Whether you are from Japan, Germany, Canada, or anyplace else in the world, the Grand Canyon is a must see on your journey through Northern Arizona.
President Theodore Roosevelt said of the Grand Canyon, “Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, your children’s children, and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American should see.”
From Williams, after a short 59-mile drive north, the Grand Canyon will lie before your eyes. Once there, you’ll grasp why this 277 river miles long, one-mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide canyon is hailed as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Though depicted by an array of artists, its richly hued scenic splendor is best captured by the naked eye.
Here’s how to best plan your visit to the Grand Canyon: stop by the City of Williams/Kaibab National Forest Visitor center in the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 W. Railroad Ave. (on the northwest corner of Railroad Avenue and Grand Canyon Boulevard). Our friendly staff has all the information you’ll need to get to the Canyon. It’s open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Park Passes are for sale in the Visitor Center via an electronic kiosk.
To drive to the Canyon from Williams, head east on Route 66 (our Main Street) through downtown. Route 66 will turn into Highway 64 east of town. Continue north on this route for approximately 57 miles to Tusayan where clear signage will lead you into the South Rim gate of the Grand Canyon National Park.
The Grand Canyon Railway hotel in Williams offers daily trips to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon aboard vintage diesel powered trains. Passengers have a choice of five classes of service ranging from coach class on the 1923 Harriman cars to the popular deluxe observation class. But it’s more than just a train ride. It also features a Wild West show prior to departure and strolling musicians in transit.
About 1.5 kilometers below the South Rim, you will spy the mighty Colorado River, which winds its way west through the Canyon, averaging a speed of four miles an hour, a depth of 100 feet and width of 300 feet. Also visible a mile below the rim, are the Indian Gardens and Phantom Ranch, standing out as lush green oases on the Canyon floor.
Inside the park, free shuttles provided by the National Park Service make several stops in Grand Canyon National Park Village as well as at eight breathtaking overlooks along the West Rim Drive.
Visitors can choose from a variety of park service sponsored walks and talks to enhance their experience. Commercial modes of transit include air-tours via helicopter or plane; jeep tours; coach/van tours; and mule rides into the Canyon.
For more information about the Grand Canyon from the National Park Service, please visit www.nps.gov/grca/.
