Sweeping views of what is arguably America’s most impressive natural wonder. Informative and inspired Indigenous experiences. Americana road trip nostalgia in all directions. Otherworldly landscapes. Welcome the gateway to the Grand Canyon: Williams, Arizona. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your trip.
When you make Williams your Arizona basecamp, you’ll find outdoor adventure, Indigenous experiences, and Southwestern charm await in every direction. In this spoke-style itinerary, Williams is your home base and each day you’ll explore in a new direction. Discover everything from the magnificent sights of the Grand Canyon to ancient dwellings and national forests.
Relive the nostalgia of the Mother Road while creating new memories in its centennial year! Kick off your journey in Holbrook, a town where Route 66 nostalgia meets natural wonder. Stay at the Wigwam Motel, a charming retro accommodation featuring teepee-shaped rooms. Spend your afternoon exploring Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert, both brimming with ancient, colorful landscapes. End the day with a visit to Jim Gray’s Petrified Wood Co. for unique souvenirs. The whole trip will provide you with a vibrant mix of experiences just like this across the state of Arizona.
While you’re on the coast, you’ll find all kinds of gems tucked in the craggy coastline, ready
to make your flannel beach-blanket dreams come true. And if you can pull your gaze from the lighthouses and stunning Atlantic Ocean views, there’s much to be discovered in inland Maine.
Go off the beaten path in Arizona. Only an hour away from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Copper Corridor beckons with miles of uncrowded trails, museums and mining heritage, and so much more.
Not only can you don your swimsuit and slide down the famous Slide Rock swim area into Oak Creek, but you can also hike along the easy, .25 mile (.4 kilometers) Pendley Homestead trail. Along the way, you’ll marvel at an apple packing barn, old cabins, and the original orchards of a historic 20th century homestead.
If you love to fish, then you’ll feel at home in many of Arizona’s state parks, where you can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, trout, catfish, and panfish. Several trails are also yours to explore, including ones for beginners and advanced hikers. You’ll marvel at the state’s riparian, desert, and mountainous ecologies.
Experience Southern Arizona like never before with this 5-day biking adventure, featuring El Tour de Zona. From exploring Sierra Vista’s charming local spots to biking through the picturesque Ramsey Canyon Preserve, historic Bisbee, and Tombstone, this itinerary captures the essence of Southern Arizona’s natural beauty and rich history. Whether you’re cycling through the Sky Islands or enjoying local scenes, this trip offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Route 66 is a road trip rite of passage. If you don’t have weeks to spend exploring the whole thing at once, this sampling of stops along the California-Arizona section of the Mother Road is the perfect way to satisfy your appetite for a road trip adventure.