Bright Angel Point

North Rim Dr, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 928-638-2631

Description: NORTH RIM. Although most folks only venture to the more easily accessible South Rim to sight-see, the North Rim also affords incredible views. Bright Angel Point is one of its most well-known vantage points and is just a brief walk from the Grand Canyon Lodge. From the overlook, you can see Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim (across the chasm), along with a number of tributary canyons and Roaring Springs, the North Rim's water source, which lies some 3000 feet below the surface of the Canyon.
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Desert View and Watchtower

Desert View Dr, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023 928-638-2736

Description: SOUTH RIM. At this outlook, you'll find many traveler conveniences, including a restaurant, general store, and service station. However, the highlight is the watchtower, a stone edifice designed by Mary E.J. Colter and built in 1932. Rising 70 feet above the Canyon rim, the tower was intended to mimic ancient architecture and accommodate early tourists. It affords incredible vistas of the Canyon, the Colorado River, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Painted Desert from roof-top observation points. The tower also boasts murals, recreations of Native American petroglyphs, a gift shop, and demonstrations of Hopi weaving. A must-stop while in the park.
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Grand Canyon Railway

N Grand Canyon Blvd at Fray Marcos Blvd, Williams Depot, Williams, AZ 86046 928-773-1976

Description: WILLIAMS. Travel to the Grand Canyon as early tourists did, on the Grand Canyon Railway. Each day, the train departs from Williams and arrives in Grand Canyon Village 2¼ hours later. Then, visitors have 3 hours to explore the national park before heading back to the depot. En route, passengers are regaled with story and song while being mesmerized by the gorgeous scenery. Refreshments are also provided (according to the package purchased). Depending on the season, engines are either steam- or diesel-powered; individual cars are refurbished 1920s models. A great adventure for children and railroad buffs and an ideal way to visit the Canyon without the encumbrance of a car.
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Hopi Point

Hermit Rd, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023 928-638-7888

Description: SOUTH RIM. Incomparable sunrise and sunset views are possible from this familiar point, which also offers a terrific vista of the Colorado River. The panorama stretches approximately 45 miles east and west, while, across the way, dramatic buttes rise from the landscape, perfect fodder for souvenir photographs. If crowds begin to throng the observation point, simply walk along the trail until you find a more isolated but just as picturesque vantage point.
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Lipan Point

Desert View Dr, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023 928-638-7888

Description: SOUTH RIM. Many visitors claim that Lipan Point offers one of the most spectacular Canyon vistas in the entire park. Westward views seem to stretch outward forever, and Canyon walls present a tapestry of colors and textures. The Colorado River cuts through the deepest part of the Canyon near here, and sunset views are incredible as well. Far below the rim, cradled by the river, is the Unkar Delta, a rich alluvial accumulation that supported the farming efforts of early Native Americans.
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Mather Point

Hermit Rd, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023 928-638-7888

Description: SOUTH RIM. Set just inside the south entrance to the park, Mather Point often serves as introduction to the Canyon. First-time visitors are struck by the scale and immensity of the chasm, and some have even been known to fall to their knees and weep, overwhelmed by the spectacle. Named for an early director of the national park, the overlook affords views of one-quarter of the entire Canyon. Often crowded throughout the day, Mather Point also offers terrific sunset vistas. In addition, it's close to Canyon View Information Plaza, the source for Grand Canyon guides and details.
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Vermilion Cliffs

Hwy 89A, Marble Canyon, AZ 602-417-9200

Description: MARBLE CANYON. Part of the recently created Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, these awe-inspiring cliffs rise majestically thousands of feet from the landscape. Stunning red, orange, and purple pigments give credence to the name of the formation, which sits alongside the Paria Plateau, home to Anasazi tribes in the 12th century. Early Spanish and American explorers also made their way through this region in earlier centuries. These days, the area is known as being home to California condors released to the wild for repopulation. Permits are required to hike in Paria Canyon and the Coyote Buttes area. Phone number to call: 435-688-3246; permits are limited and awarded on a lottery-based system.
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