Trailview Overlooks

The two Trailview Overlooks are named for their stellar views of Bright Angel Trail [1]. From either overlook, you can watch hikers and mule parties descending the trail’s switchbacks into the canyon. Bright Angel Trail, once a toll trail named for Ralph Cameron, follows a long, straight fault line that stretches between the canyon’s North and South Rims.

During the summer, look for a patch of bright green roughly halfway down the canyon walls: They are the cottonwoods that mark Indian Garden [2]. The relatively level gray-green Tonto Platform extends into the canyon, and you’ll probably be able to make out the line of the trail snaking toward Plateau Point.

If you look east along the rim, you’ll see the historic buildings of Grand Canyon Village [3]. Look for El Tovar’s distinctive roofline and the multiple levels of Kolb Studio perched above and below the rim. It’s a pleasant walk to Trailview from the village along the Rim Trail [4]. This mile-long section of the trail is paved and fairly level.