facebook
Duplicating
Tour copied successfully!

Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.96mi , Attraction : Historical Landmark
Map Pin
1 Desert Vw Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
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.

Read More

  https://grcahistory.org/sites/rim-viewpoints/desert-view-watchtower/
Place #2
Distance: 1.61mi , Attraction : Lookout
Map Pin
858C25Q7+53
POI 2 Tour Image
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.

Read More

  https://www.bryoticworlds.com/post/navajo-point-everything-you-need-to-know
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Desert View Watchtower
Map Pin Place 2 Navajo Point
Map Pin Place 3 Lipan Point
Map Pin Place 4 Desert View Road
Map Pin Place 5 Urban Legends
Map Pin Place 6 Moran Point
Map Pin Place 7 Picnic Area
Map Pin Place 8 Grandview Point
Map Pin Place 9 Wildlife
Map Pin Place 10 Duck on a Rock
Map Pin Place 11 Trails
Map Pin Place 12 Yaki Point
Map Pin Place 13 Mather Point
Map Pin Place 14 Amphitheatre and Museum
Map Pin Place 15 Hopi House
Map Pin Place 16 Mary Colter Lookout Studio
Map Pin Place 17 Directions



This is a premium tour, click below for complete access!

 
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

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).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.