The Desert View Watchtower, also known as the Desert View Indian Watchtower, is a 70-foot (21 m) stone building located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon within the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, United States. The tower is located in Desert View, more than 20 miles (32 km) east of the main development in Grand Canyon Village, towards the park's east entrance. The four-story structure, completed in 1932, was designed by American architect Mary Colter, an employee of the Fred Harvey Company, who also created and designed many other buildings around the Grand Canyon, including ingHermit's Rest and Lookout Studio. The interior is decorated with frescoes by Fred Kabotie.
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| Desert View Watchtower Stone Building South Rim |
Desert View Watchtower 70 foot tall stone building mary colter designed visitor concession structure built in 1932 on grand canyon south rim and cloudy sky in arizona usa in winter. the upper floors serve as an observation deck from which national park visitors can see eastern portions of the grand canyon.
Historic district
In addition to its separate designation as part of the MEJ Colter Buildings National Historic Landmark, the Watchtower is part of the Desert View Watchtower Historic District, which includes a number of ancillary structures built and used by the Fred Harvey Company and later used by the National Park Service. Significant structures include the Desert View Caretaker's Residence (1930), the oldest surviving structure in the area. This stone and wood rustic home was originally built as a rest stop for Harveikar tours right on the edge of the canyon and was moved to its current location when the Watchtower was built. Fred Caboti may have lived here when he was the watchtower of the Watchtower. Several other structures, including lodges, sheds, and a comfort station, Desert View Caretaker's Residence.