Desert View Watchtower, Mohave County Travel Guide

Perched on the eastern edge of the Grand Canyon's South Rim, the Desert View Watchtower offers visitors a unique vantage point to experience the grandeur of this natural wonder. Designed by architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932, the tower's design draws inspiration from the watchtowers of the Ancestral Puebloan people, mirroring the ancient structures found at Hovenweep and Mesa Verde. Colter, known as the architect of the Southwest, meticulously selected locally sourced rocks and reclaimed timber, ensuring the tower appeared to grow organically from the canyon rim.Inside, the Watchtower reveals a blend of cultural reverence and artistic expression. The ground floor, known as the View Room, hosts cultural demonstrations by indigenous artists during the spring, summer, and fall. The walls of the tower are adorned with murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie, depicting scenes from Hopi legends, while Fred Geary added petroglyph-style decorations. Visitors can ascend the tower's 85 stairs to reach the observation deck, where they can gaze upon the Colorado River, the Painted Desert, and the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon. Reflectoscopes, black mirrors, enhance the viewing experience by cutting through the glare and highlighting the canyon's vibrant colors.The Desert View area offers more than just the Watchtower. The Desert Viewpoint provides stunning vistas, and the nearby Tusayan Museum and Ruins offer insights into the lives of the Pueblo Native Americans who inhabited the region over 800 years ago. The Desert View Trading Post provides opportunities to purchase authentic Native American crafts.