Article Overview: Best Views of the Grand Canyon (National Park)
There are an insane amount of amazing, life-changing views of the Grand Canyon located on both rims. The vastness of this UNESCO World Heritage site is hard to fathom leaving viewers gazing out upon the depths of the Grand Canyon for hours at a time.
Visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time is an experience you’ll hold onto for the rest of your life. The pinnacle of that experience is the amazing views and overlooks of the Grand Canyon.
I remember my first visit to the Grand Canyon and the feeling of looking out from Mather Point for the first time. Since that first trip I’ve returned several times and been to nearly all of the viewpoints and overlooks in the Grand Canyon. Many of the views of the Grand Canyon look similar but there are enough distinct ones to really give you unique perspectives.
In this article I’ll cover the top 20 best views of the Grand Canyon ranking them from best to worst. I’ll also include helpful tips for the best time to visit – whether or not it’s a sunrise or sunset spot versus ones that are great for midday – and how to get to each one.
Best Views of the Grand Canyon
Table of Contents: Best Views of the Grand Canyon
Table of Contents: Best Views of the Grand Canyon
- Best Views of the Grand Canyon
- Top 20 Best Views of the Grand Canyon
- Top 15 Best Grand Canyon Views
- Top 10 Best Grand Canyon National Park Viewpoints
- Top 5 Best Views of Grand Canyon National Park
- Map of the Best Grand Canyon Views & Viewpoints
- Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
- Summary of Best Views of the Grand Canyon (National Park)
Things to Know Before Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
Entrance Fees
$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
Guide Book
The Best Guide Book: James Kaiser is the proverbial bees knees in this department. I love all of his National Park guides and his Grand Canyon Guide is no exception.
Map
The Best Grand Canyon Map: I like this map best for Grand Canyon National Park.
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth 🙂
The Four Regions of the Grand Canyon
Most folks think of the Grand Canyon in terms of North Rim / South Rim. There’s also an area referred to as Grand Canyon East and Grand Canyon West.
- South Rim: The most popular and most heavily visited section of Grand Canyon National Park is the South Rim area located just beyond the South Rim Entrance Station which includes Mather Point & Grand Canyon Village
- East Rim: The east section refers to the area near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park which includes the Desert View Watchtower.
- North Rim: Located across the canyon from the south rim, the north rim of the Grand Canyon has become increasingly popular in recent years as visitation continues to surge. Despite being roughly 10 miles as the crow flies across the canyon, the drive to the north rim from the south rim takes about 4 hours.
- West Rim: Accessed via the South Entrance followed by Hermit Road or West Rim Drive and includes many of the best overlooks in the park.
- Grand Canyon West: Grand Canyon West is the most recently developed section of the Grand Canyon and managed by the Hualapai Tribe rather than the National Park Service. The famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is located here.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the Spring and Fall. I recommend the months of April and September when crowds will be down and temperatures will be pleasant.
Hours of Operation
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 24 hours a day all 365 days of the year. The North Rim however is closed to all vehicles between December 1st and May 14th with no services offered. From October 15 to December 1 on the North Rim services are limited.
Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
Here’s my favorite spot to stay at the Grand Canyon.
Top 20 Best Views of the Grand Canyon
20. Moran Point
Location: East Rim
Elevation: 7160 feet (2182 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunrise
About this Grand Canyon View
Moran Point is named for the world famous landscape artists, Thomas Moran, whose paintings of the Grand Canyon captivated the country at the turn of the 20th century. The viewpoint is great on a partly cloudy day to see the deep contrasts of the Grand Canyon. Personally I like this view at sunrise but can’t go wrong during any time of day.
From the National Park Service:
“The Layered Paleozoic Rocks represent the sedimentary rocks that make up most of the Grand Canyon’s depth. The Grand Canyon Supergroup represents a significant portion of the canyon’s geologic record even though it is only in isolated remnants, visible at only a few spots along the rim. This series of brilliant red rocks form the bed of the Colorado River and the wide slopes on either side below Moran Point.
These rocks, originating millions of years ago as horizontal deposits of mud and sand, are tilted because of great movements of the earth’s surface before the formation of overlying rock layers. The Vishnu Basement Rocks are visible at river level further to the west, and are the oldest at the canyon, consisting of both metamorphic and igneous rock.
Masonry found on the small butte (on the right in this photo) is believed to represent an ancient fort. This structure was built by early Native Americans. Several hundred dwelling sites, dating from a period a few centuries before the coming of Columbus, have been discovered along the rims and in the Canyon. Many arrowheads, fragments of pottery, and other evidences of an advanced state of culture have been found near the ruins.”
19. Shoshone Point
Location: South Rim
Elevation: 7,306 feet (2,227 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
If you can believe it, Shoshone Point offers a more remote and lesser traveled view of the Grand Canyon from the often overcrowded South Rim. Getting here requires a short drive (or hike) down a 3.6 mile dirt road.
For folks looking to tie the knot at the Grand Canyon, this is a great spot as it can be reserved for weddings and has seclusion, a rarity!
From the National Park Service:
“The National Park Service offers a site on the South Rim of Grand Canyon for reservation by groups wishing to host a wedding, celebrate a birthday, conduct a memorial service, hold a family reunion, or any similar non-commercial event.
An unimproved dirt road leads to this isolated area with spectacular views of Grand Canyon. The site features a covered pavilion, picnic tables, grills, trash cans and a vault toilet. There is no water or electricity at the site.
Shoshone Point is the place for people who can be flexible with their planning and can deal with unpredictable Grand Canyon weather.”
18. Grand Canyon Lodge
Location: North Rim
Elevation: 8212 feet (2503 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Afternoon & Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
As far as the most comfortable and luxurious views of the Grand Canyon go, none can compete with the views you can get from the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim.
There are two excellent views here available to the public.
- The first is from inside the lodge itself in the seating area with old world leather couches, a grand fireplace, and stunning views of the Grand Canyon
- The second is from just behind the lodge on the main terrace or patio seating area where visitors can lounge and gaze upon the canyon.
17. Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio
Location: South Rim
Elevation: 6788 feet (2069 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset or Midday
About this Grand Canyon View
Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio is one of the several architectural wonders in the Grand Canyon designed by Mary Colter. The other most famous of her works here is the Desert View Watchtower.
The tower was designed to blend in seamlessly with the south rim of the Grand Canyon where this viewpoint is located.
According to the NPS:
“At Lookout Studio, visitors could view the features of the Grand Canyon and watch mule riders descending into the Canyon. Like Hopi House, it was designed to imitate the stone dwellings of the Pueblo Indians of the southwest.
The chimney was made of irregular stones, which allowed soil and debris to collect between the cracks. Plants found a niche for growing, which further blended the building into its surroundings. A lounge was inside the studio with a fireplace and an art room where postcards and artwork were for sale.”
16. Navajo Point
Location: East Rim
Elevation: 7,108 feet (2,166 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Located on the East Rim and situated at over 7,000 feet in elevation, Navajo Point is the highest viewpoint on the South Rim offering one of the best Grand Canyon views of the Colorado River. From here you can see a great stretch of the mighty river that carved the Grand Canyon as well as the Desert View Watchtower.
The viewpoint is located just off Desert View Drive, less than a mile away from the Desert View area.
Top 15 Best Grand Canyon Views
15. Bright Angel Point
Location: North Rim
Elevation: 8,148 feet (2,484 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Situated on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Point is located less than half a mile down Bright Angel Point Trail behind the Grand Canyon Lodge.
This is one of the better views of the Grand Canyon on the North Rim. All along the trail you’ll be treated to increasing viewpoints until you reach the end of the trail.
14. Yavapai Point
Location: South Rim
Elevation: 7062 feet (2152 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Situated at over 7000 feet in elevation, Yavapai Point is one of the highest viewpoints on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. From here visitors can see sweeping vistas of the canyon below. On a partly cloudy day, sunsets from here can be absolutely epic.
13. Powell Point
Location: West Rim
Elevation: 5,994 feet (1,827 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunrise or Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Named for the famous explorer, John Wesley Powell, who completed the “first known descent of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon“, this is a great West Rim view of the Grand Canyon. Getting here is easy as the overlook is located just off of Hermit Road.
Sunrise and sunset are both great times to photograph Powell Point.
12. Hopi Point
Location: West Rim
Elevation: 7,071 feet (2155 feet)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunrise (or sunset)
About this Grand Canyon View
At 7,071 feet elevation Hopi Point is one of the highest on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is one of the best view points in the Grand Canyon as it 270º unobstructed panoramic vistas. Sunrise is the best time to see this view point but sunset is great as well.
One of the things that makes this overlook special is that it extends out farther into the canyon than most. From here, you can catch glimpses of the Colorado River down below.
11. Hermits Rest
Location: West Rim
Elevation: 6,660 feet (2030 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Located at the end of Hermit Road lies a great Grand Canyon viewpoint, Hermits Rest. From here you can peer down deep into the canyon all the way to the might Colorado and see several side canyons.
There’s also a beautiful rest area here for visitors designed by Mary Colter (who also designed other great Grand Canyon structures like Desert View Watchtower).
Top 10 Best Grand Canyon National Park Viewpoints
10. Grandview Point
Location: South Rim
Elevation: 6,080 feet (1853 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset or late afternoon
About this Grand Canyon View
The aptly named Grandview Point offers excellent, panoramic views of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim. This is one of the more popular view points on the South Rim for good reason. The view point is located off of Desert View Drive and is easily accessed.
9. Yaki Point
Location: South Rim
Elevation: 7,262ft (2,213 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Yaki Point offers some of the best views of the Grand Canyon, especially at sunset. The bad news is that it’s a bit more difficult to access than most of the views as visitors must ride the shuttle bus in order to make it here. The good news is that due to this relative remoteness, the crowds are far fewer than at most of the other South Rim views.
From Yaki Point you can gaze out upon the South Kaibab Trail, down to Ooh Aah Point, and far out into the Grand Canyon.
8. Lipan Point
Location: East Rim
Elevation: 7,360 feet (2,256 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Lipan Point is one of my personal favorite Grand Canyon East Rim views offering really nice vistas that include the Colorado River. Sunsets from Lipan can be really spectacular as well.
According to the NPS:
“From this viewpoint can be seen several points of interest. Hance Rapid is one of the many powerful whitewater rapids along the Colorado River. Unkar Delta was once home to ancestral Puebloan people and is the site of active archeological study. The Grand Canyon Supergroup is a unique rock at Grand Canyon, found exposed at only a few places within the canyon.”
7. Mather Point
Location: South Rim
Elevation: 7,119 ft (2,10 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset (or Sunrise to beat the crowds)
About this Grand Canyon View
Named for the famed former Director of the National Park Service, Stephen Mather, Mather Point is the most famous Grand Canyon viewpoint. This was where I got my first glimpse of the epic wonder and most people’s first exposure the grandeur of this place.
The drawback is the massive crowds that almost constantly swarm the viewing area making it difficult to fully appreciate the scenery.
Still, it’s the one that everyone pretty much has to see and no (first time) Grand Canyon trip is complete without.
6. Pima Point
Location: West Rim
Elevation: 6,575 feet (2,004 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint:
About this Grand Canyon View
Located just off Hermit Road in the West Rim region of the Grand Canyon, Pima Point offers a fantastic overlook of the Grand Canyon. Down below you can see a really nice stretch of the mighty Colorado River and sometimes even hear it if you listen closely on a quiet day.
Top 5 Best Views of Grand Canyon National Park
5. Toroweap Overlook
Location: *Northwest Grand Canyon (away from all of the other viewpoints)
Elevation: 3,000 feet (914 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
From a photographer’s stand point, it’s hard to beat the stunning scenery of Toroweap Overlook which gives you unparalleled stunning views way down the Colorado River. In fact, Toroweap is the only view of the Grand Canyon where the Colorado can be seen vertically below.
While this viewpoint is one of the lowest in the Grand Canyon at just 3,000 feet above sea level, it’s every bit as beautiful as the rest of them.
Getting to Toroweap Overlook requires a serious commitment as it’s located nearly 7 hours driving from Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and nearly 5 hours from the North Rim Visitor Center.
NOTE: The final 60 miles of the drive is down a rough dirt road where a high clearance vehicle is an absolute must.
4. Ooh Aah Point
Location: South Rim (in the canyon)
Elevation: 6,660 feet (2,030 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Morning
About this Grand Canyon View
How can you resist a viewpoint with such an enticing name as Ooh Aah Point!? This is one of the most epic views of the Grand Canyon as it is located 600 feet down into the canyon itself on the South Kaibab Trail. If you’re up for the hike I recommend starting early in the morning while the sun is lower and the heat is less.
Getting to Ooh Aah Point requires a bit of effort and returning from it requires about twice as much as it’s all uphill. The point itself is located about .9 miles down the South Kaibab Trail from the trailhead, roughly 600 feet below the canyon rim. A wooden sign marks the spot that can’t be missed.
The dramatic panoramic views from Ooh Aah Point are unlike any in the park and worth the go if you have the time.
Keep in mind that every step you take down the trail is a step you’ll have to take back up.
3. Point Imperial
Location: North Rim
Elevation: 8,803 feet (2,683 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunrise
About this Grand Canyon View
I’d argue that the best place to see a sunrise in the Grand Canyon is at Point Imperial on the North Rim. Point Imperial is the highest of all the North Rim overlooks at 8,803 feet and the highest point in Grand Canyon National Park. It is also the northernmost viewpoint in the Grand Canyon. This gives you a really unique perspective which I really like.
Looking out you’ll see a very distinct prominence called Mt Hayden named for the former Arizona senator.
Getting to the overlook is easy as the overlook itself is just a few steps away from the parking area.
2. Cape Royal
Location: North Rim
Elevation:
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
The best place to see a sunset on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly Cape Royal. As the southernmost viewpoint on the North Rim, Cape Royal has the greatest panoramas of any of the overlooks.
Sunsets here are absolutely magical and seem to last forever. Looking out you can see the epic Walhalla Plateau immediately before you and the South Rim in the distance.
From the Cape Royal parking area the hike to the overlook is about .4 miles down a paved trail which amounts to a 10 – 15 minute stroll.
1. Desert View
Location: East Rim
Elevation: 7,360 feet (2,243 meters)
Best Time to See This Grand Canyon Viewpoint: Sunset
About this Grand Canyon View
Maybe this one is a bit sentimental for me but I think there’s no better way to cap a day at the Grand Canyon than soaking in an epic sunset from Desert View. I recall doing this with my brother and dad many years back and thinking that it was the absolute perfect evening.
From Desert View you can see all the way down to the Colorado River in the distance. During sunset the canyon lights up with vivid hues of red and purple that seem to last forever.
For the best views I recommend going just past the Desert View Watchtower where you’ll see benches and a railing. Be sure to show up about 30 minutes before sunset to soak in the whole show and get the best spot.
Map of the Best Grand Canyon Views & Viewpoints
Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
Depending on which parts of the Grand Canyon you’re trying to see will determine the best place place to stay in the park. There are hotels, lodges, and campgrounds located on the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
South Rim Campgrounds & Lodging Options
There are two campgrounds at the South Rim run by the National Park Service:
- Mather Campground – Reservations
- Desert View Campground (East Rim) – Reservations
South Rim Lodging Options
At the South Rim of the Grand Canyon there are two options if you’re looking for hotels. The first, more expensive option is staying at one of the premiere lodges that are located inside the national park at Grand Canyon Village. For those Grand Canyon hotels see the Xanterra page.
The more affordable option is getting a hotel in Tusayan (5-10 minute drive). I’ve compiled a full listing of the best Tusayan hotels.
North Rim Camping Options
The North Rim has one beautiful campground:
- North Rim Campground – Reservations
North Rim Lodges
At the North Rim of the Grand Canyon there’s only one game in town when it comes to lodging and that’s the Grand Canyon Lodge. In my opinion this is the most beautiful and best hotel at the Grand Canyon. They’ve got standard hotel room options as well as cabins.
Summary of Best Views of the Grand Canyon (National Park)
- Desert View
- Cape Royal
- Point Imperial
- Ooh Aah Point
- Toroweap Overlook
- Pima Point
- Mather Point
- Lipan Point
- Yaki Point
- Grandview Point
- Hermits Rest
- Hopi Point
- Powell Point
- Yavapai Point
- Bright Angel Point
- Navajo Point
- Mary Coulter’s Lookout Studio
- Grand Canyon Lodge
- Shoshone Point
- Moran Point
Pin Best Views of the Grand Canyon
Helpful Related Articles (Grand Canyon Views)
Grand Canyon Viewpoints: 20 Best Views of the Grand Canyon (National Park)
Grand Canyon South Rim Things to Do: 15 Amazing Things to Do at the Grand Canyon South Rim
Things to Do North Rim Grand Canyon: 15 Epic Things to Do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon: 20 Best Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park
Closest Cities to the Grand Canyon: 10 Closest Cities Near the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Facts: 15 Fascinating Grand Canyon National Park Facts
Desert View Watchtower: Explore the Historic Desert View Watchtower (Grand Canyon)
Grand Canyon in Winter: Visiting the Grand Canyon in December (Winter Guide)
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I have enjoyed your timelapse films for years, but just stumbled upon this page / website. This is a fantastic resource for someone wishing to photograph the Grand Canyon. Thank you for this, I look forward to diving in further.
Jeff / Nashville TN
Thanks so much Jeff! Really appreciate the kind words and for dropping in. If there’s ever an article or resource that you think might be useful please let us know!
All the best,
Will