By Car, Grand Canyon
See all Grand Canyon Transportation
See all Grand Canyon Transportation
Grand Canyon Transportation: By Car tips and advice posted by real travelers and Grand Canyon locals.
By Car
• 11 Photos
• 13 Reviews
• 13 Reviews
on February 11, 2007
Fastest: Take Hwy64 northbound from I-40 at Williams Arizona, just west of Flagstaff. The road is smooth and the speed limit is about 65mph most of the way. About 5 miles south of the park, you'll pass through the town of Tusayan. There's lodging, food, gas stations, a National Geographic IMAX theater, and the airport that serves the Canyon air tours. The drive up to that point isn't very inspiring, but it is a timesaver.
Prettiest: Take Hwy 89 northbound from I-40 just east of Flagstaff. You miss most of Flagstaff traffic this way. About 12 miles up, you'll see a little sign for a road to the right for the Sunset Crater National Monument. After taking a little time to visit the crater, you can continue on this same loop to Wupatki National Monument; an old native American pueblo whose ruins you can explore. You can continue on the loop until it takes you back to Hwy 89. Continue North to the town of Cameron. There you can catch Hwy 64 which will take you to the East Entrance to Grand Canyon. Even if you don't take the scenic loop described here, it is about an hour longer than the 'fastest' route I described above. BUT it is gorgeous! Empty in most places, you can see volcanic rocks poking through the ground cover - you'll spy hogans: Navajo round traditional homes, red soil, and of course roadside stands selling local crafts and artworks along the shoulder. You'll catch glimpses of the grandeur to come as the canyon forms along the North side of the road.
I took the 'fastest' in, and the 'prettiest' out! You can combine them any way you want ... just remember to take time to explore as you drive; take pullouts and enjoy the vistas before you. And once you reach the park, take every turnout you cross - you won't be disappointed!
Since I was busy driving, you'll have to be content with this map from the NPS website though and just take my word about the views :)
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