Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon: 3 Days, 3 Ways
#ThisIsMyRoute
Here’s everything you can’t miss from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon in three one-of-a-kind days. Have the quintessential Western experience, check out new-age thrills and recharge with rejuvenating activities.
This story was created in partnership with Experience Williams.
Itinerary
Day 1: Old School Entertainment
A healthy respect for history is highly encouraged for your frist day in Williams, Arizona.
For starters, climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railroad, which would’ve been the best (and fastest) way to travel from Williams to the Grand Canyon a hundred years ago. We think it’s still one of the top ways to make the journey. A one way trip takes a little over two hours, and guests are entertained along the entire route with breathtaking views and romantic daydreams of a bygone era.
Once you arrive back in Williams, get your Americana fix on Route 66. The historic highway is lined with soda shops, quirky roadside stands, and plenty of neon signs that will transport you to a different era in road tripping culture. At any moment you might be serenaded by a Doo-Op group outside of a checker-floored restaurant like Cruiser’s Cafe 66. And be ready to snap a photo in front of a classic car parked in front of the Route 66 Museum.
Step even further back in time with a stop at the Wild West Junction. Here, you can truly satisfy your craving for the Old West aesthetic. Imagine swinging doors, dusty boots and friendly greetings of “Howdy, partner!”
Day 2: Modern Thrills
Your second day in Williams is a full menu of modern activities.
Warm up at the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, where guests can race down the first and only mountain coaster in Arizona. If you prefer a bird’s eye view, zoom down the Route 66 Zipline.
To get another taste of pure adrenaline, hop in the car and pop back up to the Grand Canyon, about an hour’s drive north. Get there early, so you have plenty of time to raft down the Colorado River while taking in dwarfing views of the towering canyon walls. For a more sweeping perspective and the truly brave, book a paragliding or skydiving excursion or a helicopter tour.
Back in town, calm your nerves with a flight or two of locally-crafted beer. Grand Canyon Brewing Company and Historic Brewing Company are combining the centuries-old practice of beer brewing with modern flavors and techniques.
Day 3: Grace & Gratitude
The last day of your three-day getaway is all about appreciation for both yourself and the history and heritage of this incredible corner of the Southeast.
It’s easy to get in touch with nature here in Williams. Appreciate vistas from a mountain biking or hiking trail, pay a visit to the Grand Canyon Deer Farm, or visit historic sites of the area’s ancestral lands. Along the way, you’ll discover why preserving these beautiful landscapes and doing your part to Leave No Trace is more important than ever. Stop by Citivan Trading Company so you can support local business and take a piece of your Williams getaway home with you.
The grand finale of your final day is a simple yet rewarding activity: stargazing. Williams’ lack of light pollution allows for a dazzling nightly display of sparkling skies and several nearby Dark Sky areas. Whether you head from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon or stop somewhere in between like the Kaibab National Forest, you’re sure to find a front row seat to the year-round stargazing spectacular.
