Williams AZ to Grand Canyon drive: Distance, time & best stops

The distance from Williams AZ to the Grand Canyon (South Rim) is 60 miles, with a 1h7m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Williams AZ to Grand Canyon drive are Raptor Ranch, Red Butte and the Grand Canyon National Park sign.

Planning a Williams AZ to Grand Canyon road trip itinerary

The Williams AZ to Grand Canyon drive takes you to Arizona’s undisputed wonder of the world.

Williams AZ is one of the main gateways to the Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon Railway leaves from here.

Otherwise, this is a Route 66 town with a decent selection of road trip kitsch. The main highlight is the Bearizona Wildlife Park, where you can view North American animals such as bison, black bears and Arctic wolves from your vehicle on a drive-through route.

Good Williams accommodation options include the Lodge on Route 66 and the La Quinta.

The most visited section of the Grand Canyon is on the South Rim by Grand Canyon Village. This is where you’ll find the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, which shows a 20 minute orientation film every half hour.

Most of the walking trails are also here, with the 12 mile, mostly paved Rim Trail being the most popular option. Free shuttle buses run along the route, so you can just do parts of it. The 0.7 mile stretch between Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station is the obvious taster.

The National Parks Service website has details of the tougher walks into the canyon.

Grand Canyon experiences departing from Grand Canyon Village include jeep tours.

Williams AZ to Grand Canyon distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Williams AZ to the Grand Canyon (South Rim) is 60 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and seven minutes. The quickest route heads down the AZ-64.

The best stops to add to a Williams AZ to Grand Canyon road trip itinerary are Raptor Ranch, Red Butte and the Grand Canyon National Park sign.

Williams AZ to Grand Canyon road trip attractions: Raptor Ranch

Raptor Ranch in Grand Canyon Junction offers glamping for those who want to stay relatively close to the Grand Canyon. It also has daily birds of prey flying demonstrations.

Perhaps the quirkiest reason to visit Raptor Ranch, however, is Flintstones Bedrock City. This attraction, with models of Flintstones characters and dinosaurs, was opened in the 1970s and is now really showing its age.

Best stops between Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon: Red Butte

Inside the Kaibab National Forest, Red Butte stands out above the Coconino Plateau. The trail to the 7,326ft summit is relatively short at about 1.25 miles one way, but the last section of the hike in particular is steep. It’s a well-marked trail, but keep an eye out for rattlesnakes while walking it – they are known to hang out here.

Williams AZ to Grand Canyon drive: Grand Canyon National Park sign

Just by the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, there’s a sign that makes for a practically obligatory photo opportunity. Go on… prove you’ve been there.