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Home/Canyon Column/2015 Archives/Changing of the Guard for a Colter Classic

Changing of the Guard for a Colter Classic

Desert View Watchtwer during an inversion | Photo by Mike Buchheit
Desert View Watchtwer during an inversion | Photo by Mike Buchheit

Have you visited the Desert View Watchtower lately? If not, you’re in for a real treat. Gone is the former gift shop clutter in the main kiva room on the ground floor. Today’s visitors can enjoy the expansive vibe, and dramatic window views, that famed designer Mary Jane Colter incorporated when she oversaw construction of this National Historic Landmark in 1932.

In early January of this year, the National Park Service (NPS) acquired the iconic structure from Xanterra Parks & Resorts—the latest in a string of owners dating back to the Fred Harvey Company who commissioned the initial construction. The Watchtower will now serve as a combination NPS visitor center and retail outlet for the Grand Canyon Association, the official non-profit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. Future plans include contracting with artists to restore the large water-damaged murals, and inviting local tribes to conduct cultural demonstrations ranging from weaving to ceremonial dances.

Visitors are still able to climb the spiral staircase to the upper floors and take in a grand view of the park from the highest point on the South Rim. Note that the nearby snack bar, grocery store, and gas station are still in operation.

Be sure to include a visit to Desert View during your next trip to the Grand Canyon, and witness firsthand the re-imagining of one of the park’s most celebrated buildings.

Published on: May 1, 2015

Categories: 2015 Archives, Canyon ColumnTags: Desert View, Desert View Watchtower, Fred Harvey Company, gift shop, Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon National Park, kiva, Mary Jane Colter, National Historic Landmark, National Park Service, Xanterra Parks & Resorts

About Mike Buchheit

Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.

As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.

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