The very top of the Watchtower is the highest point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon – 7522 feet above sea level – and the view of the Grand Canyon from the Watchtower is not easily forgotten.
Over five million people visit the Grand Canyon each year. The Grand Canyon was carved out by the Colorado River some 17 million years ago and is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The other six natural wonders of the world are: the Great Barrier Reef, the harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, auroras, the Parícutin volcano, and Victoria Falls. This list is hotly debated but worth noting. Unfortunately for me, I’ve only visited one of the six natural wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon - and have never seen an aurora. However, seeing the Grand Canyon from the Watchtower was an unforgettable experience that literally took my breath away.
The Watchtower at Desert View was built in 1932 and the architect was Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter who spent months researching the towers built by Native Americans all over the Southwest. The Watchtower is an observation station and a convenient rest stop for Grand Canyon visitors. Visitors can purchase lunch, refreshments, as well as souvenirs at the gift shop located inside the tower. The walls of the view rooms inside the tower are covered in murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. As though the magnificence of the Grand Canyon is not enough, visitors to the Watchtower can also enjoy beautiful Native American art and buy local Native American handicrafts, including jewelry, rugs, and pottery. The very tower top is the highest point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon – 7522 feet above sea level – and the view of the Grand Canyon from the Watchtower is not to be missed. The Grand Canyon in general is a paradise for people who enjoy hiking, rafting and being in the outdoors making a trip to Arizona a must.
Watchtower at Desert View
