Grand Canyon was on my bucket list, and I had the chance to visit this wonderful place during a business trip in Las Vegas. We came with a tiny plane. The journey alone was also stunning. We saw the Hoverdam from above, which also was breathtaking. I wished I made some proper notes, from where we started at Grand Canyon and where we ended. But anyways I was privileged to see this beautiful nature.

Spectacular view of the Canyon. The walk from the parking lot was on paved walkways that led us to the overlook. There were restrooms and a gift shop in the area. The visitors center was unfortunately closed. There was also a bus shuttle transfer to places in the park. The busses were free and made the park easy to get around.

Mather Point is simply breathtaking. One of the most accessible and iconic viewpoints of the Grand Canyon, and yet it still feels overwhelming every single time. The vastness, the silence, the colors shifting with the light — it’s a place that reminds you how small and lucky we are to witness something this grand. Even with the crowds, the view dominates everything and creates a moment of absolute awe. Come early for softer light and fewer people, or stay for sunset to see the canyon turn gold and fire-red. A must-see. One of the most unforgettable viewpoints in the world.

Our first visit to the Grand Canyon was unforgettable! Mather Point truly captures the canyon’s grandeur — the sweeping views, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant colors are simply mesmerizing. It’s conveniently located near the visitor center, with easy, stroller-friendly walkways perfect for families. There’s ample space for photos and quiet moments to soak in the view. An ideal first stop on the South Rim and a must-see for anyone visiting the Grand Canyon!

I heard this is the first recommended spot on the South Rim. It's really cool; you can see the Grand Canyon after walking just two minutes from the parking lot. You can probably explore the area in about 15 minutes. The scenery is magnificent, but we went at noon. For someone who loves to take more artistic photos, it might feel a bit ordinary because there's less change in the light and shadows.

Grand Canyon carved by God’s own hand, A wonder vast across the land. Through ancient rocks and rivers deep, His timeless art for us to keep. Layers painted red and gold, Stories of the earth retold. The Colorado’s winding flow, Shapes the earth both fast and slow. Majestic cliffs that rise so high, Touching heavens, meeting sky. Sunset’s glow on canyon walls, Speaks of God’s great love that calls. In silent awe we stand and see, His mighty power and majesty— A sacred work, forever true, The Grand Canyon’s gift to you.

What an amazing spot! The views were spectacular and to be honest, it wasn't as busy as I thought it would be, which is great. Plenty of parking spaces available and loads of places to see the grand canyon from.

It's on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, about 20-25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village toward the East Entrance. The Desert View Watchtower, a Mary Colter-designed structure from 1932 with murals, lookout points, and sweeping views. Desert View Drive, is a scenic road along the rim with various viewpoints and overlooks. The views from Desert View are often praised as outstanding. The Watchtower offers eastern views of the canyon and river, plus wide panoramas that are less crowded than the more central Grand Canyon viewpoints. Less crowded compared to the main Grand Canyon Village rim viewpoints, Desert View tends to have fewer crowds esp If you want a somewhat more relaxed spot to enjoy sunrise/sunset without fighting the main tourist traffic.

Beautiful stop with incredible views! The Desert View Watchtower is absolutely worth the visit. The lines to climb to the top can be a bit long, but it’s totally worth the wait once you see the breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River below. Along the short walk from the parking lot to the tower, there’s a clean and well-stocked bathroom available — always appreciated in the desert heat! There’s also a convenient deli and gift store where you can grab snacks, drinks, or souvenirs, and it’s one of the spots where you can get your Grand Canyon National Park passport stamp. Overall, this is a must-stop viewpoint — beautiful architecture, great amenities, and one of the most stunning outlooks in the entire park.

What can be said that has not already been said. This is a piece of American history! Towering 70 feet over the rim of the eastern end of the Grand Canyon, this tower is a beacon of inspiration. Designed by Mary Colter and inspired by ancestral Puebloan architecture, this collection of hand crafter stonework and artistic murals is a must see for all visitors of the Grand Canyon. Open to explore inside and out, this is a treat for visitors of all ages. Please do not skip this!

The tower is a work of art. Looks weathered but esthetically nice. The surround is well planned. The sunset is great. But, sadly, we visited during tje shutdown and restrooms are closed.

It’s a 30 min drive from grand canyon visitor center. The Desert View Watchtower is one of the most striking spots on the South Rim. The stone tower’s design perfectly complements the canyon, and the interior murals beautifully showcase Native American art and culture. It’s a quieter area with fewer crowds, ideal for enjoying the scenery in peace. This viewpoint overlooks the site of the 1956 Grand Canyon aircraft crash — a significant event in aviation history. A must-visit for its incredible views, cultural detail, and quiet reflection.

Second time I visit this place, and probably not the last. Outstanding views of the grand canyon. Specially for the sunrise. In order to get to the top of the watchtower, you need to pay. But is worth it. If not, you can walk arround and find lots of different spots to watch the canyon and all its sights.

The Desert View Watchtower offers amazing panoramic views of the eastern Grand Canyon. The tower itself is full of history and unique interior design. The best surprise? A person inside demonstrating a remote-controlled R2-D2 robot — it moves, beeps, and delights both kids and adults alike! If you’re visiting the South Rim, don’t skip this spot.

Stopped at the Geology Museum to grab a seat along the Southern Rim to watch the sunset. Arrived about an hour before sunset and found lots of space along the trail with unobstructed views. My family and I setup a simple picnic and enjoyed dinner outside while waiting. It was one of the highlights.

The Yavapai Geology Museum is an amazing place to stop and learn about how the Grand Canyon was formed. The displays are simple yet informative, and the huge windows give you one of the best views of the canyon. I loved how the exhibits inside connect perfectly with the scenery outside. It’s a peaceful spot to relax, take photos, and appreciate the incredible beauty of nature.

The last time I was at the Grand Canyon was when I was 15 with my mom and sister during a cross country road trip. That was more than 45 years ago. It was just as amazing today as it was then. We left the KOA outside of Williams, AZ early AM to get they're about the same time as the sun getting up. Pretty chilly still when we arrived at the South Rim. It warmed up quickly once the sun got higher up in the sky. Awesome views!

The Yavapai area of the Grand Canyon offers some of the most stunning and accessible views along the South Rim. The trail around Yavapai Point is easy to walk and perfect for all fitness levels, making it ideal for families or casual hikers. You get breathtaking panoramic views without needing to do a strenuous hike. There are several lookout spots along the way where you can stop, take photos, and just take in the vastness of the canyon. It’s especially beautiful around sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the rocks really come to life. The nearby Yavapai Geology Museum adds a great educational element to the visit. You can learn about the layers of the canyon while seeing them right in front of you.

A must see for all ages, I believe one should see the beauty of nature's finest wonder's at least once in there lifetime.

There are great views of the Grand Canyon at sunset. They have a nice geological display and a small souvenir store.

Crowded when it’s raining but the geology museum provides great, accessible views of the Canyon and explains the geology and making of the Grand Canyon

Pictures don't do this hole justice... if you find yourself anywhere in the area. It's worth going out of your way to spend some time there. Hiking around the rim with beautiful views of the canyon and local wildlife is a wonderful way to spend a day.

Visited the South Rim in April — the weather was perfect, not too hot or cold. Shuttle buses run through the park, which is super convenient. The views are absolutely stunning, highly recommend visiting!

Incredible views from a legendary monument of the USA. We were told the south rim was one of the « real » points of the Grand Canyon to go so we went and were not disappointed. The queues to get the shuttles on the way back were a bit long though (for the sections where you can’t drive). The visitor center is also very clear when recommending itineraries depending the time you have

A real great wonder of the world, the most amazing, calm and beautiful place

What's not to like about the Grand Canyon? One has to see it in person to appreciate The amazing views.

This is the side where you find the most iconic places from Grand Canyon. The views are stunning. I suggest to use the shuttle buses that the place offers, as it takes you also to the place that is not accessible by car. My personal recommendation would be to start in Yavapai Geology Museum so that you learn something about this magnificent place before going to see it.

Truly amazing place to visit. One of the most beautiful natural places I have ever seen. This place is an amazing National Park. Went there to celebrate my sons graduation from High School. Will definitely go again one day. Soak in the environment, and find peace. Enjoy!

We stopped at this food court two days in a row because their prices were better than the other lodges and we enjoyed the cafeteria style. I don’t recommend the chicken tenders or Southwest burger, but the taco salad (huge!) and the Fettuccine Alfredo were pretty decent. For the taco salad and pasta, plus a soda, the cost was around $35.

They have different variety choice of food! Good place to go with family. We ate at the pizza place instead. They didn’t really wash the lettuce, there were some dirty ends and brown leaves inside. The dressing is too salty. They sale a lot of beers, might want to over seasoning the food to encourage the alcohol consumption. The pizza crust was kinda burned, but overall it was tasty. The service is not very good, waited a long time to be seated, not much of service to be provided, the waitress simply expected a lot of tips with an attitude. Not a very pleasant experience. Maybe the food court is a better choice, since no need to carry the burden of tip and attitude.

Good spot to grab a meal. They have a variety of options available, from salads to pizza to burgers. The quantity is good and complete value for money.

Like really who takes care of this place ? It is looks like it take from 1 month shelve storage reheat and put on plate. Tasty? You kind find out, it is taste like nothing… no flavour, no smell, no salt nothing. Bottom of it is fallen apart because the some smart put sauce and heck of a avocado on too of it and on top of this mess he put a patty. Also i order a hotdog which meat I assume made from some cheap scrap , it not taste good at all. Fries not so bed. But overall doesn’t change it. And also pay for it 20$ , really ?

I was at the American food court they made the hamburger and put it off on to the area they put the food together and didn't make the fries at the same time. Then they had to put the hamburger patty back on the grill to warm it up and put the cheese on it they still hadn't made the fries for it, then they put the cheeseburger on the serving table and called out my name. I said to them, "I ordered fries" They said, "Well, we're making them." So, I stood there while my food got cold. Finally, I said "Enough," and I grabbed my cheeseburger and paid $9.75 for it. They had no lettuce, they were out, they said. I don't intend to eat at this place again.

We got breakfast and later lunch from here during one of our days visiting the park. Overall they have a lot of food options and I tried the pancakes with sausages for breakfast and in lunch got the chicken thigh, corn bread and mashed potatoes from the barbeque section. Pretty filling and good Portion size. I did get a hot chocolate later another evening but that was just plain water which was a bit disappointing. They did sell pizza by the slice here which is kind of nice and personally I liked this food court over the other near the south rim due to higher numbers of options.

Food/Taste/Flavor: 3/5 - came here after climbing out of the canyon so we think anything and everything will taste great at this point! Penne Pasta with Marinara Sauce and Meatballs with a slice of garlic bread. The sauce was a little sour and the noodles were overcooked. It was warm rather than hot and the serving was quite small. The garlic bread was great though as it was soft in the center and crunchy along the crust! Supreme pizza dough was initially pretty good in the first few bites but it is a bit doughy along the edge. It also was warm rather than hot. And for some reason they charged us $3.75 rather than $3.50 as posted... Went back a second time for Chili Cheese fries were hot and fresh so there was about a 7 minute wait for it. The fries were great but the chili was quite salty Ambience: 5/5 - when you walk past the check in area, there are 4 counters with different food and services. It's well spaced and clean. Once you check out, there's a large dining area with clean tables and some holiday decorations. Very warm inside! Lots of employees wandering around Service: 5/5 - friendly and attentive. Not the fastest service but we got what we asked for Value for price: 3/5 - some grab and go options and some food on the hot plates. Not the best food but good for some warm options.

We stopped at the Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli for lunch during our South Rim visit and were pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of options. Everything came out fresh and quick, making it a perfect stop between hikes and overlooks. The standout item? The Native Taco—we didn’t know what to expect, but it ended up being weirdly wonderful and definitely worth trying! We also enjoyed the chicken Caesar salad, yogurt parfaits, and a 10” supreme pizza—all solid options with generous portions. Even the kids’ ham & cheese sandwiches were a hit with our crew. Overall, it was a great place to relax, recharge, and enjoy a satisfying meal without the long wait or high prices you might expect inside a national park. Convenient, casual, and tasty—highly recommend stopping here for lunch!

The Grand Canyon Village Market and Deli is a large grocery store, deli and souvenir shop combination. The store is clean, well stocked and appears to have most things people could want or need. It appears to be geared particularly to folks that camp in the park.

The market was absolutely fantastic, a true gem for any visitor. It was filled with an incredible array of food and drinks, tempting my taste buds. I couldn't resist grabbing some lunch, the options were simply too good. There were also many interesting articles, perfect for finding unique gifts or souvenirs. It was so easy to find a delicious drink to enjoy while browsing. I found the market to be a great way to spend the afternoon. I was able to make some purchases for the road home. The whole experience was lovely and I cannot wait to go back.

Enjoyed shopping with friends at the Village Market Grocery Store. There was a great selection of tourist items available. The clothing selection encompassed the spectrum of ever changing temperatures at the Grand Canyon. There was a full grocery available, addressing the needs of the casual visitor on through those of the full-time residents. The prices seemed quite reasonable, especially given that the area is primarily tourism. It's easily accessible via the free shuttle, driving, or walking. There is a parking lot on site.

I just made a purchase everything except the sierra nevada looks correct. I feel like i was over charged and the cashier couldnt do anything to help because customer service was closed. As the only market in the canyon customer service should be available the entire time the store is open. Now i have to take the L and lose money.

My family and I had breakfast at the deli and the breakfast burritos were AMAZING! Mesyundro & Alysia very so friendly! Much needed and refreshing after our roadtrip. We will definitely return for breakfast, and can’t wait to try their chicken sandwich & tacos for lunch while we are here.

Great store, great presentation. I bought a mug there on clearance months ago and it broke when I got home (dropped it). I called around 6 months later out of curiosity. The gentleman recalled the cup and said they’re all out but he would check just in case. He found a few left and offered to ship them to me. Great effort, I’m so thankful!

We spent the Labor Day long weekend at the Grand Canyon with family, and since we stayed at the historic El Tovar Hotel, we also booked dinner at their dining room. Honestly, I didn’t expect much — for a restaurant right next to a major tourist attraction, I thought as long as the food wasn’t bad, it would be fine. But the experience completely exceeded my expectations. The food was outstanding — far better than I ever imagined! Every dish was delicious, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. Highlights included: Sonoran Shrimp with Chipotle Cream – sautéed shrimp with cilantro lime rice and cactus caviar. Unique, layered flavors that really stood out. Seared Steelhead Trout – citrus agave glaze, blue corn nokake, and cactus caviar. Tender, flavorful, with rich textures — it’s been years since I’ve had fish this good. (If you love fish, this one is a must-try!） Elk Bolognese – tomato ragout, ground elk, mozzarella, parmesan, fresh basil, and bucatini with toasted garlic bread. Absolutely delicious, with no downside at all. Other dishes we tried were also above average, but these three stood out as truly memorable. Service was friendly and professional, even on a packed holiday weekend. Overall, this dinner was one of the biggest surprises of our Grand Canyon trip. If you think national park restaurants are “just good enough,” El Tovar will change your mind. Highly recommended — make a reservation, it’s worth it!

Perfect Mix of History, Flavor & Grand Canyon Magic We had the most wonderful birthday dinner at El Tovar Restaurant, and I just have to say—it was one of those experiences you don’t forget. The service, the food, the views… everything was spot on. Our waiter Austen was amazing—so attentive and kind—and his assistant Charlie was just as great. They went out of their way to make my husband’s birthday special, even surprising him with a warm chocolate-chip cookie dessert topped with caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. Oh my goodness, it was scrumptious. From the onion soup and house salad with prickly pear dressing to the fresh bread basket with homemade garlic butter, every bite was perfection. My husband raved about his filet mignon with poblano mashed potatoes, and my shrimp entrée was delicious. The historic charm and canyon views made the whole evening feel timeless. Huge thanks to management for Austen and Charlie’s incredible service—they made our night unforgettable.

Amazing historic dining room right near the Grand Canyon. Our server, Corey, was great. The food was just one click from being really great : the French Onion soup was delicious but the cheese on top was a bit too burned, the chili has a delicious taste but was a little dry, and the ham and cheese sandwich has too much “soft cheese” on top. Prices were a little high, but not unreasonable for a tourist spot. VictorB

We had lunch after the train ride from Williams. Our seats were close to the windows giving us a fantastic view of the Grand Canyon. I suggest making a reservation in advance. We all had the pork chili & it was excellent. Our server was very friendly & attentive. A great experience.

Exactly the ambiance one would expect in a NP restaurant: Lots and lots of wood, dimmed lights, the smell of a fire… Our two servers were very attentive and friendly. The food was very good - a great meal after a hiking day.

Make sure to ask for a table with a view of the Canyon. Spectacular! The service was great. The portions were huge, more than I could eat although I gave it my best shot. Had. Oth breakfast and dinner here. Both were great.

Nice place for a good meal. Our dishes were good. The chocolate cake was superb!! Would definitely go back for their chocolate cake! Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

It was a great location right on the rim of the canyon watching the sun set. Chris was our server and he was friendly and attentive and recognized my husbands birthday with a free dessert and a candle. That was a nice touch and something special for him to celebrate. The food was good but not as good as I thought it would be , especially for the price. I had the fish with black coconut rice, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. The fish was flaky in parts and mushy in others. So not my favorite. The food was not hot but warm.There was no special presentation as you would expect from an upscale steakhouse. The mashed potatoes had big cloves of garlic and I ended up picking out most of the cloves as it was overkill. The asparagus was just plain with no seasoning. The black rice was crunchy and not very favorable. My husband had the ribeye, which he said was good but not great. He did love the macaroni and cheese so that was a surprise hit. He had the chocolate molten cake which he enjoyed. Overall, it was a decent dinner, but for the price we paid, I'd go back to El Tovar for dinner.

Stopped by as part of a package trip to the Grand Canyon. We were able to walk in with no waiting. Seated right away and staff was attending to us from the moment we sat. Drink were served almost just as fast... and if you know... the water was great... much better than other places in the park. The staff got our menu and helped with choices. I have the trout, a feta salad, and the apple dessert. It was a filling and amazing food. My wife had a sandwich house salad and the Panacota dessert. The staff again did not rush us, and provided recommendations for things to do other than just walking the trails. Highly recommend and I will go back again.

It's a very nice restaurant. They we're packed and you definitely need reservations. Our waitress was very sweet and was able to make recommendations when I was unsure of which dish I wanted. We cleaned our plates! The baramundi was excellent. My son had the bison prime rib and it did not disappoint. My husband had Osso Bucco Bison. It was fork tender and just melted in your mouth.

Arizona Steakhouse offers a very enjoyable dining experience right on the South Rim. The steak was tender, nicely grilled, and full of flavor. Sides like the mashed potatoes and asparagus were well-prepared and complemented the main course beautifully. The bread pudding dessert was a standout—warm, rich, and perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. A real comfort treat after a day of hiking. The atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming, with stylish lighting and a relaxed vibe. And the views? Absolutely stunning—sunset over the canyon right from your table. That alone makes the meal memorable. Service was friendly and attentive, though the pacing could’ve been a bit sharper. Overall, a solid choice for a special dinner at the canyon. Just shy of perfect, but definitely recommended.

You’re on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s not a top tier steakhouse in a major city but it’s worth it and delicious. Starting with the complimentary bread with prickly pear butter, I ordered the southwest Caesar salad and Prime Rib with hatch chili Mac n cheese. All of it was delicious and washed down with a delightful Napa Cab. 🍷

For the price of the food it did not live up, very pricey menu. The service however was amazing! The green chile tamales were delicious but the rice that came with was not. Would not recommend the rice. Overall a decent experience for a close to canyon view

Although the check in told us it would be a 45 minute wait, it was only about 15. Perfect cherry old fashioned made the wait feel like nothing! Gorgeous views from the dining room, sit where you can see! My trout was perfectly cooked, and the side of root vegetables was very tasty.

Ordered the chuck wagon "buffet" You pay at a kiosk and go up and pick your food. So not really a buffet. Anyway the portions were an absolute joke! The corn was soggy and cold, pork was dried right out. Even the dessert tasted like sweaty socks YUCK! Everything was cold. For $25 I expected alot better. DO NOT GO HERE! PS. Going over to the general store to buy a gallon of pepto bismol just in case.

I am writing regarding a dining experience at the Yavapai Dining Room on August 9, 2025, when my family and I stayed at Yavapai Lodge (August 9–10). We visited the dining room at around 8:00 PM and ordered spaghetti, curry, and chicken, totaling $60.89 (paid by credit card). After waiting 40 minutes, we were told the curry was still being prepared and asked to wait longer. At 9:00 PM, when I checked again, I was informed that both the curry and chicken were not ready, and the spaghetti had dried out. Eventually, the curry and chicken were prepared, but due to the long wait, the staff member (a woman wearing a headscarf) kindly adjusted the bill. I paid $20.30 for the spaghetti again and was told that the remaining amount from the original payment would be refunded to my account within 24 hours. I'm waiting because the refund hasn't been processed yet. I had to pay both $60.89 and $20.30 to the credit card company. Why is there no way to contact you on the phone? Please let me know your email address.

Pretty good for a dining hall. Food came out at odd times (like a 10 min gap between entrees on the same order being brought out) but the staff was nice. Salad with chicken was good and fresh. Fettuccine Alfredo was under seasoned but cooked properly.

Not sure why they didn’t provide plates but food was great and reasonably priced

Breakfast was okay. One of us ordered the travelers breakfast and got some ala cart items. The sausage I got was cold but tasted good. Son enjoyed his French toast. Dinner was much better. My mom and I got a large chuck wagon to share and it came with lots of food. All of it was pretty good. Brisket was good pork was dry. Mac and cheese were good. Pretzel roll was yummy! Apple crisp also very good! Just make sure to get there as soon as possible after sunset it gets busy around 7. The process was not very organized and the line can get long. The dinner was probably the better tasting food we had at the park.

Food was surprisingly delicious. Especially the brisket. The place gets a little crazy and disorganized, but mostly from the patrons trying to rush through. Was crazy busy, but pretty efficient if you stay in line. People trying to hold a table and rush through the lines is what caused the confusion. Process: 3 stars. place your order then get in cafeteria style line for main entrees and drinks. Then the salad bar and drink lines. Salad bar needed to get refreshed, but otherwise decent. Basic, but decent. Pet's were only allowed on one side of the dining hall. Wasn't clear until someone told us and wasn't very nice about it. At least they do have a section for pets. Would be nice if they had signs or were more friendly about it. Food. 4.5 stars. Brisket, veggies, and pozole were all very tasty. Salad bar was basic, but fresh. Soda fountain had many options, which was nice. Service: 4 stars. Some really nice people, especially at the food service line. Person who kicked us out of line because of our dog, not so much. Given the options are limited in the park, it's nice to have a decent option. Pro tip: only microwave on the property is in the dining hall. If you need to reheat some leftover or like us, our dog food, come to the dining hall.

This is a cafeteria, but as good as it gets!! I had dinner & breakfast here. Dinner, there were 4 entree meats to choose from (all looked delicious), you get 2 sides (of a 4+ lineup), and there’s several dessert options. For breakfast, there’s several scramble options, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, French toast, cut fruit, and yogurt. Such spreads!! They offer takeout. Very gluten free friendly. Noticeably kind & happy staff. Regarding price - it’s the Grand Canyon & they give you so much food to make it worthwhile. I loved it!