Photo Spots Grand Canyon
Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks in the United States—and for good reason! With unique rock formations in red and orange hues, sweeping views of the vast canyon, and fabulous trails for every type of hiker, there are many things to do and places to explore. With all of this to offer, it is no surprise that many visitors travel to the area, both to marvel at the spectacular sights and to take advantage of the incredible places to take photos in the Grand Canyon. 🏜️
Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers by The Grand Canyon to show us around all the very best spots for pictures.
TLDR
- Lipan Point. Immerse yourself in panoramic views of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
- Navajo Point. Take in views from the highest point on the South Rim of the canyon.
- Grandview Point. Enjoy a gorgeous Arizona sunset at one of the most popular sunset vantage points in the park.
- Hopi Point. Visit the site of some of the best views in the entire Grand Canyon National Park.
- Desert View Watchtower. Explore the Grand Canyon’s rich history and learn about the Indigenous people of the region.
- Mather Point. Discover the beauty of the Grand Canyon from the most easily accessible viewpoint.
- Yavapai Point. View the impressive geology of the region and learn about it at Yavapai Geology Museum.
- Angels Window. Marvel at an awe-inspiring archway carved into the side of the canyon walls.
- Horseshoe Bend. Experience adventure at this iconic bend in the Colorado River.
- Moran Point. Take in the views that inspired beautiful artworks by painter Thomas Moran.
Photo: Amanda in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Victoria and partner enjoy a couple’s trip together at the Grand Canyon with a couple’s photoshoot.
1. Lipan Point
Lipan Point is a breathtaking overlook located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, accessible via Desert View Drive. The drive takes visitors through a scenic route that passes by several other viewpoints, including the Navajo Point and the Hopi Point—a fabulous spot for a road trip! 🚗
Lipan Point has a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon, as it stretches over the canyon and offers a panoramic view from the east to the west, including the Colorado River, which runs through the bottom of the canyon. 🌊 The view from Lipan Point is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset when the warm hues of the sun paint the canyon walls in an array of colors. The point is a popular photo spot—especially for landscape photography—and you will often see photographers set up their tripods and cameras to capture this stunning view of the Grand Canyon. This is a wonderful place to take photos in the Grand Canyon, so be sure to snap a few of your own!
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Lisa and partner celebrate their anniversary together at the Grand Canyon with a couple photoshoot.
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Lonnie and partner capture their engagement at the Grand Canyon with a proposal photoshoot.
3. Grandview Point
Home of the historic Grandview Trail trailhead, Grandview Point is another fabulous viewpoint along Desert View Drive. For those looking to explore hiking trails with fewer crowds, Grandview Trail is the place! The trail takes hikers into the desert and onto Horseshoe Mesa, home to a historic pioneer mining site. ⛏️And of course, the views from the top are incredible!
The hike is difficult, so visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding area from Grandview Point Overlook. From this vantage point, there are panoramic views including The Maze and The Needles formations, vast stretches of canyons, and distant mountains. ⛰️
📍Point of interest: Grandview Point is known for its sunset safaris, where visitors will tour backroads on a four-wheel drive safari vehicle and watch the sunset without the crowds—the adventure of a lifetime!
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Tyler and partner celebrate their engagement together at the Grand Canyon with a proposal photoshoot.
4. Hopi Point
Located along scenic Hermit Road, Hopi Point is one of the most popular viewpoints for visitors to the Grand Canyon—and rightfully so! Hopi Point is the highest northern outlook over the South Rim, meaning it has the best views in the area. This is a great vantage point for capturing photos of the sun illuminating the canyon walls. A stunning display of colors and contrasts that are striking no matter what time of day! ☀️Plus, Hopi Point offers five different views of the glittering Colorado River below, a perspective unique to this viewpoint.
🗺️Travel tip: While private cars are not permitted to travel directly to Hopi Point from March through November, the point is easily accessible via shuttle bus. The shuttle offers service along Hermit Road to stops including Pima Point and Hermit’s Rest.
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Henry and partner capture their engagement at the Grand Canyon with a proposal photoshoot.
5. Desert View Watchtower
Desert View Watchtower is a symbol of the American Southwest’s natural and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world who seek to experience the rich cultural history of the region. The tower was built in the 1930s, making it one of the oldest structures in the Grand Canyon. Designed by renowned architect Mary Colter, the watchtower’s design is influenced by the architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau and incorporates Indigenous motifs and materials. There is also a beautiful historic mural inside, painted by a Hopi artist and depicting scenes from Indigenous life. 🎨
From the top of the Desert View Watchtower, visitors can see for miles in every direction, including views of the canyon, the Colorado River, and the surrounding desert. There is an especially beautiful view of the Colorado River as it transitions from the narrow Marble Canyon to the north, into the vast, expansive Grand Canyon to the south. 😍
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Angelo and family celebrate their babymoon together at the Grand Canyon with a family photoshoot.
Look amazing in photos
Get 50+ insider tips on how to prepare, what to wear, and easy posing ideas for your next photo shoot!
6. Mather Point
Located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village, Mather Point is a popular overlook offering sweeping views of the canyon. Just steps from the visitor center parking lot, Mather Point is one of the most easily accessible viewpoints in the Grand Canyon, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages and abilities—and a fabulous spot for a family photo! 📸
With exhibits showcasing local artifacts, unique souvenir shopping opportunities, bike rentals, and trail information for hikers, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center itself is well worth a visit. ℹ️ Local guides help visitors tailor their plans to fit the Grand Canyon experience they’re looking for—an invaluable resource as the park is immense! From here, visitors can explore other popular destinations in the area including the South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Yavapai Point, and Yaki Point.
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Keisha celebrates a birthday at the Grand Canyon with a solo photoshoot.
7. Yavapai Point
Located just minutes from Mather Point, Yavapai Point is an awe-inspiring vantage point with one of the best views of the Grand Canyon. Its position furthest north and closest to the Colorado River offers a breathtaking view up and down the canyon.
A rocky ridge extends from Yaki Point and stretches over two-thirds of the way to the river. In the distance, the grandeur of the canyon unfolds, with a series of peaks and points stretching all the way to Desert View and Palisades of the Desert. This is one of the best places to take photos in the Grand Canyon—and a beautiful photo spot to capture your memories!
📍Point of interest: Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum, which provides information on the geology and history of the Grand Canyon—a fascinating experience for those looking for more context on Grand Canyon National Park.
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Kendra and partner capture their anniversary together at the Grand Canyon with a couple photoshoot.
8. Angels Window
Set along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Angels Window is located at beautiful Cape Royal Point. Angels Window is a natural archway that has been carved into the canyon wall over millions of years by wind and water erosion. It is a truly stunning sight—a rocky outcrop juts into the canyon and the archway gives visitors a peek into the scenic distance. 🏞
Just before you reach the Cape Royal parking lot, there is a viewpoint with an incredible view of the canyon wall and Angels Window. This is the best view of the archway and a great photo opportunity!
From here, visitors can enjoy a visit to Cape Royal Point, which offers stunning views of the canyon. Or, follow the path to the Angels Window viewpoint, where you’ll walk along the top of the canyon wall to a lookout with an incredible view of the vistas below. A popular sunrise spot! 🌄
Photo: Terri in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Tyler and partner celebrate their engagement at the Grand Canyon with a proposal photoshoot.
9. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a striking, one-of-a-kind geological formation in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is a horseshoe-shaped bend that has been carved into sandstone cliffs over millions of years. The result is a breathtaking view of the Colorado River, which winds around the bend and creates a 270-degree loop that is surrounded by towering cliffs. 😍
Visitors to Horseshoe Bend can walk to the viewpoint along a short, easily accessible trail. From here, visitors can see for miles in every direction, including views of the canyon, the surrounding forests, and the winding river. For those looking for an adventure, enjoy exploring the area via ATV touring, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting! 🌊
Photo: Amanda in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Alex and partner capture their engagement at the Grand Canyon with a couple photoshoot.
10. Moran Point
Moran Point is a scenic lookout over the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The viewpoint is named after painter Thomas Moran, whose vivid and awe-inspiring canvases of the landscape played a pivotal role in Congress’s decision to establish the Grand Canyon as a national park. 🖼️
It is easy to see how Moran Point inspired Moran’s art—it is a truly spectacular sight! It features gorgeous views of a number of unique rock formations, including the Colorado Butte and the Red Canyon, a slot canyon painted with vibrant orange hues.
Photo: Amanda in Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Emmanuel and partner capture their engagement at the Grand Canyon with a proposal photoshoot.
Capturing Memories by The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is an iconic American landmark that never fails to captivate and amaze its visitors. With renowned hiking trails, historic sites, and some of the most breathtaking views in the world, the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable destination that will leave you with wonderful memories for years to come. To capture your time in this picturesque location, connect with a local photographer and commemorate your special trip. ✨
“It was such a pleasure to work with Terri during this shoot. She captured so many intimate moments between my daughter and me. Her knowledge of the area, professionalism, and passion for photography was contagious—along with the most beautiful photographs. So thankful and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her.”
Angelo
“Terri was exceptional from beginning to end. The wind the day of our pictures was blowing 20-40mph with gusts even greater. I thought there was no way she would be able to capture pictures of us given the conditions and was heartbroken with all the prep we put into the shoot. I couldn’t believe it when I got the images – the picture turned out so much better than expected and captured our family and everyone’s personalities. The experience was incredible. Terri was amazing at working with all 7 of us AND the wind conditions!”
Jen
“Amanda is a wonderful, super-friendly photographer that brought her talent and expertise to bear, helping to make the surprise proposal an unforgettable moment for both of us. My fiance and I were blown away by how amazing the photos came out, and I was extremely pleased with how Amanda helped me deliver a beautiful experience in the Grand Canyon. 10/10 would recommend Amanda!”
Emmanuel
