Desert View Trading Post

Overview

A classic Desert View stop, the Trading Post mixes a curated shop of Native American arts and crafts with a handy snack counter for ice cream, fudge, coffee, and cold drinks. It sits just steps from the rim and the Desert View Watchtower, so you can pair shopping and a treat with some of the area’s best big-canyon views.

Why it’s worth a stop

If you want souvenirs that feel tied to this place, this is one of the better spots on the east side. You’ll find handmade jewelry, baskets, rugs, wood carvings, and other work representing tribes associated with the canyon. When the sun’s cooking, the ice cream window is a crowd-pleaser, and the covered patio lets you sit with a view while you refuel.

What to expect

Inside is part gallery, part gift shop, and part snack bar. Selection leans toward authentic crafts alongside the usual park souvenirs. Food is simple—think ice cream, sweet treats, coffee drinks, and grab‑and‑go snacks—so plan elsewhere if you’re after a full meal. Parking for the Desert View complex is nearby, and it’s a short walk to the Watchtower and viewpoint.

Context & nearby

Mary Colter’s 1932 Desert View Watchtower is right next door, and the Trading Post fits into that same cluster of visitor services. It’s an easy add-on while you explore Desert View Point and soak up the river vistas and Painted Desert horizons.

Wildlife

Around the rim you may see opportunistic ravens and the occasional mule deer or squirrel, though this busy hub isn’t prime wildlife territory. Keep food secured and enjoy animal sightings from a distance.

Best time to visit

• Hours generally run daytime into early evening; expect peak lines from late morning through late afternoon.
• For a calmer browse and shorter ice cream wait, swing by mid‑morning or after 5 pm.
• If you’re here for patio views and photos, late afternoon light pairs nicely with a cone before sunset over Desert View Point.