All Hikers - South Rim

ALL HIKERS

SOUTH RIM - EAST DRIVE

The first turnoff on the East Drive is Yaki Point, which is named for the Yaqui Indians. For most of the year (March-November), you are required to take the free shuttle bus there. The Park Service is considering closing it to private vehicles year round. Yaki Point is the trailhead for the South Kaibab Trail, one of the Canyon's popular Corridor trails. There are wonderful views of the inner Canyon from Yaki Point. One of the distinctive features that is readily visible is O'Neill Butte, named for Buckey O'Neill, an early Canyon pioneer who became a member of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders.

The next turnoff is often referred to as Duck on a Rock. It is on one of the many unnamed turnoffs between Yaki Point and Grandview Point. An interesting rock formation is there that resembles a duck sitting on a rock, hence its name.

The next turnoff is Grandview Point. It is the trailhead for the Grandview Trail. It is another point that offers fantastic views of the inner Canyon. Pete Berry built the Grandview Trail to give him access to his copper mines on Horseshoe Mesa, a feature that resembles a horseshoe.

The next turnoff is the Buggeln Picnic Area. It is named for Martin Buggeln, who lived near Grandview Point and John Hance. Nothing remains of his magnificent seventeen room, two-story home-hotel on his 160 acre ranch. His ranch was the last private holding purchased by the Park Service.

The next turnoff is Moran Point, named for Thomas Moran, one of the greatest landscape painters of the American West. He spent almost every winter at the South Rim from 1899-1920. There are really good views of the inner Canyon and the Colorado River from here.

The next turnoff is to the right and leads to the Tusayan Museum and Ruins. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. The museum has numerous exhibits and pictures. The grounds have ruins and a Kiva, a place where ceremonial activities took place. Together, they provide a glimpse of ancestral Puebloan life some 800 years ago. Historians believe the Pueblo Indians lived here only about twenty years around 1185. The Grand Canyon Association runs a book and gift store inside with all proceeds returned for the benefit of the Grand Canyon.

The next turnoff is Lipan Point. It is the trailhead for the Tanner Trail and is named for the Lipan Apache Indians of Texas. It was formerly named Lincoln Point after the American president. It offers more great views of the inner Canyon and the Colorado River.

The last turnoff before reaching Desert View is Navajo Point. At 7,461 feet, it is the highest point on the South Rim and is named after the Navajo Indians.

The Desert View Watchtower is at the east entrance of the Grand Canyon South Rim twenty-six miles from Grand Canyon Village. Mary Jane Colter modeled its form and construction after ancient Anasazi watchtowers. She spent months locating ruins and traveling to sketch and study the forms, construction, and stonework. The seventy-foot tower was designed to take advantage of the sweeping views of the canyon and was finished in 1932. The Grand Canyon Association runs a bookstore next to the watchtower. A gift shop and full service grocery store are also there.

The Desert View campground is first come, first serve and costs $12 per night. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. The campground is smaller and offers fewer services than Mather campground. The campground closes in mid-October depending on the weather.

Unlike Grand Canyon Village, Desert View does have a gas station. It closes in mid-October depending on the weather. Gas is available from the pumps year round with a credit card.

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