The Best Spots for Birdwatching in the Grand Canyon

Beyond sightseeing and backpacking, birding is one of the most popular activities for Grand

Canyon visitors. Home to over 370 species of birds,1 every area of the park offers the chance to

view our feathered friends in their natural habitat – you just have to know where to look. Here

are a few of the best spots for birdwatching in the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Village

Due to its proximity to the visitor’s center, Grand Canyon Village is one of the most toured parts

of the park. It is also located directly on the rim of the canyon, making the town an ideal location

for viewing soaring birds of prey. Use binoculars to check the cliffs below Lookout Studio and

Bright Angel Lodge for roosts belonging to Zone-Tailed Hawks or the endangered California

Condor. Smaller birds that favor pinyon-juniper woodlands can also be viewed in the area,

including Canyon Wrens, Pine Grosbeak, and American Three-Toed Woodpeckers, to name a

few.

Yaki Point and Lipan Point

Two other areas of the park known for viewing birds of prey are Yaki Point and Lipan Point. For

years, birding enthusiasts noticed that raptors were using these locations during migration, so in

the 1990s, both points were established as watch sites by preservationists Hawkwatch

International. Tourists can visit both areas to join official counters as they update raptor-

migration tally boards. In addition to watching for California Condors, they also keep track of

Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, Red-tailed, and Swainson’s Hawks; plus American Kestrels, osprey,

eagles, and falcons.

Bright Angel Trail

This hiking trail is one of the most well known backpacking locations in Grand Canyon National

Park. The path begins near the South Rim by Grand Canyon Village and affords fantastic views

every step of the way, traveling to the lush Indian Garden all the way down to secluded Phantom

Ranch. The Bright Angel trail is also well maintained and features plentiful shade, making it a

popular destination for newcomers.

Another perk of exploring Bright Angel Trail by foot is the ability to view a multitude of bird

species in their natural habitats. The path travels through several different ecosystems as well,

ranging from forest to riparian. Birdwatchers on the trail may stumble upon species of orioles,

warblers, and sparrows; as well as colorful birds like Summer Tanagers, Yellow-breasted Chats,

Lazuli Buntings, and Painted Redstarts.

Hearst Tanks

In the late 1800s, Grandview Point was a hotbed for mining activity. It was also a popular tourist

destination featuring the famous first-class Grandview Hotel. As mining activity decreased

during the twentieth century, settlers left the area behind. Today all that remains are old water

towers in an area known as Hearst Tanks.

Drainage pools near the Hearst Tanks fill with runoff during the spring, and are often the only

water around for miles. In addition to attracting wildlife like elk and coyote, the water also draws

countless species of birds looking for a drink, including:

Western Tanagers

Black-headed Grosbeaks

Grace’s Warbler

Wild Turkeys

Northern Goshawk

If you and your family are birding enthusiasts, consider adding these park locations to the list for

your next Grand Canyon sightseeing tour. From endangered raptors to common finches, there are

so many birds that can be spotted year-round.