It’s hard to take bad Grand Canyon pictures, but some viewpoints lend themselves to snapping incredible Insta-worthy photographs better than others. Whether it’s because they’re easy to access or especially stunning and worth travelling off the beaten trail to experience, they’re the most commonly photographed viewpoints for a reason.
If you’re on the hunt for jaw-dropped Grand Canyon photo ideas, join us as we travel from rim to rim to explore some of the most photographed Grand Canyon viewpoints. We’ll share where they’re located, whether or not they offer a spectacular sunset view, what amenities are offered, and any other special features that make them worth photographing.
We’ll cover all of the most popular viewpoints for capturing the best Grand Canyon pictures, both within and outside of the Grand Canyon National Park, including:
- Hopi Point
- Yavapai Point
- Mather Point
- Grandview Point
- Lipan Point
- Navajo Point
- Desert View
- Angels Window
- Guano Point
- Skywalk
- Horseshoe Bend
1. Hopi Point
Known for its expansive vistas and unobstructed views of the canyon, Hopi Point is a favorite spot for both sunrise and sunset photography. If you’re seeking that that perfect sunrise or sunset shot, Hopi Point should be included on your list of Grand Canyon photo ideas.
Location
- West Rim Drive, South Rim
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- It offers unobstructed views of the canyon
- Sunset viewing—Hopi Point is described by NPS as “an ideal location for sunrise or sunset,” with five views of the Colorado River
Key Amenities
- Restrooms
- Wheelchair accessible
2. Yavapai Point
Situated near the Yavapai Geology Museum, this viewpoint provides excellent opportunities for capturing the intricate geological features of the canyon, particularly during golden hour.
Location
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- It’s a popular spot for sunset viewing
- You can explore the Yavapai Geology Museum
- Take a walk along the Trail of Time—a 2.8 mile trail that takes you through the Canyon’s epic geological timeline
Key Amenities
- Restrooms
- Wheelchair accessible
- Information & shopping
- Parking
Other Amenities: Bookstore and museum shop, exhibits (about the geology of Grand Canyon), amphitheater and park ranger programs, audio description, automated external defibrillator (AED), benches/seating, bicycle rack, braille, bus/shuttle stop, fire extinguisher, first aid kit available, gifts/souvenirs/books, historical/interpretive information/exhibits, information, maps available, car parking, bus and RV parking, recycling, restroom, scenic view
3. Mather Point
Located close to the South Rim Visitor Center, Mather Point offers sweeping panoramic views of the canyon from within the Grand Canyon Village, including glimpses of the Colorado River winding through its depths.
Location
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- Views of the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch
- You can easily explore the Grand Canyon Village
- It’s great for sunset viewing (and is also recommended for sunrise)
Key Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Information & shopping
- Picnic tables
- Visitor centre
Other Amenities: Amphitheater, historical/interpretive information and exhibits, scenic view/photo spot, Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Conservancy Visitor Center Park Store
4. Grandview Point
Offering a more rugged and adventurous atmosphere than Mather Point and other developed viewpoints along the rim, Grandview Point invites photographers to experiment with bold Grand Canyon photo ideas against the backdrop of rugged terrain and dramatic cliffs.
Location
- Desert View Drive, South Rim
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- Top-notch sunset viewing
- You’ll get panoramic views of Grand Canyon from east to west, including several bends of the Colorado River to the east. Grandview Point also offers those traveling east their first river view.
Key Amenities
- Restroom
- Wheelchair accessible
- Parking
- Trailhead (Grandview Point Trail)
Other Amenities: Information kiosk/bulletin board, scenic view/photo spot, historical and interpretive information and exhibits, picnic table, trash dumpster
5. Lipan Point
Renowned for its excellent views of the Colorado River, Lipan Point is a popular spot for capturing the vastness and depth of the canyon. Intrepid hikers can catch the Tanner Trail from Lipan Point—one of the most challenging trail hikes in the GC NPS system, known for being unusually hot.
Location
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- Amazing sunsets
- “On a clear day, you can see the Vermillion Cliffs 45 miles (72 km) to the northeast and the curving river to the west as it enters the Inner Gorge of the canyon” (as per the NPS).
Key Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Information
- Parking (car only)
- Trailhead (Tanner Trail)
Other Amenities: Historical and interpretive information and exhibits, scenic view/photo spot
6. Navajo Point
A few minutes west of Desert View, Navajo Point offers a great view of Desert View Watchtower, as well as panoramic vistas to the west and a view north up the Colorado River. “Watch for rafts on the Colorado River, winding far below the highest viewpoint on the South Rim at 7,461 feet (2,275 m)” (source: NPS).
Location
- Desert View Drive, South Rim
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- It’s a popular spot for sunset viewing
- An excellent view of Desert View Watchtower
- Panoramic vistas to the west and a view north up the Colorado River
- It’s the highest viewpoint on the South Rim
Key Amenities
- Parking
7. Desert View
Located at the eastern end of the South Rim, Desert View showcases not only the grandeur of the canyon but also features the iconic Desert View Watchtower, which adds a unique element to your Grand Canyon pictures.
Location
- Desert View Drive & Watchtower Road, South Rim
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- It’s a great spot for sunset viewing
- Desert View Watchtower
- Desert View Amphitheater
- Desert View Point
- 1956 Aviation Memorial
Key Amenities
- Restroom
- Food & shopping
- Parking
- Picnic area
Gas station, bus shelter, courtesy phone, Desert View Market & Deli, Desert View Trading Post, campground
8. Angels Window
If you’re looking for unconventional Grand Canyon photo ideas, look no further than Angels Window. Located on the more remote North Rim, Angels Window is a must-see spot for those interested in a less-crowded canyon experience, whether you want to enjoy a wide view of the Window itself from the Cape Royal parking lot or hike up the Cape Royal trail.
Location
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- The Angels Window itself
- Sunsets are spectacular, and sunrises are too
Key Amenities
- Information
9. Guano Point
Guano Point boasts a dramatic 360 degree view of the Canyon and features remnants of an aerial tramway system they built in the 1950s to mine bat guano from the caves.
Location
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- Great sunsets on the West Rim
- Highpoint Hike—a railingless trail, with views of a historic tram from when there was a nearby active guano mine
Key Amenities
- Cafe
- Shopping
10. The Skywalk
One of the most iconic locations in the Grand Canyon, the Skywalk is located in Grand Canyon West and is the only place you can walk directly out over the canyon—and look down 4,000 feet to the ground below. Professional photographers will take your photo on the Skywalk itself (cameras are otherwise not allowed), but you are allowed to take photos of the bridge from other parts of Grand Canyon West.
Location
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- It’s got great sunsets, but it’s better for sunrise because of the direction the Skywalk faces. Also, the Skywalk’s last ticket time is 4:30pm in the winter and 5:30pm in the summer, so it will depend on when the sun sets.
- The Skywalk itself
- Eagle Rock Formation
- The Princess
- The Horse shadow
Key Amenities
- Parking
- Shopping
- Cafe
11. Honourable Mention: Horseshoe Bend
While it is technically in Glen Canyon Recreational Area and not inside of the Grand Canyon proper, Horseshoe Bend is located along the Colorado River only 5 miles from the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park. It is an incredibly popular spot to take photos—according to VisitArizona.com, it attracts over 2 million visitors every year and “is one of the most photographed sites in northern Arizona.” NPS calls it “a social media darling.” You will have to hike 1.5 miles from the trailhead to get to the overlook.
Location
- Grand Canyon East Area
What's Special About This Viewpoint?
- The horseshoe itself
- Amazing sunsets
Key Amenities
- None (so be sure to arrive prepared)
Wrapping Up
The Grand Canyon doesn’t have a bad side, but these 10 (+1 unofficial) viewpoints offer some of the most captivating views that make for perfect Grand Canyon pictures:
- Hopi Point
- Yavapai Point
- Mather Point
- Grandview Point
- Lipan Point
- Navajo Point
- Desert View
- Angels Window
- Guano Point
- Skywalk
- Horseshoe Bend
