Williams, the Grand Canyon & Beyond: Five Days Exploring Arizona
Five Days in Williams & Beyond
Start / End
Williams, Arizona
States Covered
AZ
National Parks
Grand Canyon & Petrified Forest National Parks
National Forests
Kaibab, Prescott, & Coconino National Forests
Suggested Days
5+ Days
#ThisIsMyRoute
Overview
For the purposes of this itinerary, you’ll need your own car to get around. Our adventure begins once you arrive in Williams, where you’ll set up base camp and spend at least five days taking day trips from there in every direction (literally!)Â
Make this portion of your road trip holiday the main event, with city-stay bookends on either side of your time in Williams, or tag these few days on to the beginning or end of your other Southwestern destination visits. The beauty lies in creating your own custom adventure!Â
While you plan your trip, be sure to check out our tips for planning your Grand Canyon holiday. As you learn more about the offerings waiting in any direction in Arizona, it’s easy to see why Williams is perfectly situated to be your home base for a few days.
Five Days Exploring Williams, AZ & Beyond
DAY 1: NORTH
The crown jewel of Arizona is undoubtedly Grand Canyon National Park, and Williams offers easy access to the South Rim as the official gateway to the Grand Canyon. Climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs twice daily from the depot in Williams, or hop in the car and get there yourself at first light. The 2-hour one-way journey means you’ll need to commit one full day to this excursion regardless of how you choose to travel to the Grand Canyon.
If you do drive yourself, try to catch the sunrise before the throngs of eager tourists arrive. When they do, hit the hiking trails like the Rim Trail, which skirts along the canyon edge. En route to this natural wonder, you’ll traverse the Kaibab National Forest, a pristine woodland paradise of ponderosa pines and grazing elk and herds of bison.Â
When you get back to Williams after your first big day of adventure, refill your appetite tank with a generous Mexican meal at El Corral or a perfectly cooked cut of meat at one of Williams’ many steakhouses.
DAY 2: EAST
On your second day, wander east of Williams where epic landscapes like the red rock wonderlands of Sedona and San Francisco peaks of Flagstaff beckon curious travelers. Bring an open mind and heart with you on the trails to Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, both offering spiritual seekers and outdoor enthusiasts their own version of paradise.Â
For even more spellbinding colors, don’t miss Petrified Forest National Park. One of our favorite underrated national parks, it’s where visitors amble among ancient logs that have been crystallized in dazzling rainbow hues. Painted Desert, just north of Petrified Forest, is an equally vibrant display of desert hills layered with various shades and textures. And for even more landscape wonderment, head down to Coconino National Forest where a mix of canyons and forests dance across the landscape.Â
Back in Williams, after a long day of exploring eastern Arizona, chow down at Pine Country restaurant for home-cooked favorites or Jessica’s Family Restaurant where Greek dishes are the specialty.
DAY 3: SOUTH
Take your time getting up and moving this morning and hit up Brewed Awakenings Coffee Company before heading out for the day.
Today we’re headed south towards Prescott, Arizona. There you’ll find Prescott National Forest, where year-round adventures are made possible by a mild climate. Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome are a few other communities in the area worth checking out.
When you’ve had your fill, head back towards Williams to explore more of what the Gateway to the Grand Canyon has to offer. Spend the afternoon strolling through town snapping pictures of the buzzing neon signs and vintage cars. Window shop along the eclectic trading post storefronts and be sure to catch a performance at the Wild West Junction. Feeling parched? Sip on local brews at Historic Brewing Company and Grand Canyon Brewing Company.Â
DAY 4: WEST
Start your fourth day with a culinary adventure at Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe. Also known as Anna’s Canyon Cafe, choose from Mexican, Chinese, and American cuisines as well as an espresso bar and bakery. Once you’re fueled up on fried rice and flat whites, hit the road and head west.
Today, head out to Kingman, a town situated less than two hours west of Williams on the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66. In fact, the town is home to the Arizona Route 66 Museum, which you should definitely visit if you venture this way. The Hualapai Mountain Park is also tucked away on the edge of town and hosts a plethora of outdoor activities from mountain biking to wildlife watching.Â
End your day with a more upscale meal to remember at Red Raven Restaurant or keep the Western theme going strong at the lively Frontier Family Fun dining experience.
DAY 5: WILLIAMS & ANYTHING ELSE YOU MISSED
By now you’ve spent a lot of time using Williams as a place to lay your head at night, but the Gateway to the Grand Canyon is a destination in and of itself. There are plenty of things to do right in Williams’ backyard to minimize your time in the car, like Bearizona Wildlife Park, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, and the Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Give your legs a real stretch with a hike to Sycamore Falls or Bill Williams Mountain. Or, quench your thirst for water activities at one of the area lakes where you can fish, paddle, or swim the day away.
We wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to stay closer to Williams on your last day, but if you’re willing to venture out again, head straight for Tuba City. The largest community in the Navajo Nation, this close-knit community is where trading post-style retail stops showcase exquisite Indigenous crafts and artisan goods. Tuba City is also home to the Interactive Cultural Center, which includes the must-see Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit highlighting the immense role the Navajo Nation and their Native dialect played in WWII.Â
If there’s anything else that caught your eye while exploring the area the last few days, now’s the time to do it.Â