A side trip from Historic U.S. Route 66 to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona



Route 66 Side-Trip to the Grand Canyon

Map showing a road trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, and then back to Route 66 in Williams
Map showing a road trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, and then back to Route 66 in Williams

Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona near Flagstaff and Williams, and is centered on a Colorado River canyon that is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. The Park is one of the world's most popular natural attractions, with attendance exceeding 6 million visitors a year.

Many travelers on Historic Route 66 make a side-trip to visit the Grand Canyon as the South Rim of the park lies only 54 miles north of Route 66 from Williams and about 75 miles northwest of Flagstaff.

There are two access routes to the Grand Canyon South Rim, the most popular one being Highway 64 north from Williams, located on Old Route 66 and Interstate 40.

Those visitors approaching the park from Flagstaff will take U.S. Highway 180 northwest from Flagstaff to Valle, and then U.S. 64 north to the park.

Another mode of transportation into the park is via the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs from Williams directly into the park. The railway has operated since 1901.

The South Rim of the canyon, with an elevation of about 7,000 feet, is open year-round, while the North Rim is open only part of the year, during the warmer months. Most Route 66 travelers visit only the South Rim.

One Scenario for Visiting the Grand Canyon

For many Route 66 travelers heading westbound across Arizona, a side trip to the Grand Canyon is a great opportunity to see one of the wonders of the world. Leaving Flagstaff, head northwest on Highway 180 towards the Grand Canyon and then continue on via Highway 64. Travel time to cover the 75 miles is about 1:20, leaving time to explore the canyon, and maybe spend a night there.

The next leg of the trip would be from the canyon south to Williams on Highway 64, a distance of about 54 miles which can be covered in about one hour. At Williams, travelers can spend a night there, or continue westbound on Route 66 to Ask Fork, Seligman and Kingman.

Map showing the location of Route 66 across Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park
Click the map for an interactive version
Map showing Route 66 across Arizona from Holbrook to Oatman


Vista overlooking the Grand Canyon in Arizona
Vista overlooking the Grand Canyon in Arizona


Lodging Options in and near Grand Canyon National Park

Park lodging books well in advance, so reservations are encouraged as early as possible before your trip. Lodging is available in the park, and outside the entrance to the park. Other area lodging options for Route travelers are available in Flagstaff and Williams.

Visiting Grand Canyon and need lodging in/near the park?

Read traveler reviews, check availability and make reservations at TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Reviews

Hotels in Williams, Arizona with traveler reviews

Hotels and lodging in Williams, Arizona

Restaurants and dining in Williams

Attractions and things to do in Williams, Arizona

Hotels in Flagstaff, Arizona with traveler reviews at TripAdvisor

Hotels and lodging in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona restaurant reviews at TripAdvisor

El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon (photos below)

The Historic El Tovar hotel on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon The Historic El Tovar hotel on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon


Things to Do at Grand Canyon

Popular activities include rafting, hiking, walking, skydiving, nature studies, geology exploration, jeep tours and helicopter rides.

All about Route 66 tours and travel planning in 2025 ... click for details and tour options!

The floor of the valley is accessible by foot, muleback, or by boat or raft from upriver. Hiking down to the river and back up to the rim in one day is discouraged by park officials. However, hundreds of experienced hikers complete the round-trip down and back every year.

Camping on the North and South rims is restricted to established campgrounds, and reservations are highly recommended, especially at the busier South Rim.

Permits are required for backcountry camping, river trips, weddings, commercial tours, filming, scientific research, special events and activities.

Read reviews about things to do at the Grand Canyon from TripAdvisor travelers

Getting Around the Grand Canyon

During the summer and on holidays, it is recommended that visitors arrive on the South Rim by 9 am to avoid crowds and find parking.

On the South Rim, it is best to park your vehicle and ride shuttle buses around the village and to scenic overlooks.

Shuttle stop at Grand Canyon National Park (Staff Photo)
Shuttle stop at Grand Canyon National Park


Weather in the Grand Canyon

Weather in the Grand Canyon varies according to elevation. The forested rims are high enough to receive winter snowfall, but along the Colorado River in the Inner Gorge, temperatures are similar to those found in Tucson and other low elevation desert locations in Arizona.

Temperatures vary widely through the year, with summer highs within the Inner Gorge commonly exceeding 100F and winter minimum temperatures sometimes falling below zero degrees F.

The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA


Interactive Map of the Grand Canyon National Park


Grand Canyon National Park Map at NPS

Official map of the Grand Canyon courtesy of the National Park Service

Click for a large image of the map at the Grand Canyon National Park official website at NPS

Click to view a map of the Grand Canyon at the National Park Service (NPS) website


More Stops Along Route 66 in Arizona

Route 66 road trip to Holbrook, Arizona Route 66 road trip to Winslow, Arizona Route 66 road trip to Flagstaff, Arizona Route 66 road trip to Williams, Arizona
Route 66 road trip to Seligman, Arizona Route 66 road trip to Kingman, Arizona Route 66 road trip to Oatman, Arizona

 

Arizona Route 66 Passport

The Official Arizona Route 66 Passport

The Arizona Route 66 Passport is your guide into the heart of America. Cruise along the Mother Road, collecting stamps at locations along the way. Each passport comes with a free Traveler's Guide.

It is published by the The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, a non-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation, protection, and promotion of both the surface, and the memories along Arizona’s portion of Route 66. Proceeds from the sale of Passports benefit this cooperative marketing initiative.

Purchase an Arizona Route 66 Passport online or pick one up at one of the locations where stamps are given.

More information about the Arizona Route 66 Passport

 

Order the Arizona Route 66 Passport online


For More Information about the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park official website at the National Park Service or phone (928) 638-7888