In the easternmost developed area of the Grand Canyon South Rim, approximately 20-30 minutes down the scenic road from the South Rim Visitor Center, there sits a spectacular structure that overlooks the vast Grand Canyon and gives a glimpse of the Colorado River. The watchtower, aptly named the Desert View Watchtower, was designed by the architect Mary Colter back in 1932. Her influence stemmed from the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, incorporating many diverse, intentional ideas on the multi-colored layers of stone. It is said she personally directed the placement of each and every single rock and intricate accent in that building.
While our visit was brief, we took as much time as we could to explore this location as our final destination before leaving the Canyon the day we visited. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough and we have every intention of going back and soon. As noted above, the area is quite developed and includes a few merchandise locations, a sandwich shop, an ice cream parlor, and standard facilities for guests,. However, the standout attraction is the climb to the top of the tower where the eye has opportunity to see the magnificence, breadth, and majesty of the canyon like a bird flying over it. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the top this time around due to exhaustion, but it is something that is a top priority for our next visit. In addition, the tower during golden hour is said to be quite a beautiful site to behold....and I have high hopes of capturing some stunning images of that some day.
In the easternmost developed area of the Grand Canyon South Rim, approximately 20-30 minutes down the scenic road from the South Rim Visitor Center, there sits a spectacular structure that overlooks the vast Grand Canyon and gives a glimpse of the Colorado River. The watchtower, aptly named the Desert View Watchtower, was designed by the architect Mary Colter back in 1932. Her influence stemmed from the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau, incorporating many diverse, intentional ideas on the multi-colored layers of stone. It is said she personally directed the placement of each and every single rock and intricate accent in that building.
While our visit was brief, we took as much time as we could to explore this location as our final destination before leaving the Canyon the day we visited. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough and we have every intention of going back and soon. As noted above, the area is quite developed and includes a few merchandise locations, a sandwich shop, an ice cream parlor, and standard facilities for guests,. However, the standout attraction is the climb to the top of the tower where the eye has opportunity to see the magnificence, breadth, and majesty of the canyon like a bird flying over it. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the top this time around due to exhaustion, but it is something that is a top priority for our next visit. In addition, the tower during golden hour is said to be quite a beautiful site to behold....and I have high hopes of capturing some stunning images of that some day.
