The 30 Best Grand Canyon Views You Can’t Miss (New 2022)

Being so massive, it should come as no surprise that finding the best Grand Canyon views isn’t the easiest task.

Should you venture to the North Rim, or stick to the popular Grand Canyon South Rim?

Can you only get the best views of the Grand Canyon by hiking?

Or are there more accessible spots to take in these epic vistas? 

The Grand Canyon has so much to offer its visitors that it’s difficult to know where to look.

Luckily, we have you covered! 

And by the end of this post, you will know exactly where to go, to get that sweet, sweeping view that you desire. 

Below are the best views of Grand Canyon. Each one of them will make your trip unforgettable.

Which Rim of the Grand Canyon Has the Best Views

The answer to this question is a matter of preference. Both the North and South Rims offer excellent views of the Grand Canyon, but the experience may differ depending on which side of the canyon you are on.

The North Rim offers visitors a more serene and isolated experience, with panoramic views of the canyon that seem to go on forever. The South Rim is more popular, with a variety of visitor amenities and opportunities for hiking and exploring. Visitors to the South Rim can also see the Colorado River flowing through the canyon.

Where to stay at the Grand Canyon

There are many places to stay near the Grand Canyon. Lodging options include camping in an inflating tents, RV campgrounds, inns, and resorts.

bright angel lodge

Bright Angel Lodge is in Grand Canyon National Park and offers some of the best views of the Grand Canyon. The lodge is situated close to the South Rim of the canyon. And guests have access to hiking trails, viewpoints, and other attractions in the park. The lodge is also home to a restaurant and a gift shop, making it the perfect place to stay and explore the Grand Canyon.

El Tovar

The El Tovar hotel is in the heart of the Grand Canyon National Park. And offers guests some of the best views of the canyon. From the hotel’s perch on the South Rim, guests can take in panoramic views of the Colorado River winding through the canyon below.

grand canyon lodge

There are many beautiful views of the Grand Canyon. But some of the most impressive is from the Grand Canyon Lodge. This historic lodge, on the North Rim of the canyon, offers visitors some of the most spectacular views of the canyon. From the lodge, visitors can see the canyon’s vast expanse, its intricate rock formations, and the Colorado River winding through it.

Lodges and campgrounds can be a great alternatives for Airbnb. And can offer you a unique experience. 

best grand canyon views

Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail

Plateau Point is a good place to view the Colorado River and its inner gorge, as well as several side canyons. It’s on the Bright Angel Trail.

If you’re looking for a place that offers some privacy, then this is your spot. You’ll likely be alone at Plateau Point during most times of the day (unless you go during sunrise or sunset).

Shoshone Point

Shoshone Point is on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and provides some of the best views of the canyon. From here you can see the canyon stretching out below you, as well as the North Rim and the Colorado River far in the distance.

There are countless breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, but some of the most iconic and spectacular are from the South Rim. From here, visitors can see the canyon’s vastness. And see the beauty unfold before their eyes. Taking in all the dramatic layers of red, orange, and yellow rock stretching out as far as the eye can see.

So if you’re looking for the best views of the Grand Canyon, Shoshone Point is your spot.

moran point

Moran Point is one of the most visited overlooks on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s one of four major viewpoints on Desert View Drive, and it sits at the end of a short spur off that road. Moran Point has a very grand view with splendid views back towards Cape Royal and into Red Canyon below.

Moran Point is at the end of a short spur off Desert View Drive

Best Views Grand Canyon Railway

There are many amazing viewpoints of the Grand Canyon, but some of the best are from the Grand Canyon Railway. From the train, passengers can see the canyon in all its glory, with its steep cliffs, winding river, and beautiful colors. This isn’t the most affordable thing to do at the Grand Canyon National Park.

OOh Aah Point

Ooh Ahh Point is a great place to see the sunrise or sunset. It’s also one of the best places to see the Colorado River and Grand Canyon from ground level. This point sits just above Ooh Ahh Gulch, which is a peaceful spot for hiking and picnicking in the park.

The hike up to this point takes about two hours, so you’ll want to start early if you’re planning on getting here before dark. The trail follows the South Kaibab Trail until it branches off near Cedar Ridge.

Toroweap Overlook

Toroweap Overlook is one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Grand Canyon and an excellent place to get a feel for its immensity. This spot is especially popular with photographers who are attracted by its unobstructed views. The overlook sits about 3,000 feet above Toroweap Valley. And offers a spectacular panorama of exposed rock layers and views of distant vistas.

Redwall Bridge

Just below the North Rim, this viewpoint provides a magnificent view of the river and the canyon walls. Look for the Redwall Bridge, which spans the river and is made of red sandstone.

It is one of the most photographed spots in the park. The bridge provides views of Bright Angel Canyon. A side canyon to the Grand Canyon that extends from the North Rim to within 1 mile (1.6 km) of Phantom Ranch on the Colorado River.

It’s also a great place to watch the sunset, another must-do at this point.

Point Imperial

This is the highest and most northerly viewpoint on the North Rim and offers stunning views of the canyon. As well as the Colorado River. 

grand canyon skywalk

If you want to see the canyon from a different perspective, then this is the place to go. The Grand Canyon Skywalk was built in 2007 and has become one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas. This glass bridge extends 4,000 feet over the floor of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. And allows visitors to walk on glass and look straight down into the Colorado River 1,500 feet below.

Grandview point

Grandview Point is on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and offers some of the best views of the canyon. It’s also a good place to look at the river, which flows through it. You can see panoramic views from this point.

A large parking area is available with restrooms nearby. A small picnic area with tables and grills is along Desert View Drive just before entering Grand Canyon Village. However, there are no other amenities here, so make sure you bring your own food and water if you plan on staying awhile!

Grand Canyon Village, South Rim

Grand Canyon Village is a small settlement in the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. And near Grandview Point. The village has a few hotels and restaurants, as well as a general store, post office, and other services.

Best View of Grand Canyon Lookout Studio

The Lookout Studio at the Grand Canyon offers visitors some of the best views of the canyon. On the South Rim, the studio is perched on the edge of the canyon, providing stunning panoramic views. From the studio, visitors can see the Bright Angel Trail, the Colorado River, and the many layers of the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Free Viewpoints

Mather Point, Grand Canyon

Mather Point is a viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona. Mather Point offers some of the most spectacular views of the Grand Canyon and its surrounding features.

Near Yavapai Observation Station at Grand Canyon Visitor Center on South Rim Drive. This popular overlook provides great photo opportunities.

Mather Point also serves as an entrance point to Grand Canyon’s most visited area. The South Rim Village-which includes many restaurants, hotels, and shops like El Tovar Hotel & Cabins and Kolb Studio Art Gallery.

At Mather Point, Grand Canyon you can get a magnificent view of your surroundings for free.

Best Views of Grand Canyon by Car

Desert View Drive

After you’ve explored the South Rim, head back to the main road and continue north on Desert View Drive. This scenic drive runs along the southern edge of the Grand Canyon and offers some magnificent views of this natural wonder.

The most popular stop will take you to Desert View Lookout Tower where you can see amazing views from high above ground level! Just before reaching Tusayan Ruins National Monument, turn left onto Clear Creek Road. Travel for one mile until it dead ends into the parking lot for Desert View Watchtower. (also known as “Sunrise Station”). There are several hiking trails that lead down into the canyon bottomlands. This is where wildflowers bloom from May through August.

There is also Desert View Campground. And it has some amazing views of the canyon from Desert View Campground. From here, you can see the entire canyon stretching out before you, with the Colorado River winding its way through the bottom. It’s an unforgettable sight. And this is an easy route, if you plan a trip with Google Maps, you will have no trouble. 

Artist Point

Artist Point is on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and provides stunning views of the canyon.

The point is accessible via a short hike from the parking lot, and the views are definitely worth the effort. You can see the canyon stretching out below you, with the Colorado River snaking its way through the rocks.

If you’re lucky, you might also see some of the park’s wildlife, such as deer or bighorn sheep. The views from Artist Point are some of the best in the park, so be sure to make the trip up here! Although it takes a little hiking, it showcases some of the best views Grand Canyon has to offer. 

Hermit Road

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon comprises three sections: Hermit Road, Desert View Drive, and South Rim Drive.

Hermit Road is a scenic drive that runs along the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It’s only accessible from the east entrance. And runs for about eight miles (13 kilometers) from Hermits Rest to Maricopa Point at its eastern end, where it meets with Desert View Drive.

Hermits Rest is a historic building along Hermit Road at the eastern end of Grand Canyon National Park.

All of these are good options. And easily the best views of Grand Canyon by car. 

Best Sunset View of the Grand Canyon

Mohave point

There are countless breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. But some of the most popular spots for visitors to take in the canyon’s majesty include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hermit’s Rest.

Mohave Point is a viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States. It provides a view of the canyon and the Colorado River below it.

Cape Royal

Cape Royal is a viewpoint of the Grand Canyon North Rim. The Cape Royal trailhead has two parking lots and can be accessed by a paved road from the main park road. The view at Cape Royal is very similar to that at Hopi Point, but it’s closer to Tusayan (the nearest town) and thus sees more traffic from park visitors.

Lipan Point

Lipan Point is a viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s part of Desert View Drive, which also features many other sights. And activities besides Lipan Point. Such as Yavapai Observation Station, Hopi House, Walhalla Overlook, and Moran Point.

Lipan Point is a stop on any tour of the South Rim. And makes an excellent destination for hikers looking for an easy day hike. Or those who want to get up close but don’t want to spend a lot of time hiking into and out of the canyon. With views stretching from Kaibab Plateau all the way over to Mount Hayden (on clear days). This short trail offers some incredible scenery at its endpoint.

Yaki Point

Yaki Point is located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Which makes it accessible from both North Rim facilities and South Rim hotels. The viewpoint offers sweeping views towards Kanab Creek and into Marble Canyon in Utah. It’s a popular destination for photographers. Because you can see all three layers of the canyon at once: limestone formations, sedimentary rocks, and sandstones.

The best time to visit is during sunset when you’ll be treated to an amazing view of 30 miles across the canyon floor (you may even spot some wildlife). Making it easy to see why it is one of the most popular sunset viewpoints of the Grand Canyon.

Best Sunrise View of the Grand Canyon

Powell point

Powell Point is one of the most popular viewpoints on the South Rim, and it’s no wonder why. The viewpoint offers views of both ends of the canyon-one looking north and another looking south. The view from Powell Point is one of the most photographed sunrise views of the Grand Canyon.

So you’ll find yourself surrounded by lots of other people who have come here to take photos. If you’re willing to brave crowds and long lines, then this viewpoint might be worth a visit! The point is named after John Wesley Powell. A famous explorer. By the way, check out our explorer quotes.

Yavapai Point

The best views of the Grand Canyon are from Yavapai Point. This is located on the West Rim of the canyon and offers stunning panoramic views of the canyon.

You can see the Colorado River winding through the canyon and the layers of rock that make up the canyon walls. This is a great spot because you get a 360-degree view of your surroundings.

Grand Canyon Shiva Temple

The best sunrise view of the Grand Canyon is from the Shiva Temple. The temple is located on the North Rim of the canyon and provides stunning views of the sunrise as it illuminates the canyon walls. The temple is also a great spot to watch the sunset over the canyon.

Hopi Point

One of the best viewpoints in the Grand Canyon is Hopi Point. It is located on the east side of the canyon, and from here you can see the Colorado River winding its way through the rocks. You can also see the Bright Angel Trail winding its way down to the bottom of the canyon.

Hopi Point is one of the most popular spots from which to view the Grand Canyon view the sunrise. And it’s no wonder why: it has a number of excellent vantage points.

The setting sun casts shimmering hues along the cliffs, making this spot particularly beautiful at dusk and dawn.

Popular Hikes to Get the Best View of The Grand Canyon

Of course, you could write a whole post on the best grand canyon hikes. But here are view trails that offer the best Grand Canyon views.

So if you are looking for great views, check out these best grand canyon hikes.

Grand Canyon Rim Trail

If you’re looking for a view that’s as grand as the canyon itself, look no further than the Grand Canyon Rim Trail. This hiking trail can be done in stages and has several access points along its path. The best way to see these views is on foot or by bike-there are no cars allowed on this trail!

North Kaibab trail

The North Kaibab Trail is a 9.6-mile trail that descends 2,600 feet down to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. The trail is rugged, and steep, but provides some of the most spectacular views of the Grand Canyon.

It can be very strenuous because it drops in elevation so quickly.

So it’s recommended you only hike this trail if you’re physically fit. And have good hiking shoes on hand as there are many loose rocks along much of it. Which could cause injury if stepped upon by someone without proper footwear.

Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is a remote outpost on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It offers hiking and horseback riding, as well as a canteen, store, and cabins for overnight guests.

Phantom Ranch is an isolated oasis in one of the harshest environments on Earth. It’s located within Grand Canyon National Park along Bright Angel Creek at the bottom of Havasu Canyon (a tributary of Grand Canyon).

best grand canyon views from las vegas

Easily one of the best grand canyon views from Las Vegas is Grand Canyon West. Which s around a two-hour drive. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is another great view of the Grand Canyon that isn’t too far from Vegas. Which is around 2 hours and a 15-minute drive. 

For more stories about the Grand Canyon, you can check out this book by James kaiser, or Michael Quinn.

And if you enjoy the campgrounds in the Grand Canyon, you can also try camping in Yosemite National Park.