The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the United States, but its enormous size can make it difficult to know where to begin. Different overlooks reveal completely different views of the canyon, from the winding Colorado River and colorful rock layers to distant peaks, forests and dramatic sunsets.
If you are planning a visit, these Grand Canyon viewpoints are excellent places to experience the scale and beauty of the canyon.
1. Lookout Studio
Located along the South Rim near Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio combines Grand Canyon views with distinctive historic architecture.
The building was designed by architect Mary Colter to blend naturally into the surrounding landscape. From the area around Lookout Studio, visitors can enjoy broad canyon views while exploring one of the South Rim’s recognizable historic structures.
A gift shop is also located inside the building.
2. Moran Point
Moran Point offers expansive views across the Grand Canyon and is especially interesting for visitors who want to see both the canyon landscape and the Colorado River below.
From the overlook, you may be able to spot sections of the river as well as the colorful formations of the surrounding canyon.
One of the distinctive formations visible from this area is known as the Sinking Ship because its silhouette resembles a ship disappearing into the horizon.
3. Lipan Point
Lipan Point is one of the most impressive places to appreciate the relationship between the Colorado River and the immense canyon surrounding it.
Visitors can look across the inner gorge and see the canyon’s dramatic geological layers stretching into the distance.
Its wide-open views also make Lipan Point an appealing stop for travelers hoping to experience the changing colors of the Grand Canyon around sunset.
4. Desert View and Watchtower
Desert View offers a different perspective of the Grand Canyon from many of the central South Rim overlooks.
The area’s well-known Desert View Watchtower was designed by Mary Colter and completed in the early 20th century. Its architecture was intended to complement the surrounding canyon landscape.
From Desert View, visitors can take in broad views that include portions of the Colorado River, the Painted Desert and distant mountain scenery.
5. Grandview Point
Grandview Point sits high along the South Rim and offers sweeping views across the canyon.
From the overlook, visitors can see dramatic canyon formations, forested areas and Horseshoe Mesa in the distance.
The viewpoint itself provides impressive scenery without requiring visitors to hike deep into the canyon. Travelers interested in hiking should remember that trails descending below the rim can be much more demanding than simply visiting the overlook.
6. Point Imperial
Point Imperial offers a memorable perspective from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
The overlook provides views toward the eastern canyon and the Painted Desert. Its elevated position makes it particularly striking when changing light highlights the colors and shapes of the surrounding landscape.
Travelers visiting the North Rim may want to consider Point Imperial as one of their scenic stops.
7. Mather Point
Mather Point is one of the best-known Grand Canyon viewpoints and a popular introduction to the South Rim.
The overlook provides expansive views across a large section of the canyon, including prominent formations such as Vishnu Temple and the Temple of Zoroaster.
For first-time visitors, Mather Point offers the type of wide panoramic scene many people imagine when they picture the Grand Canyon.
8. Yavapai Point
Yavapai Point is another South Rim viewpoint offering excellent views into the canyon.
From this area, visitors can look toward the Colorado River and across portions of Bright Angel Canyon.
Its location makes it a useful stop for travelers who want to compare several different South Rim perspectives during the same visit.
9. Yaki Point
Yaki Point provides unobstructed views toward the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon.
The area also overlooks portions of the South Kaibab Trail as it descends toward the Colorado River.
Visitors can see several recognizable canyon formations from this viewpoint, including Vishnu Temple and Wotan’s Throne.
10. Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon
The landscape around Marble Canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs offers another striking way to experience the scenery of northern Arizona.
The dramatic cliffs, open desert and changing colors near sunset create a very different experience from the more heavily visited South Rim overlooks.
For travelers exploring beyond the primary Grand Canyon viewpoints, this region can add another perspective to a northern Arizona itinerary.
Which Grand Canyon viewpoint is best?
There is no single viewpoint that is best for every visitor.
If you want classic panoramic South Rim scenery, viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Grandview Point are excellent places to start.
If seeing the Colorado River is important to you, Lipan Point and several of the eastern viewpoints provide especially interesting perspectives.
Travelers exploring the North Rim can experience a different side of the canyon at locations such as Point Imperial.
The best choice depends on which part of the Grand Canyon you are visiting, how much time you have and the type of scenery you most want to see.
See the Grand Canyon from a different perspective
Standing at a Grand Canyon overlook gives you an unforgettable sense of the canyon’s scale, but viewing it from the air provides an entirely different perspective.
GC Flight offers Grand Canyon helicopter tours and airplane tours with a variety of itineraries. Depending on the tour you choose, you can experience aerial views of the canyon or combine your flight with additional sightseeing experiences.
If you are traveling from Las Vegas, explore our Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas to compare available flight and landing options.
Visitors already traveling to the South Rim can also compare South Rim helicopter tours for aerial sightseeing from Arizona.
For travelers who prefer fixed-wing sightseeing, Grand Canyon airplane tours provide another way to experience the canyon from above.
Before booking, compare the departure location, total experience time, transportation arrangements and included activities so you can choose the tour that best fits your trip.
For help selecting the right Grand Canyon flight, contact GC Flight at 1-800-871-1030.