The most eastern viewpoint in the Grand Canyon park is called Dessert View. It is home to the structure known as the Watchtower that was designed by Mary Colter at the request of the Fred Harvey Company. The Watchtower is a replica of a prehistoric Indian tower. Its interior walls are full of images that depict various aspects of Hopi mythology and religious ceremonies. It is somehow disconcerting that this stylized-to-look-old building is used as a gift shop.
The views from the Watchtower are magnificent. From its top you can see not only the Grand Canyon, but also the Painted Desert, the Vermilion Cliffs and the San Fransico Peaks.
The Watchtower:
The view of the Grand Canyon from the inside of the Watchtower:
The interior of the Watchtower:
