Grand Canyon South Rim: Jeep Tour to Desert View & Watchtower

Summary

Jeep ride to remote South Rim vistas murals at Desert View Watchtower free IMAX ticket included

You’ll ride an open-air Jeep along Grand Canyon’s South Rim with a local guide, stopping at remote viewpoints and exploring Desert View Watchtower’s murals up close. Expect laughter, stories about canyon history and geology, and time to peer down at the Colorado River. Includes park admission and an IMAX movie ticket for extra perspective before or after your tour—it lingers with you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if the Grand Canyon could still surprise you after all those photos? I did. Turns out, riding in an open-air Jeep along the South Rim is nothing like scrolling through Instagram — it’s dust in your nose, wind that somehow tastes dry and sweet, and our guide Mark pointing out a cluster of tiny wildflowers I’d have missed otherwise. We kept stopping at these lookouts — some with names, some just “that spot over there” — and every time, the light shifted just enough to make the canyon seem new again.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. Mark told us about Mary Colter, who designed the Desert View Watchtower (he called her “the original badass architect”), and then let us wander inside. The murals are faded but alive — you can almost feel the brushstrokes under your fingers if you get close enough. Someone nearby was trying to pronounce Hopi words from a plaque; Li laughed when I tried too (probably butchered it). Out on the edge, we peered down at the Colorado River snaking far below — it looked like a blue thread someone had dropped by accident.

The air was sharper out east, quieter too. We stopped at places like Pipe Creek Vista and Grandview Point, where Mark explained how erosion shaped everything around us (I only half-followed, honestly — I was distracted by a raven swooping overhead). There’s something about seeing so much space at once that makes your own thoughts feel smaller, in a good way. The drive back was mostly quiet except for someone humming softly behind me. Oh — don’t skip the IMAX movie at the Visitor Center; it’s cheesy in parts but seeing those old expedition photos made me wish I’d brought a notebook.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Grand Canyon South Rim views

• Begin tour at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
• Watch free IMAX movie about Canyon
• Ride open-air Jeep along Desert View Drive
• Stop at 3-4 viewpoints on Desert View Drive
• Explore Desert View Watchtower and murals
• Take short walk and learn about hiking trails
• Stop at additional viewpoints like Pipe Creek Vista
• Learn about Canyon history and geology from guide
• Return to Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon South Rim Jeep tour?

The tour covers the full length of Desert View Drive with multiple stops; plan several hours including viewpoints and free time at Desert View Watchtower.

Is pickup included for this Jeep tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours begin and end at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX theater.

Are park admission fees included?

Park admission is included for your tour only; re-entry requires purchase of a separate park pass.

What sights will we see on this South Rim Jeep tour?

You’ll visit Pipe Creek Vista, Grandview Point, several remote lookouts, and spend time at Desert View Watchtower.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No meals are included; bring snacks if you want them during stops.

Can children join this Jeep tour?

No children under two are permitted on this tour for safety reasons.

Are there accessibility accommodations?

Guests with limited mobility may not be able to access all viewpoints; getting in/out of vehicles requires upper body strength.

Is there an IMAX movie included with this tour?

Yes, each guest receives a free ticket to "Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time" at the Visitor Center IMAX theater.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees to Grand Canyon Park for your guided Jeep adventure along Desert View Drive, multiple scenic stops including time inside Desert View Watchtower to see its murals up close, plus a complimentary ticket to watch "Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time" at the IMAX theater before or after your journey—no hotel pickup or meals are provided but everything else is taken care of once you’re there.