Grand Canyon South Rim and Williams, Arizona

 

From Page, Arizona we headed south on US-89 towards Flagstaff, then west on US-40 to Williams. Williams is the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and home to the Grand Canyon Railway. It is also the last town on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by US-40, which occurred in 1984.

The Grand Canyon Railway departs daily at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at 11:45a.m. The train departs the Grand Canyon at 3:30p.m. and returns to Williams at 5:45 p.m. 

When you arrive at the Grand Canyon you can cross the road and visit the crown jewel of National Park Lodges, El Tovar. El Tovar sits directly on the edge of the Grand Canyon and offers spectacular views of the canyon and easy access to the Bright Angel Trail. Not into trains, no problem! From Williams you can drive 57 miles to the South Rim via AZ- 64N.

Campground reservations at the Grand Canyon can be difficult to get, so we selected the Grand Canyon/Williams KOA on AZ-64N. Sites at this KOA were absolutely huge, so if you have a big rig you won't have any problems here. A strong WiFi signal was available by the camp store and a few outdoor tables were available at which to work. A pool, hot tub and laundry were available, and a gas station was right next door. The only issue we had at this KOA were the number of rental RVs coming in to dump their tanks. We highly suggest that RV rental companies do a better job explaining proper dumping protocol. #EnoughSaid

While we were out exploring we did check out Kaibab Lake Campground, which is also located in Kaibab National Forest, on AZ-64N. This campground offers individual, double and group campsites and RVs up to 40ft can be accommodated. Restrooms, water faucets (not at sites), trash bins, picnic tables, campfire rings, firewood, and ice are available. Anglers will enjoy the fishing pier and small boat launch. Swimming is not allowed in the lake. Be advised that the lake sits at an elevation of 6,800 ft, so while daytime temperatures in the summer may be in the 80-90 range, at night they can drop down into the 50s.

During our visit to the Grand Canyon we opted for a walk along the Rim Trail. This trail is mostly paved and runs for 13 miles from the South Kaibab to Hermit's Rest. You do not need to walk the entire 13 miles; we suggest parking at the Visitor Center and going from there. 

There will be plenty of opportunities for photos and everyone wants to get that perfect shot, but DO NOT climb over the guard rail or off the trail onto a ledge. #Splat  If you don't believe that accidents DO happen, check out the book, "Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon," available at ALL the souvenir shops in the park. Because it is SO easy to go over the edge,  bicycles are NOT allowed on the Rim Trail.

During our visit we also drove the 22 mile Desert View Drive and stopped at ALL the scenic overlooks. The Desert View Watchtower is near the East Entrance, but this is as close as we were able to get. The road was blocked, as the park service closed the east entrance due to Covid.  A nice view of the Colorado River can be seen from the Watchtower, but you can still get glimpses of the river at the other overlooks. 

If you are really into adventure and would enjoy getting up close and personal with the Colorado River, consider doing a rafting trip. An eight day rafting trip from Lee's Ferry to Pearce Ferry covers approximately 280 miles. Shorter trips are available but we highly recommend the longer trip. #GoBigOrGoHome  The hikes, rapids, waterfalls and friendships truly make this an adventure  of a lifetime. The picture you see here is from our rafting trip in 2008.

We did not drop below the rim this visit, but I have previously hiked the Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail and down to Cave of the Domes, on Horseshoe Mesa, via the Grandview Trail. If you are up for a hike, we recommend a day-hike to Indian Gardens, by way of the Bright Angel Trailhead. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is often described as hiking a mountain in reverse and is best done late spring and fall.

The hike to Indian Gardens is 9 miles round trip and water and bathrooms are available on the route. Indian Gardens is a shaded oasis and a great place to take a break and have lunch before you head back up. Expect the trek back up to take twice as long. The total hike will take approximately 4-5 hours. Be prepared for this hike by wearing good hiking boots and bringing water, snacks, a hat and a trail map. Also, you will want to be in very good physical shape for any of the hikes in the Grand Canyon.

Once you're back in Williams it is time to explore Historic Route 66. The Historic Loop has 6 blocks of shops, restaurants and souvenirs from years gone by.

Route 66 was called a "super-highway"or the "Mother Road" and spanned 2,300 miles from Chicago to California. This route opened up the wild west to road travelers.

Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 as US-40 became the preferred route of travel. But, peeks into this iconic highway and the history of the shoot-outs, brothels and oddities are well worth a stop on your journeys. So, tune your radio to an AM station and get your kicks on Route 66.

Today, Williams is a nice blend of the old and the new and if you have been following us you know we are into Craft Breweries. We did have an opportunity to check out two of the breweries in Williams - Historic Brewing Company on Route 66 and Grand Canyon Brewing Company on North 7th St. Both places had a nice selection of beer, sandwiches, pizza and starters to choose from, as well as outdoor seating to enjoy their beer and food. 

Below we have included a slideshow of the Grand Canyon Scenic Outlooks and our 2008 Colorado River Rafting Trip. Enjoy! 

                                                   Grand Canyon Scenic Overlooks

                                              

                                                                 8 DAY RAFTING TRIP

ADVENTURE ON