Grandview Point, Kaibab National Forest Travel Guide

Grandview Point, perched at approximately 7,400 feet (2,250 meters) above sea level, stands as one of the most captivating viewpoints along the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Located along Desert View Drive (SR 64), it lies roughly equidistant between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas and a glimpse into the canyon's layered geological narrative.In the late 19th century, the area around Grandview Point was a hub of mining activity. Miners like Ralph Cameron and Pete Berry extracted copper, gold, and silver from the depths of Horseshoe Mesa below. To facilitate this, Berry and Cameron improved an existing Native American route, creating the Grandview Trail in 1893 to haul ore with mules and ropes.Recognizing the burgeoning tourism industry, Berry and his wife Martha built the Grandview Hotel between 1892 and 1897. This rustic lodge aimed to provide visitors with Southwest authenticity, featuring Native American arts and crafts. For a time, it was considered the only first-class hotel at the Grand Canyon. However, with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1901 and the construction of El Tovar, the tourist center shifted westward, leading to the Grandview Hotel's eventual dismantling.Today, Grandview Point offers parking areas and vault toilets. Drinking water is not available. The Grandview Trail, still accessible from the overlook, descends steeply into the canyon, offering a challenging hike for experienced adventurers. The National Park Service has restored the area to reflect its natural state, erasing most visible traces of its mining and hotel past.