desert view watchtower

The Desert View Watchtower is an architectural achievement, standing above the east side of the Grand Canyon. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it was constructed in 1932.

Architect Mary Colter’s design takes its influences from the architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau. This particular tower was patterned after those found at Hovenweep and the Round Tower of Mesa Verde. Colter indicated that it was not a copy of any that she had seen, but rather modeled from several.

At the base of the tower is a terrace that shoots over the canyon ledge. On a pedestal is a quote from naturalist John Muir that summarizes the environs accurately.

In the supreme flaming glory of sunset the whole canyon is transfigured as if the life and light of centuries of sunshine stored up in the rocks was now being poured forth as from one glorious fountain, flooding both earth and sky.

To ascend you must reserve a spot about an hour ahead. I received my ticket and returned at the designated time.

The tower is four levels high, with the first designated as the “Hopi Floor”

A large circular painting depicts the “Snake Legend”. Numerous wall paintings including those of Muyingwa or the god of germination; symbol of the women’s secret society - Lalakontu, a Hopi wedding scene, the little war god Pookongahoya, and Boloongahoya the god of echo

Level 2 and 3 are devoted to replicas of petroglyphs and pictographs of Mimbres Pottery, sun shield and animals decorating the rock and walls of the Painted Desert Betatakin and Keet Seel Cliff, dwellings of Arizona, and many other important sites of the southwest.

The top level brings you closest to the dome artwork, topping out at an elevation of 7522 feet, the highest point along the South Rim. Several 40 power binoculars are mounted in front of windows, opening visibility to the Colorado River, San Francisco Peaks 14 miles to the south, Tuba City 30 miles to the east, and Navajo Moutain 85 miles to the northeast.

While stepping down towards the exit, you can visit the terrace on the 2nd level for a final look. Watchtowers have a way of showing what we need to appreciate the bigger picture.