The drive time from downtown Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is about
3.5 to four hours
. The 229-mile route is a combination of Interstate and regular two-lane highways. It’s an easy drive that climbs up from Phoenix at an elevation of 1,090 feet, topping out at 7,000 feet at the South Rim.
Is it worth driving to the Grand Canyon?
Worth it?
Absolutely
. However, to make a visit to the South Rim worthwhile, you need to plan to spend at least a few hours here. It can be done as a day trip from Las Vegas, but you will spend most of the day in your car (it takes 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon).
Is the drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon Scenic?
The best road trip route from Phoenix to Grand Canyon passes through the Red Rock Scenic Byway – although you can arrive an hour quicker by avoiding this road and Sedona altogether, you’d definitely be missing out, as
this is arguably the most scenic stretch of the entire trip
.
Can you do a day trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon?
Though it makes for a long day,
it is possible to visit the Grand Canyon from Phoenix in one day
. And while your main destination is the canyon, you have an opportunity to see a few other sites, including ancient ruins, a city in the pine forests, and a Native American trading post.
What town is closest to the Grand Canyon?
The two major cities closest to the Canyon are
Phoenix and Las Vegas
. Flagstaff, AZ is only 1.5 hours from the South Rim and although it is a smaller city, it does have an international airport. Tusayan is the closest town to Grand Canyon Village and also has a small public airport.
How many days do you need for Grand Canyon?
How Many Days at the Grand Canyon? We recommend
between one to three days
at the Grand Canyon, though you could stay for longer for a relaxed visit. With only one day at the Grand Canyon, you can check out a few viewpoints, hike into the canyon or on the Rim Trail, and catch the sunset.
Is it better to drive to Grand Canyon or take a tour?
Taking a guided tour may offer less flexibility than driving yourself, but
many Grand Canyon visitors prefer the convenience and relaxation of simply sitting back and enjoying the ride to the Canyon.
Is the Grand Canyon boring?
Grand Canyon
We say the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring testament to nature’s power, but of course,
some people say this is one of the most boring parks
. As one visitor writes, “You’ll go ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ for 30 seconds [at] … a very, very large hole.”
How far is Grand Canyon from Vegas Strip?
It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Both the North Rim and South Rim (the two rims of Grand Canyon National Park) are located over
270 miles
from the Las Vegas Strip. On average, both drives take approximately four and a half hours.
Which Rim of Grand Canyon is closest to Phoenix?
- Via Williams. From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, then take Interstate 40 west to Williams. …
- Via Flagstaff. Take I-17 north to Flagstaff. …
- Via Cameron. Take I-17 north to Flagstaff.
How long does it take to drive around the Grand Canyon?
However, to drive between them through the park, over the Colorado River and loop around the canyon, you have to travel 215 miles or
about 5 hours
. That’s just one small way to understand the immensity of this incredible place.
How many days do you need in Arizona?
Spending
five days
in Arizona allows you to see the main attractions without having to rush from place to place. That is enough time to visit sites like the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Is Scottsdale better than Phoenix?
While the choice between Phoenix and Scottsdale can be challenging, these two Arizona cities are close and residents can enjoy the amenities both have to offer.
Scottsdale comes with higher housing costs but a more exciting nightlife jobs while Phoenix offers a lower cost of living and amazing neighborhoods
.
Is Grand Canyon opened?
The South Rim of the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
. The South Rim includes Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. Most services are available year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during spring, summer and fall.
Can you see the Grand Canyon flying into Phoenix?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Most Grand Canyon visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
because it is the closest major international airport to the South Rim, the most visited part of the National Park; just over 3.5 hours’ drive (231 miles).
What is the best time of day to visit the Grand Canyon?
What time of day is best to visit the Grand Canyon? We recommend arriving
as early in the morning as possible and staying late
. Sunrises and sunsets are magical at the Grand Canyon! If you come early in the morning (ideally before 8-8.30 AM), it will also be easier to find a parking spot at the South Rim.
Which is better North Rim or South?
But those who have seen the canyon from both sides tend to agree that the
North Rim is the nicer side of the Grand Canyon
, in several senses of the word – calmer, quieter, and reminiscent of what the National Parks may have been like in years past.
Where do you stay when you go to the Grand Canyon?
The only place to stay overnight in the park is
Hualapai Ranch
, run by the Hualapai, as well as Hualapai Lodge, which is located in Peach Springs, about 90 minutes from the West Rim, along the historic Route 66. A third option is the Grand Canyon Western Ranch Resort (3750 E.
How do people spend a week at the Grand Canyon?
- Stay at Phantom Ranch. Phantom Ranch Cabins. …
- Raft the Colorado River. Rafting Trip Through the Grand Canyon. …
- Take the Train. Verde Canyon Railroad. …
- Relax in Sedona. A peach-colored sunset on Sedona’s red rocks. …
- Tour Grand Canyon by Helicopter, Airplane, or Balloon.
How do you get to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix?
The south rim of Grand Canyon National Park is a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north from Phoenix to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff take Route 180 northwest to the south entrance and the park’s visitor center. Or take Highway 89 to Route 64 to the park’s east entrance.
How do people spend 3 days at the Grand Canyon?
- Hike the Rim Trail At Dawn. …
- Breakfast at El Tovar Hotel. …
- Visit Downtown Grand Canyon. …
- Learn From the Experts. …
- See an Overlooked Overlook. …
- Get Inside the Canyon. …
- Or Let a Mule Do the Walking. …
- Road Trip to Desert View.
Can you see the Grand Canyon without paying?
There are many free destinations and activities in and around the Grand Canyon
. Additionally, there are multitudes of ways to explore what this amazing national park has to offer. Examples include helicopter tours, boat tours, riding a mule through the wild, jeep tours, airplane tours, and more!
Can you drive your own car through the Grand Canyon?
Private vehicles can drive east along the canyon rim for 23 miles (37 km) to the Desert View Services Area, and the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park
.
What month is best for Grand Canyon?
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon for Ideal Weather
Weather in the Grand Canyon is at its best between
April and June
, when rainfall averages are low and temperatures have not yet reached their scorching summer highs.
What is the ugliest national park?- Congaree National Park, South Carolina. (iStock) …
- Gates of The Arctic, Alaska. Blue Icy Portage Glacier Mountain Anchorage Alaska The blue is from the glacier. ( …
- Badlands, South Dakota. (iStock) …
- Wind Cave, South Dakota. (iStock) …
- Death Valley, California and Nevada. (iStock)
What should you not do at the Grand Canyon?
- Grand Canyon: What Not to Do. …
- Timing is Everything: Don’t Arrive at Peak Times. …
- Liquid Assets: Don’t Neglect to Stay Hydrated. …
- Get an Altitude Adjustment: Don’t Underestimate the Elevation. …
- Weather or Not: Don’t Forget to Pack for Changing Conditions.
What is the most overrated national park?
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is America’s most famous national park, as evidenced by the torrent of foreign tourists here all year long, but it’s also kind of overrated. Sure, the sheer depths of the canyon are pretty epic, but once you’ve seen one part of it the rest starts to melt together.
