10 Best VIEWPOINTS in GRAND CANYON National Park

The Grand Canyon South Rim is essentially one grand viewing stand. There is nothing like standing at the edge of the rim and soaking it all in the incredible depth, the dramatic vistas, and the fantastic colors of red, rust, and orange.

If you were to unfold a map of the Grand Canyon South Rim, you are going to be overwhelmed by all the viewing opportunities. So, here are my favorite spots along the rim narrowed down to the 10 best viewpoints in Grand Canyon South Rim.

Best Viewpoints in Grand Canyon National Park 

My recommendation is to explore the west side of the South Rim along Hermits Rest Drive, then come back to the Grand Canyon Village and check out the main viewpoints there, and finally, finish up with the viewpoints along Desert View Drive.

Maricopa Point sits on a narrow promontory extending northeast and then dropping vertically.

The vistas towards the east and west of the canyon are excellent here. In addition, the views extend all the way to the North Rim.

If you look toward the bottom of the picture, you will be able to see an interesting rock formation aptly named the Battleship. California Condors have been known to nest on the Battleship.

Hopi Point is one of my personal favorites. It is one of the best all-around viewpoints in the Grand Canyon.

Jutting out farther into the Canyon than any other point on the South Rim, Hopi Point offers incredible views.

In addition, it is a great spot to come back to and watch the sunset. You will be able to catch all the reds, rusts, and oranges of the canyon walls as the sun is setting down.

Moreover, Hopi Point offers excellent views of the stone “temples”.

Temples, in this case, are rock formations rising from the depths of the canyon. If you look at the above photograph all the way to the horizon, you will be able to see the North Rim. Follow the North Rim up to the first indentation.

This is Cape Royal. Cape Royal is a type of temple formed when side-canyon erosion produces peninsula-like projection along the rim.

Afterward, follow the horizon to the next temple. It is Wotan Throne. It was formed by erosion which transformed the peninsula into an island, and eventually, it was separated from the rim.

Finally, let your eyes wander to the last rock formation. It is called Vishnu Temple. Vishnu Temple was formed by further erosion, where the softer rock crumbles and undercuts harder rock.

If you thought that Hopi Point was good, just wait till you get to Mohave Point.

Not only you will catch the dramatic vistas here, but also you will be able to see some excellent views of the river and rapids below.

In addition, stretching out below the lookout is a rocky promontory known as the Alligator, as it twists toward the river beyond. To the northwest, you can see Hermit Rapid, created when the side of the canyon collapsed into the river.

The walk between Mohave and the Abyss is one of the most scenic segments along the rim. The trail sits very close to the edge of the canyon and you will be able to catch some great views down to the canyon.

The Abyss lookout point is located on the very edge of the rim and gives you an almost vertical look down into the canyon below. In the distance, you can see the Colorado River set against the backdrop of the layered rocks.

Next is Pima Point. It might be a good idea to get on board the shuttle bus. It is quite a walk from the Abyss to Pima Point. Specifically, it is 2.8 miles from the Abyss to Pima Point.

At Pima Point, you will get one of the best views of the Grand Canyon South Rim and probably the most spectacular view of the Colorado River and rapids below.

The view from Pima Point is particularly spectacular at sunset!

You are done exploring the viewpoints along the west side.

At this point, hop on the Red Route/Hermit Rest Road Route shuttle bus eastbound and head back to the Village Route Transfer stop. Once you get to the Village Route Transfer stop, you can hop on the Blue Route/Village Route shuttle bus and get off at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Next, follow the signs for Yavapai Point.

Yavapai Point sits at the most northerly section of the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Consequently, you will get the best view of the famous three points: Cape Royal, Wotans Throne, and Vishnu Temple. In addition, look down the gorge and onto the serpentine Colorado River.

Mather Point is the busiest viewpoint in the Grand Canyon South Rim. However, it is one of the park’s most spectacular vantage points. The Colorado River is practically below your feet. To the west is Bright Angel Trail, to the east is the South Kaibab Trail, and straight ahead is the North Rim.

the South Kaibab Trail is one of the most visually stunning hikes in the Grand Canyon South Rim. I encourage you to take this hike and get a look at the Canyon below the rim.

Views from Mather Point in Grand Canyon National Park / Best Viewpoints in Grand Canyon National Park 

Next, you are going to continue heading east. There are no shuttle buses that operate in this section of the Grand Canyon South Rim.

You are going to jump in your vehicle and drive east on Desert View Drive. The first stop is Grandview Point.

Grandview Point stands tall at 7,100 feet. It is one of the highest points on the Grand Canyon South Rim. In addition, it is the southernmost point of the canyon.

The views are magnificent here. Grandview Point overlooks the dense forests and the Horseshoe Mesa.

Once you reach Moran Point and glance all around you, you will get a true sense of the vastness of the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Furthermore, directly below Moran Point sits Red Canyon and the colors are just staggering here. The reds, oranges, and rusts glow beautifully, especially in the afternoon sun. To top it off, the sparkling Colorado River finally makes a longer appearance.

Finally, try to find the Sinking Ship, a fascinating geological formation that appears as if it was a sinking vessel against the setting sun.

Moran Point is named after Thomas Moran, a painter who traveled to the Grand Canyon with John Wesley Powell in 1873.

If you like Thomas Moran’s paintings following is a website with a recap of his life and work: Thomas Moran

Desert View is the highest viewpoint on the Grand Canyon South Rim with an elevation of 7,438 feet. Consequently, Desert View offers sweeping views of the Grand Canyon South Rim and the Colorado River.

Perched on the edge of the Grand Canyon South Rim sits Desert View Watchtower. Designed by Mary Colter, Desert View Watchtower combines traditional Southwest architectural styles like Spanish Colonial, Mission, and Native American elements, which we call today Santa Fe style.

Inside you will find a spiral stairway that winds five stories high. Head straight to the top and as you are climbing the stairs look through many windows and see mile upon mile of magnificent views.

By the way, the windows have reflectoscopes, which are viewing instruments that enhance the colors by using black glass.

Once you get to the top, check out the observation deck, which offers great views of the eastern part of the Grand Canyon South Rim.