My nephew James and his wife Heather went on vacation in June. This is the 5th post from their vacation photos. Thank you James!
One of the most iconic structures along the South Rim, the Watchtower can be seen from miles away. The view from the Desert View Watchtower provides a unique perspective of the eastern side of Grand Canyon.
The Desert View Watchtower is an unusual stone tower designed in 1932 by architect Mary Colter, in the style of Ancestral Puebloan towers.
Architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter studied Ancestral Puebloan architecture across the American southwest, visiting hundreds of ancient sites to find the inspiration and intricate details which she borrowed for the structure that many consider her masterpiece.
Using mostly locally sourced rocks and reused timber, the tower appears to grow organically from the rim of the canyon itself, paying homage to the techniques and styles of local tribes while utilizing modern-day equipment and materials to strengthen the internal structure.
Inside the Desert View Watchtower, views of Grand Canyon from multiple perspectives through different windows.
I hope you enjoyed our visit to the watchtower.
If you missed the first 4 posts from James & Heather’s vacation, check
Valley of Fire
Red Rock Canyon
Sunset in the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Desert View
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…a beautiful part of the country.
This reminds me of my visit there and a photo I recently encountered of my cousin looking out the tower. Gorgeous photos.
family photos from the past are the best
What you cold call a modern day Folly with a stunning view
Amazing pictures!
Gorgeous! I know I’ve seen it before, but it’s been years. A friend of mine did a multi-day backpack recently and was able to use the tower as a landmark.
Very Nice Photos.
Thank you to James and Heather for providing their photos. I think I saw the tower when I was a teenager when we visited the north rim back in the 60’s. The photos are beautiful.
Superb stone work and not too shabby vista either.
What beautiful views of the Canyon looking out! I have only seen the grand canyon from an airplane while flying into/out of Vegas before. I hope to get there to see it in person one day. Thanks so much for sharing these photos with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.
I wonder how they were able to put together all of these stones in the desert. I’ve enjoyed all of these pictures of the Grand Canyon. Thank you because being in Canada, I will probably never going to see this.
Cruisin Paul
I live in the US but only have seen the canyon from an airplane flying west – the pilot said look to the left for a peek of the canyon.
Carol, you made me feel so much better. Thanks.
Cruisin Paul
Wow! I didn’t know this existed! I’m so glad you shared with us 🙂
Thanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!