Sit back, relax, and enjoy the morning drive. The sunrise will be on the east side, so I suggest sitting on the passenger side for an unobstructed view of the morning sun.

4 hours • Admission Ticket Free

We will stop after an hour of driving here at Grand Canyon Junction. We’ll visit a vintage pop culture cartoon landmark from the 1970’s “Flintstone’s Bedrock City” it’s a charming experience of dreamers long gone! Stretch out and walk along the path of Prehistoric Times! A great place to take pictures and imagine all the creativity it took to build this one of a kind landmark!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

This is the hub for park information, bike rentals, coffee, exhibits & historical artifacts, plus a gift shop.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Enjoy lunch or a snack!

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

The edge of the South Rim juts out over the canyon on this narrow point, extending northeast for about 100 feet (30 m) before dropping away vertically. The view from Maricopa encompasses over 180 degrees of Grand Canyon, with no significant obstructions between here and the canyon’s depths. Several miles of the Tonto Trail are visible below and sharp eyes will spot the first tiny view of the Colorado River along the Hermit Road.

History
Maricopa Point is named for the Maricopa Indians who lived in south-central Arizona. They lived with the Pima Indians and were noted for their friendly approach to white pioneers. As you walk out onto this stunning vista, exhibit panels reveal the controversial mining history in the canyon from a spectacular viewpoint.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Verkamp’s Visitor Center features exhibits that focus on the Grand Canyon Community; what it was like to live and work here on the brink of one of the seven natural wonders. A staffed information desk and a Grand Canyon Conservancy Museum Store are also located here. A water bottle filling station is just outside of the building near the canyon rim, and public restrooms are available in a separate building behind the Visitor Center.

Verkamp Family History
John Verkamp headed to the developing South Rim in 1898. He set up a tent and sold souvenirs to the few people who made the long stagecoach trip to the rim. Not happy with the volume of business, at the end of the summer he sold his inventory to one of the hotel operators and went back to Flagstaff.

Development of the South Rim boomed with the completion of the railroad in 1901. Returning to the South Rim in 1905 and constructed the current building with supplies shipped in from Los Angeles. He opened his business early in 1906.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

This unsigned viewpoint on Desert View Drive offers plenty of Grand Canyon views and a well-known rock formation. Located just east of Yaki Point, its local name of Duck on a Rock comes from the Kaibab formation to the left side of the viewpoint, which some say resembles a duck on a rock.

Still no? That’s OK, erosion and time have worked their magic on the once aptly named formation and its bill was worn off long ago, but what remains still stands out above the canyon.

People, both past and present, often try to make sense out of the canyon’s immense size and grandeur by seeking the familiar in a strange and unknown landscape. Scattered throughout Grand Canyon you will find sinking ships, alligators, covered wagons, figures of myth and legend, and more all hidden in the rocks and formations we see. This time honored tradition helps us make sense of the canyon landscape, recalls a comforting feeling or memory, and helps us focus on the shapes and details before us.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Two quick pullouts on the north side of Desert View Drive offer a chance to stretch one’s legs and enjoy the canyon’s scenic beauty right from the parking area. With parking for RVs and trailers Twin Overlook is a nice, quick, easy, and accessible view of the canyon long Desert View Drive.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

This unnamed but locally called “Thor’s Overlook” is an unsigned viewpoint along the Desert View drive that offers a quick place to stop and view the canyon and stretch one’s legs. Take in the scenery and fresh air! Another great place for pictures!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pipe Creek Vista is the first pullout on the left as you head east toward Desert View on Desert View Drive (State Route 64 East).

Because this is the first scenic overlook east of the junction with South Entrance Road, this area can become quite congested with vehicle traffic. If that is the case when you arrive, continue driving east to Duck on a Rock, or Twin Overlooks.

Pipe Creek Vista is not the “biggest” view of the canyon, but the drainage stretching away from you is nicely framed. As you stand along the rim at this viewpoint, observe the canyon walls below as well—you might notice a forest of Douglas fir. This is an example of a micro-habitat fueled by water and cooler temperatures resulting from shade cast by the canyon cliffs. This, combined with the canyon’s thermals, make it an excellent stop for birding, especially in the spring and fall during the major migrations.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Beautiful views and a great place to take pictures!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Here the widest and most expansive canyon views along the South Rim, as well as the longest perspective of the Colorado River. This makes it an ideal spot to enjoy sunrise, sunset, and the night sky.

On a clear day, you can see the Vermillion Cliffs 45 miles to the northeast and the curving river to the west as it enters the Inner Gorge of the canyon.

This spacious panoramic view features many spires, buttes, and temple formations that resemble ancient pyramids. Westward views seem to stretch on forever, and the canyon walls present a tapestry of blacks, grays, reds, browns, and tans in a wide variety of rough and smooth textures.

These unique rocks are exposed in just a few places within the canyon, and are visible at only a few viewpoints. Hidden among the titled layers and cradled by the river is Unkar Delta, where ancient Puebloan people once cultivated beans, corn, and squash.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Just a few minutes west of Desert View on the Desert View Drive, Navajo Point offers a great view of Desert View Watchtower, as well as panoramic vistas to the west and a view north up the Colorado River. Watch for rafts on the Colorado River, winding far below the highest viewpoint on the South Rim at 7,461 feet (2,275 m).

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Native American Jewelry and Artifacts at amazing local prices! See local Native American Artists and their work! 100 years + Trading Post that I’ve gone to for over 35 years! Get all your memories of the day here! Refreshing drinks and local frybread!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

This popular viewpoint offers panoramic views of Grand Canyon from east to west, including several bends of the Colorado River to the east. Pictures, Pictures and more Pictures!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Last chance to buy Authentic Hopi, Zuni and Navajo art and jewelry. You’ll have 15 minutes at this 100+ year old Trading Post with incredible history. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a unique artifact or a sterling silver piece of jewelry. After this exciting opportunity, sit back and relax during the one-hour ride back to your pickup location in Flagstaff.

4 hours • Admission Ticket Included