Desert View Grand Canyon Jeep Tour — South Rim Jeep Drive, Desert View Watchtower & IMAX
Ride an open-air Jeep along the South Rim to Desert View Watchtower and a string of dramatic overlooks. This three-hour tour pairs expert narration with panoramic stops—and a free IMAX ticket that puts the Canyon's deep time into cinematic focus.
The Experience
Before You Go
Sun protection is essential
High desert sun and reflective rock make sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen and a wide-brim hat non-negotiable.
Bring a charged camera and extra memory
Open-air jeeps deliver uninterrupted views—bring spare batteries or a power bank to avoid missing golden-hour shots.
Wear secure, closed-toe shoes
Viewpoints often require stepping over scree or short rock steps—avoid sandals to keep stable on uneven ground.
Arrive early and check-in on time
Check-in is 30 minutes before departure at 450 AZ-64 in Tusayan; late arrivals may miss the tour.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Pike Creek Vista for quieter views of the river bend
- •Short walk near Grandview Hotel ruins for historic trail remnants
Wildlife
- •California condor (look for silhouettes along the rim)
- •Desert bighorn sheep on distant ledges
Conservation Note
Stay on designated paths and avoid feeding wildlife; the park manages visitor flow to protect fragile rim-edge habitats and cultural sites.
The East Rim route surfaces stories from ancestral Pueblo peoples, early U.S. explorers like John Wesley Powell, and Mary Colter’s early-20th-century park architecture.
Photographer's Notes
- • Desert View Watchtower platform
- • Lipan Point for river bends
- • Grand View for sweeping rim perspectives
What to Bring
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Protects against strong sun and improves comfort during exposed stops.
Layered jacket (windbreaker)Essential
Open-air jeeps are chilly in morning or windy conditions; layers regulate temperature.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Needed for short walks and uneven terrain at overlooks.
Camera or binoculars
Helps capture distant river bends, murals, and wildlife from the rim.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 3 hours, departing and returning to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX in Tusayan.
Is park admission included?
Park admission for the duration of the tour is included; re-entry later in the day requires a separate park pass.
Can children come on the tour?
Children are allowed but no children under two are permitted; infant seats are available for eligible passengers.
Are the Jeeps open-air?
Yes—the tour uses open-air Jeep Wranglers which offer unobstructed views but expose you to weather conditions.
Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour is generally easy, but some viewpoints require short walks and guides note that limited mobility may restrict access to certain stops.
What is the IMAX ticket included?
Each booking includes one free ticket to the IMAX film Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time, which you can watch before or after the tour.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Tusayan, Arizona
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—guests should be able to step in and out of a vehicle and handle short walks at viewpoints.
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