Ready to do some traveling in The Grand Canyon State? If there’s any place we think every Arizonan should visit more than once, it’s the Grand Canyon. There’s so much to do and see at our state treasure: hiking, camping, kayaking, riding horses and mules, or simply lounging and enjoying the view. In fact, many consider the Grand Canyon to be the best day trip in Arizona… and it’s one that locals and visitors alike deserve to see.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit (or you’re hoping to showcase the Grand Canyon to some out-of-state visitors), then you’ll want to continue reading for one incredible day trip that combines the Canyon with a rare train ride. This will give you a chance to see some of our state’s diverse landscapes and explore some of the major sights in one day.
If you’re already in northern Arizona, this is an easy day trip. The trip starts in Williams, which is a 40-minute drive from Flagstaff and about 1.5 hours from Kingman. If you’re further south, like Phoenix or Tucson, then this can easily be turned into an overnight trip by spending the night in Williams or Flagstaff the night before the train ride.
Let’s take a look at the itinerary from Williams.
8:30 to 9:00 a.m. - This is the time you’ll want to arrive at the train depot, park, and get ready to board the train.
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel/Facebook The depot for Grand Canyon Railway is located at 233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard in Williams. You can purchase tickets at thetrain.com.
9:30 a.m. - And we’re off! The train leaves the station, traveling from the forested areas of Williams, through desert flatlands, and eventually to the Grand Canyon.
Oliver W/Flickr
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel/Facebook You’ll get to see the beautiful scenery from your seat, whether its the luxury dome, first class, or coach.
Grand Canyon Railway/Yelp If you didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast, don’t worry! You can purchase food from the dining car or enjoy the snacks that may be served in your car.
11:45 a.m. - We’ve arrived! The train depot sits in the middle of Grand Canyon Village, making it easily accessible to many different places to visit. Let’s check out a few suggestions for where you can spend the next three hours.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is a good place to start since it offers a lot of basic information about the national park. You’ll want to limit your time here so you can do more sightseeing.
Dmitry.S./Flickr Most people tend to get their first view of the canyon from Mather Point. The view is gorgeous but it’s not the only spot to see the canyon’s beauty.
swagata.roychowdhury/Flickr Another spot is Yaki Point, which offers an expansive view that doesn’t seem to end.
Fra Ganda/Flickr Lipan Point is another option and is one of the closest vistas to our next spot to visit.
Umberto de Peppo Cocco/Flickr Desert View Watchtower is quite the sight and looks like it could have been standing here for centuries. Check out the murals and climb the stairs to get a fantastic view.
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr Lookout Studio is one of the many buildings in the area designed by architect Mary Colter. This is a gift shop and has some unique views of the Grand Canyon.
3:00 p.m. - Time to wrap up your visit and head back to the train. Make your final purchases and take your last pictures because the train leaves at 3:30!
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr The route is the same, so if you didn’t get a chance to take some photos from your car, you’ll have another chance to do so during the ride back.
6:00 p.m. - Dinner time! The train returns to Williams at 5:45 p.m. but you might want to grab dinner before heading back home.
Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe/Facebook There are quite a few restaurants to choose from, especially right along Route 66! If you’re looking for a burger and shake, check out Crusier’s. If you’re craving a simple homestyle meal, then Old Smokey’s Restaurant is a good option. If you want something a little more upscale, then check out Red Raven.
The depot for Grand Canyon Railway is located at 233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard in Williams. You can purchase tickets at thetrain.com.
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel/Facebook
Oliver W/Flickr
You’ll get to see the beautiful scenery from your seat, whether its the luxury dome, first class, or coach.
Grand Canyon Railway/Yelp
If you didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast, don’t worry! You can purchase food from the dining car or enjoy the snacks that may be served in your car.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is a good place to start since it offers a lot of basic information about the national park. You’ll want to limit your time here so you can do more sightseeing.
Dmitry.S./Flickr
Most people tend to get their first view of the canyon from Mather Point. The view is gorgeous but it’s not the only spot to see the canyon’s beauty.
swagata.roychowdhury/Flickr
Another spot is Yaki Point, which offers an expansive view that doesn’t seem to end.
Fra Ganda/Flickr
Lipan Point is another option and is one of the closest vistas to our next spot to visit.
Umberto de Peppo Cocco/Flickr
Desert View Watchtower is quite the sight and looks like it could have been standing here for centuries. Check out the murals and climb the stairs to get a fantastic view.
Lookout Studio is one of the many buildings in the area designed by architect Mary Colter. This is a gift shop and has some unique views of the Grand Canyon.
The route is the same, so if you didn’t get a chance to take some photos from your car, you’ll have another chance to do so during the ride back.
Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe/Facebook
There are quite a few restaurants to choose from, especially right along Route 66! If you’re looking for a burger and shake, check out Crusier’s. If you’re craving a simple homestyle meal, then Old Smokey’s Restaurant is a good option. If you want something a little more upscale, then check out Red Raven.
Are there any other spots you would recommend your fellow Arizonans checking out during a short trip to the Grand Canyon? Be sure to share your suggestions and tips for the best day trip in Arizona in the comments!
If you want to read about more fantastic trips you can take around the state, be sure to read 6 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Arizona Before You Die.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trip In Arizona March 01, 2020 Nikki Rhoades Are there any other unique things to do in Arizona? There are many unique things to do in Arizona! Our local landscape is absolutely magnificent, and arguably is one of the loveliest in the entire nation. This leads to an incredible selection of outdoor activities to participate in, ranging from skiing to hiking. There are enough things to do to comprise a comprehensive bucket list! Visitors can check out ghost towns and mystery castles and more, but some of the most unique attractions are hiding in plain sight. What are the most popular and best places to visit in Arizona? While the best places to visit in Arizona are regularly frequented by tourists, you’ll find that there is actually more to The Grand Canyon State than… well, the Grand Canyon. If you’re craving a bit of time with nature, you might consider playing with sloths at the local zoo for an experience unlike any other. You could also enjoy spending a night under the stars in style at a local glampground, or you might swim with stingrays at OdySea. There are plenty of indoor activities, too! Don’t be afraid to try something new during your stay in Arizona. Are there other day trips that make up the best destinations in Arizona? While you’ve surely heard of many of the best destinations in Arizona, there are just as many places coveted by locals that residents and tourists alike deserve to visit. While more of a weekend trip destination, there’s a cocoon-like Airbnb in Arizona that allows you to thrive in the treetops. For a quick day trip, you might consider a trip to Flagstaff – the snowiest town in Arizona. You might also consider spending a day amidst the tomes and tales of our own castle library. If you have a sense of adventure, you’ll feel right at home in our cool and quirky state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trip In Arizona
March 01, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Are there any other unique things to do in Arizona? There are many unique things to do in Arizona! Our local landscape is absolutely magnificent, and arguably is one of the loveliest in the entire nation. This leads to an incredible selection of outdoor activities to participate in, ranging from skiing to hiking. There are enough things to do to comprise a comprehensive bucket list! Visitors can check out ghost towns and mystery castles and more, but some of the most unique attractions are hiding in plain sight. What are the most popular and best places to visit in Arizona? While the best places to visit in Arizona are regularly frequented by tourists, you’ll find that there is actually more to The Grand Canyon State than… well, the Grand Canyon. If you’re craving a bit of time with nature, you might consider playing with sloths at the local zoo for an experience unlike any other. You could also enjoy spending a night under the stars in style at a local glampground, or you might swim with stingrays at OdySea. There are plenty of indoor activities, too! Don’t be afraid to try something new during your stay in Arizona. Are there other day trips that make up the best destinations in Arizona? While you’ve surely heard of many of the best destinations in Arizona, there are just as many places coveted by locals that residents and tourists alike deserve to visit. While more of a weekend trip destination, there’s a cocoon-like Airbnb in Arizona that allows you to thrive in the treetops. For a quick day trip, you might consider a trip to Flagstaff – the snowiest town in Arizona. You might also consider spending a day amidst the tomes and tales of our own castle library. If you have a sense of adventure, you’ll feel right at home in our cool and quirky state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many unique things to do in Arizona! Our local landscape is absolutely magnificent, and arguably is one of the loveliest in the entire nation. This leads to an incredible selection of outdoor activities to participate in, ranging from skiing to hiking. There are enough things to do to comprise a comprehensive bucket list! Visitors can check out ghost towns and mystery castles and more, but some of the most unique attractions are hiding in plain sight.
What are the most popular and best places to visit in Arizona?
While the best places to visit in Arizona are regularly frequented by tourists, you’ll find that there is actually more to The Grand Canyon State than… well, the Grand Canyon. If you’re craving a bit of time with nature, you might consider playing with sloths at the local zoo for an experience unlike any other. You could also enjoy spending a night under the stars in style at a local glampground, or you might swim with stingrays at OdySea. There are plenty of indoor activities, too! Don’t be afraid to try something new during your stay in Arizona.
Are there other day trips that make up the best destinations in Arizona?
While you’ve surely heard of many of the best destinations in Arizona, there are just as many places coveted by locals that residents and tourists alike deserve to visit. While more of a weekend trip destination, there’s a cocoon-like Airbnb in Arizona that allows you to thrive in the treetops. For a quick day trip, you might consider a trip to Flagstaff – the snowiest town in Arizona. You might also consider spending a day amidst the tomes and tales of our own castle library. If you have a sense of adventure, you’ll feel right at home in our cool and quirky state.
