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Classic Route 66 Fun in Williams Arizona

Arizona travel stories

Route 66 is alive and well in Williams, Arizona. What an adorable town! We had such fun there, staying an extra night at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel after our train ride, so we could soak up the small town vintage ambience and its classic Route 66 style.

First off, Williams is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, as it’s a straight shot to the South Rim. We opted to take the train to see one of the wonders of the world, enjoying a leisurely adventure through the beautiful high country scenery on this historic railroad. The train crew was friendly and well-informed and we enjoyed the strolling musicians during the trip. The railway brought us right into the park, to its 1910-built depot near the El Tovar Hotel.

You may choose to overnight at the Grand Canyon and the railway offers packages that include accommodations at the Maswik Lodge within the park.

Another cool place to overnight, literally and figuratively: the Grand Canyon Caverns has a one-of-a-kind suite located 200 feet underground! They call it “The largest, deepest, darkest, oldest, quietest motel room in the world!” There’s also a regular motel of the above-ground variety, an RV Park, a roadside cafe, and of course, spelunking tours of the caverns, known as the largest dry caverns in the United States.

Grand Canyon National Park - South Entrance Sign | NPS Photo by Jacob Fillion
Grand Canyon South Rim
Cavern Suite at Grand Canyon Caverns
Grand Canyon Caverns - Underground Suite