. The Navajo people have a deep cultural, spiritual, and historical connection to the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Navajo ancestors lived in and around the canyon area long before European contact.
The Grand Canyon holds significant spiritual importance in Navajo culture. Known as "Tsékooh Hatsoh," which translates to "The Place Where Water Flows Through Rocks," the canyon is considered a sacred place where the Navajo people have performed ceremonies, gathered medicinal plants, and sought guidance from the spiritual realm.
The Navajo have traditional stories and legends that are intertwined with the Grand Canyon. These stories often reflect the Navajo worldview, teachings, and spiritual beliefs. For example, some stories explain the creation of the canyon and the presence of landmarks within it.
Historically, the Navajo people relied on the land surrounding the Grand Canyon for sustenance, including hunting, gathering, and agriculture. The canyon and its tributaries provided important resources such as water, game, and plant materials.
While the Grand Canyon National Park is managed by the National Park Service, the Navajo Nation has jurisdiction over nearby lands.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Desert View Watchtower
Place 2Navajo Point
Place 3Lipan Point
Place 4Desert View Road
Place 5Urban Legends
Place 6Moran Point
Place 7Picnic Area
Place 8Grandview Point
Place 9Wildlife
Place 10Duck on a Rock
Place 11Trails
Place 12Yaki Point
Place 13Mather Point
Place 14Amphitheatre and Museum
Place 15Hopi House
Place 16Mary Colter Lookout Studio
Place 17Directions
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Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).