East Rim Drive
East Rim Drive
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Scenic drive on the East Rim of the Grand Canyon.
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5.0
337 reviews
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288
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45
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3
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1
Lisamarie L
Madison, WI929 contributions
Aug 2021
This is also called the Desert View Drive, but we did this after spending the morning on the red line to Hermit's Rest. There are no shuttles here (aside from a few orange line stops) but it's a nice, quieter and less crowded part of the park.
We stopped at several lookouts and sites; the Duck on a Rock, Grandview Point and Trailhead, the Desert View Watchtower and then swung back to watch the sunset at Lipan Point...it was nice to find a quiet place to watch it as there were just a few other groups of people there. It was a gorgeous place in the late afternoon and sunset time as the light began to change and stain the rocks.
We stopped at several lookouts and sites; the Duck on a Rock, Grandview Point and Trailhead, the Desert View Watchtower and then swung back to watch the sunset at Lipan Point...it was nice to find a quiet place to watch it as there were just a few other groups of people there. It was a gorgeous place in the late afternoon and sunset time as the light began to change and stain the rocks.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cagatravel
Shellharbour, Australia559 contributions
Sept 2022
Most of the view points are free except for a small fee to view the small Colarado river.
From the East rim it seems like you see the start of the grand Canyon. This section is the only way to drive a car to the view points.
From the East rim it seems like you see the start of the grand Canyon. This section is the only way to drive a car to the view points.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mizzougalfromtx
Texas136 contributions
Sept 2021
visited mid-September as part of Grand Canyon Journeys tour, and loved the various overlooks and stops. Two, short "monsoons" came in and out quickly, so it was neat to see the rain coming in from far away over the canyons with different light and cloud formations. We mostly did the East Rim, which was not terribly crowded, despite it being a weekend.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL5,461 contributions
Nov 2020 • Solo
I drove East Rim Drive from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View. The East Entrance was closed due to Covid restrictions; however, that made the drive even more secluded and relaxed. Just east of the Village, a herd of elk leisurely crossed the road and grazed along the edge. It was incredible being so close to those magnificent and massive creatures! Further down the road, the forest opens up into beautiful vistas with frequent pull off locations. I particularly enjoyed Desert View and Watchtower at the east end. I highly recommend this drive! It was very rewarding!
Written January 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,970 contributions
Oct 2020
Driving the East Rim Drive is spectacular. You should stop at all the observation points along the drive although I found Moran Point to be the most stunning. Spotted wildlife along the road including Elk. It takes 25-30 min to reach Navajo Point but you will want to give yourself time to stop at all the observation points along the way. Keep in mind that the road beyond Navajo Point including the East Entrance and Desert View Watchtower are currently closed as these areas are Navajo land and they are imposing tight restrictions on visiting as COVID is taking a heavy toll on Native American communities.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerCentralFLA
Clermont, FL1,781 contributions
May 2022
We took the East Trim Drive after we visited the more developed areas of the South Rim in the National Park. There were some really beautiful views of the Grand Canyon on the Drive. We did it in the late afternoon and evening and the colors were really nice. I am glad we did the drive and we were able to enjoy the Canyon from the east side.
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kay-cee-1138
Houston, TX486 contributions
Nov 2022
This reviewer is assuming that "East Rim Drive" means Desert View Drive, which is Route 64 east of the Park Service's visitors center all the way over to the park's East Entrance.
The drive is well worth the time for visitors who may not have one or two entire days to visit the Grand Canyon. The road is in very good condition and winds along the canyon's south rim; often it is through the trees, but there are a half dozen or more pullouts or parking areas with viewpoints, and one can stop at as many or as few as one's time allows. Then after leaving via the east entrance, it's about 25 miles to route 89 and from there one can go south to I-40.
Watch for elk grazing among the trees, especially south of the road.
The drive is well worth the time for visitors who may not have one or two entire days to visit the Grand Canyon. The road is in very good condition and winds along the canyon's south rim; often it is through the trees, but there are a half dozen or more pullouts or parking areas with viewpoints, and one can stop at as many or as few as one's time allows. Then after leaving via the east entrance, it's about 25 miles to route 89 and from there one can go south to I-40.
Watch for elk grazing among the trees, especially south of the road.
Written December 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
classic1903
Ventura County Coast, CA173 contributions
Apr 2021
This scenic drive is well worth the time in your own vehicle. The woods are lovely and the various scenic overlooks along the way are great. Watch out for the deer, though. A car about 1/10 mile in front of us hit a deer. Everyone was alright, and the deer seemed just stunned. The car was damaged and needed to be towed. Word to the wise, drive slowly and watch out for animals!
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra D
Ottawa, Canada73 contributions
Feb 2020
Entered and toured the South Rim but exited by the East Rim Drive. Travelled 50+miles and was still viewing the Grand Canyon from the driver's side window. Several lookout points where you could stop and take more photos. Absolutely stunning!
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kellycharlie s
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We have been to the Grand Canyon multiple times, but this was one of the best experiences we have had! I highly recommend it. Come in on hwy 64 and it is like you are getting to see the Grand Canyon's beginnings. Numerous pullouts, both paved and unpaved. Short hikes to the rim if you want your own private trail and experience. I cannot recommend it enough!
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How windy is this road? Planning to drive through the East entrance and to the South rim- my son gets car sick and many reviews mention a windy road. Anyone get car sick on this road?
Written April 18, 2022
I don't recall the drive being windy. The drive is spectacular and the sights from the view points are fantastic. Take your time on the 25 mile long drive and stop at all the points on the way to & from the Dessert View. Maybe pack lunch
Written April 18, 2022
HI! Just wondering if the East rim drive is open? We are planning our cancelled March for July now and cant find if it is opened yet?
Thanks!
Written June 12, 2020
Hello! We will be traveling the end of April 2020 and will be coming in from Page AZ. I would like to do the Desert View Drive along the East Rim. I note the drive to the East Rim is approx. 2 hours from Page. It appears there are 6 pulloffs along this route however the only web sites I find are for traveling from South Rim to East Rim on Desert Drive. There is nothing noted coming in from the East Entrance and turning around at some point and heading back out the East Entrance. I assume this is possible however, I don't want to really assume so I will ask the experts ! Any advise? Our plan is arrive Page and do the Upper , Lower Antelope Canyon with a Boat ride in the Canyon one day then go to the East Rim one day and take in the Canyon from that side, then travel back to Page.
Written December 13, 2019
Hi, You should have no trouble driving the Desert View and back to Page in one day. From Page to the East Entrance is about 115 miles. Then along Desert View drive to Grand Canyon Village is about another 22 miles, although most of the viewpoints of the East Rim are within the first 11 miles. Desert View Drive is a 2-way road, so you can enter and exit any pull-off or view-point road from and to either direction. Enjoy the great views !
Paul
Written January 2, 2020
Is it better to visit East Rim as one-day van tour on a WEEKEND or WEEKDAY pls?
I have the choice. Thanks
Written August 10, 2018
I found weekday tours a lot more leisurely and enjoyable. Everything beyond Vegas, e.g., Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, etc, are swamped with weekend RVers, weekend tourists etc. Depends on what your tastes are for your level of comfort and enjoyment. I am a New Yorker, so I go away to get away from the throngs of humanity.
Written August 10, 2018
We are easterners coming in from PA on an 11 day road trip through Arizona and New Mexico. Trying to pack a lot into a little bit of time. Our visit to the south rim of the Grand Canyon will be a one day event. We are trying to figure out whether to just drive it or take advantage of the shuttle bus. Are there opportunities to pull off for scenic views? Don't want to spend the day fighting for parking spaces, but also don't want to be limited to what the shuttle tells us to see.
Written May 28, 2018
Drive. you will not regret it No schedule is the way to go. With fantastic vistas like no place else, you can take your time and just bask and glow in nature's finest at your own pace. Your heart and soul will thank you.
Written June 17, 2018
emmaferrari2017
Trento, Italy
Ciao a tutti!
Volevo sapere se la desert view ride è percorribile fino ai parcheggi del centro visitatori del South rym. Noi veniamo da Cameron, quindi vorremmo entrare nel parco del Grand Canyon da est, fare la desert view e arrivare da lì al South rym.
E' fattibile? Non è che ci troviamo la strada bloccata perché non percorribile con mezzi privati e dobbiamo tornare indietro?
Grazie mille!
Written March 22, 2017
Hi, how long did it take you overall to drive from Vegas to the east rim? We are planning our trip in may 2017, many thanks
Written August 3, 2016
Hi
We drove from Las Vegas to a town called Flagstaff. That was about 5 hours with all the scenic stops along the way.
The next day we drove from Flagstaff to the East Rim Drive. It took 2 hours to get there. Nice scenery along the way too.
My mates drove the direct route and with lunch breaks and photo stops along the way and it was 5.5 hours total.
Hope this is helpful.
Written August 21, 2016
Hi, We are staying in Williams and visiting the south rim. When we leave to head up to Page, AZ can we drive from the south rim to the east rim? I have heard that we can not but I havent found anything that says that we can.Thanks!
Written June 24, 2016
I stayed in Flagstaff and drove route 89 north then turned off on to route 64 east to do the east rim drive.
It looks like if you take route 89 south from Page you turn off on to route 64 east to do the east rim drive. I'm sure from memory it runs directly into the south rim.
If not you drive to Flagstaff and follow route 180 to the south rim.
Written July 3, 2016
JHow long do you need to do the East Rim Drive?
Written May 1, 2016
I'd give yourself at least two hours minimum and that's not spending much time at any one location. Desert View alone can consume an hour easily. The traffic in summer can be obnoxious due to the hordes of campers and motor home as there are very view passing lanes so don't plan on making up time between stops.
Written June 24, 2016
Good Day, I see many different write up regarding driving around Grand Canyon. It look's like I can use my own car along the EAST RIM and WEST RIM but not the South Rim? Is this correct? Also, which is the best entrance into the area? We are staying at the Cameron Trading Post and will be traveling from Route 89 to Route 64. Thanks
Written August 17, 2015
If you're staying at Cameron you're pretty much locked in to entering through the east entrance and driving the east rim. You CAN drive parts of the south rim but parking can be horrible and the shuttles work great. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles - shuttles only except for some handicapped exceptions. The West Rim is not part of GCNP and several hours away - avoid it.
Written June 24, 2016
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