Grand Canyon Railway - RVing with Rex

The Complete Guide to Williams, Arizona

Nestled in the heart of northern Arizona, the town of Williams is a true hidden gem. Situated close to the Grand Canyon and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Williams offers visitors a wide variety of attractions and historic landmarks to enjoy including the Grand Canyon Railway, the Bearizona Wildlife Park, and the Route 66 Museum.

Williams has a lot to thank the railroad for. Its resurgence from ghost town to the Gateway to the Grand Canyon harks back to the 1989 re-opening of the Grand Canyon Railway. This thriving heritage railroad which first opened in 1901 and then closed to passengers in 1968 due to the emergence of the motor vehicle has been continually transporting tourists to and from the South Rim ever since its second coming.

Despite its locomotive anchor, Williams remains a hub for automotive enthusiasts as a certain highway runs through its heart: Route 66. Drive through on a warm summer’s evening where al fresco dining is backed by live music and that tangy smell of smoked brisket fills the air while the city’s iconic neon signs are at their most luminous. The youngest of your party may already recognise Williams as this place even inspired the town of Radiator Springs from the animated movie Cars. Buckle up.

Williams is located in the heart of the Kaibab National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.

Founded in 1881, Williams was named for the famous trapper, scout, and mountain man, Old Bill Williams. A statue of Old Bill stands in Monument Park located on the west side of the city. The large mountain directly south of town is named Bill Williams Mountain and the Town was incorporated July 9, 1901.

Grand Canyon Railway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Take the Grand Canyon Railway

Unique and scenic way to travel to the South Rim of Grand Canyon

You’ll do well to leave the car in town in favour of a slow roll north towards the Grand Canyon. Not before the 9 am. Wild West Show though: a slapstick sketch beside the railway tracks featuring comical cowboys and their silly quips.

On the immersive 130-mile round trip you’ll follow in the footsteps of early Grand Canyon explorers and traverse the lush countryside where antelope and prairie dogs roam freely as musicians serenade carriages and Wild West town marshals meet and greet passengers en route.

You’ll have around three hours to explore the famous Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim before heading back to your streamliner-style coach for the return leg where conniving cowboys later stop the train in search of gold. Hide your dollar bills.

Spot bears and wolves from your car

Drive-thru wildlife park in Williams

Arizona’s vast wildlife spans black bears and bison to bighorn sheep and bobcats—but you’re unlikely to spot them in the wilderness. At Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park and zoo you’re guaranteed to see all of the above and more. Those curious bears can be seen peering through car windows and splashing about in rock pools. Most animals at Bearizona are North American natives—no elephants here—and more than 50 per cent are rescues deemed unable to survive in the wild so you’ll be directly supporting conservation efforts.

Williams *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Visit Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum

Nostalgic stop celebrating the golden era of Route 66

Housed in a retro gas station, this museum celebrating U.S. automotive history is a real nostalgia treasure trove. Old signs, trinkets, and tins adorn the walls and shelves of this tiny emporium that also doubles up as a gift shop. Original gas pumps and vintage cars sit proudly outside.

Hike to Keyhole Sink

Scenic box canyon with ancient petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall

If all that driving has you yearning for a leg-stretcher, this brisk 30-minute there-and-back hike is worth stopping for. Keyhole Sink is a pretty box canyon with a seasonal waterfall where its prehistoric residents, the Cohohina people, would conduct religious ceremonies. It’s thought that hunters would corner prey in the natural canyon; petroglyphs inscribed in the basalt rock date back some 1,000 years depicting their traditions as well as the animals they hunted.

Cruise down Route 66 in a vintage car

Captures the nostalgic spirit of the Mother Road

Another cool pitstop is the Cars of the Mother Road, an Aladdin’s cave of a gift shop and vintage car hub. Many of its motors—some dating back to the 1920s—are available for guided tours of the Mother Road itself while real life-size vehicles modelled on the animated movie Cars are usually here, too.

Eat

A vibrant dining scene along Route 66

Pine Country Restaurant

A Route 66 staple famous for over 50 homemade pies

Pine Country’s prime corner location opposite the railway depot makes it one of Williams’ most popular restaurants. Known for its pies, Pine Country offers more than 30 specialities—such as key lime and cherry cream—and its hearty breakfasts are sure to fuel a day’s exploring.

Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe

A 1950s-style diner with gas-station trinkets, murals, and live music

Expect smoked brisket sandwiches, juicy BBQ ribs, and baskets of sticky chicken wings at this roadside Route 66-themed diner known for its on-site smokehouse and retro vibes. The decor stays in line with that nostalgic southwestern American theme of original gas pumps and road signs, and is absolutely best enjoyed on a pleasant evening with live music on the outdoor patio.

Grand Canyon Brewing Company

Scratch-made pub favorites

You’ll find these beers all over Williams but it’s worth visiting this mountain lodge-inspired brewpub for the bites. It hones right in on the brewing theme with Bavarian pretzels, charcuterie boards, and epic pizzas plonked on almost every table at any given moment. Throw in fried pickles and shrimp tacos plus a crisp prickly pear IPA brewed on-site and you’re onto a winner.

Drink

Lively drinking scene with Route 66 charm

The World Famous Sultana Bar

Opened in 1912, it’s one of Arizona’s oldest bars

If you like your drinks with a slice of history this is the place. Sultana which rightly dubs itself as world-famous predates Route 66 itself as a watering hole by two years and as such is backed by tales of ranching and prohibition. While there’s a secret tunnel underneath, which desperados would once scuttle their illicit wares along, today this dive bar is more of a laid-back affair where the locals drink beer, play pool, and watch live sports.

Historic Brewing Company Barrell House

Cozy taproom with wood-fired pizzas and 20 taps of craft beer

Excellent local beer and wines are guaranteed at this industrial-style barrel house, set across a fun indoor space with arcade games, a shady outside patio, and a sun kissed rooftop. A good selection of craft ales rotates regularly; get in early as it gets busy. Make sure you try the Recession IPA.

The Long Horn Saloon

Known for its “Saloon Dollar Bills” tradition

Saloons are synonymous with the Wild West—this dollar bill-strewn bar is another hit with the locals so you’ll want to pull up a barstool. After sticking your dollar note on the wall spend a little time exploring the Wild West Junction grounds it’s a part of.

Shop

Mix of Route 66 memorabilia, Native American crafts, Western wear, and quirky finds

Thunder Eagle Native Art

Specializing in authentic Native American jewelry and art

Operating in Williams since 1999, Thunder Eagle is one of Arizona’s largest certified all-Native art stockists and jewellers. The store acts as a gallery for indigenous art as much as a jewelery store and is certainly the best spot to pick up an authentic Native memento along Route 66.

Colors of the West & Copper Canyon Trading Co

Williams’ largest gift shop

Set over some 12,000 sq. ft. you’ll find everything from the usual fridge magnets and Christmas decorations up to the more unique items like local artwork and Navajo sculptures. At Copper Canyon Trading Co the sister store across the street you’ll find even more curious wares like cowhide rugs and longhorn steer horns.

Grand Canyon Railway RV Resort *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Stay

Range of options from full-service RV parks to dispersed camping

The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

Adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot

Staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel makes visits to the Canyon a doddle—train tickets can be added to bookings and collected at check-in but it’s the nods to the luxurious, bygone era of railway travel that make overnighting here more than worth it. Modelled on the original train depot and celebrating the town’s Santa Fe Railway heritage, this 298-room complex provides a comfortable night’s rest overlooking the tracks and also features an indoor pool and hot tub. Food and drink options at Spenser’s Pub and the Fred Harvey buffet restaurant complete this unique offering with a vintage model train circling the latter’s dining room.

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

The top choice for your itinerary

Looking for a place to park your RV that’s close to all the action? Grand Canyon Railway RV Park has the convenience of being right next to the historic train depot and just two blocks away from Route 66 and downtown Williams. You’ll also have your choice of pull-throughs, buddy spaces, or back-ins and you’ll enjoy access to on-site amenities like digital TV, WiFi, swimming pool, hot tub, laundry machines, picnic area, fire pit, and much more. Plus, you can’t beat the mountain air and stunning views.

Canyon Gateway RV Park

A recently refurbished park (million-dollar renovation completed pre-2025)

If you’re looking for a top-notch RV park in Arizona, look no further than Canyon Getaway in Williams. This beautiful park is situated in a tranquil forest set atop a hill making it the perfect place to enjoy all that the area has to offer. This RV Park offers stunning views of the valley below and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. And when you’re ready to relax, you can simply sit back and take in the stunning scenery.

Canyon Motel & RV Park

Blends retro charm with modern amenities

Step back in time at the Canyon Motel & RV Park located on Historic Route 66 in Williams. This quaint motel offers a unique experience for travelers looking to explore the famed Mother Road. The property includes a variety of vintage railway cars and caboose suites that have been expertly restored as well as a motel and an RV park. Regardless of where they stay, visitors will enjoy stunning views of the nearby mountains and easy access to all of the popular attractions in Williams.

Grand Canyon/Williams KOA Journey

Family-friendly with extensive amenities

Grand Canyon KOA offers a variety of accommodations including cabins, RVs, and tents. Plus, the Grand Canyon is just a short drive away. Pet-friendly options are available so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure. There is also a grocery store on-site so you can stock up on supplies before heading out into the wilderness.

Railside RV Ranch

A cozy, well-maintained RV park with 60 sites

Railside Ranch is the perfect place to stay when exploring all that Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona have to offer. Established in 1994, Railside RV Ranch is adjacent to the tracks of the historic Grand Canyon Railway. They offer to arrange a variety of tours. From train trips and air tours to self-guided tours, there is something for everyone at Railside Ranch. And, if you’re bringing your furry friend along, don’t worry—Railside Ranch is pet friendly! With full hook-up sites, shuttle service, a game room, showers, free wifi, and cable, Railside Ranch has everything you need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Worth Pondering…

The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail.

—Major John Wesley Powell, Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons

This National Park Was Named the Top Outdoor Destination for 2025 and It’s One of the Natural Wonders of the World

RVshare revealed America’s top national park destination for 2025 and I’m not even surprised

In recent years, RVing has transformed from a niche pastime into a booming trend that adventurers of all ages embrace. If you want freedom and self-sufficiency, there’s nothing like traveling and living out of an RV. You can sleep almost anywhere, cut costs by not booking hotels and eating out, and change your plans on a whim.

And many travelers are using RVs for more than the standard weekend camping trip. According to RVshare’s 2025 Travel Trend Report, 67 percent of travelers are considering RVs for trips to national parks and scenic areas. And at the top of everyone’s list according to the report is the Grand Canyon. In addition to being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World along with marvels like the Great Barrier Reef and the Aurora Borealis, Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited park in the US welcoming over 4.7 million visitors in 2023.

There are few natural wonders that can challenge the great jaw-dropping size and beauty of the Grand Canyon. It is a mile deep and 10 miles across, showcasing an eye-catching array of layered red rock that reveals millions of years of geological history in a single glance. It is a wonder that is so bold, big, and beautiful that it marks planet Earth in a scar that can be seen from space.

It’s safe to say that seeing the Grand Canyon is on most travelers’ to-visit list—but visiting the natural wonder by RV is a completely different experience. You don’t have to pay for in-park lodging or be exposed to the elements in a tent. Plus, you can cook in your RV, move campgrounds on a whim, and extend or shorten your stay as you please.

Grand Canyon National Park has several RV-friendly campgrounds including a designated RV campground with full hookups open year-round. It’s also a 15-minute walk to Mather Point, one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints.

Grand Canyon National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Know before you go

Grand Canyon National Park straddles the canyon itself and is broken into two sections: the South Rim and the North Rim.

Most people see the canyon from the South Rim which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round and is home to the main Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The South Rim also has a second visitor center, Verkamp’s Visitor Center which focuses on the people who have lived along the canyon and showcases what it was like to live and work in the park. To get to the South Rim, you can enter at the South Entrance near Tusayan, Arizona or the East Entrance (Desert View) near Cameron, Arizona. Most people use the South Entrance.

I would recommend visiting the South Rim for at least a few days if it’s your first trip to the canyon. The South Rim has a lot of visitor services including hotels, restaurants, and ranger programming that is definitely worth checking out.

Meanwhile, the North Rim near the Arizona-Utah border is quiet and remote and completely closed to visitors between December 1 and May 14. It is quiet and beautiful on the North Rim but it also has fewer services, even in the summer. The North Rim Visitor Center and Park Store is open from May 15 to October 15.

If you want to visit both rims, you have to take a five-hour drive around the canyon. For that reason, most visitors choose to just visit one of the canyon’s rims.

To enter the park from any entrance, you’ll have to pay $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days), or purchase the $70 annual park pass. Grand Canyon National Park does not require reservations or time-entry passes to enter the park.

Best time to visit

Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park between late May and early September. June, July, and August tend to be the busiest months. The quieter “shoulder seasons” run from March to May and September to October while the low season runs November to March.

The South Rim which is open year-round and is easier to get to is always busier than the North Rim of the canyon which is only open between May 15 and October 15, weather dependent. If you’re planning to visit the South Rim over school holidays, summer break, or fall weekends, you should expect long lines, limited parking, and crowded viewpoints. To lessen wait times, you can buy your park pass in advance in Tusayan, the South Entrance gateway town; enter the park at the less-busy East Entrance; or take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim.

If you don’t plan to visit the North Rim, winter can be an extra-special (and quiet) time at the South Rim. With low visitation many of the popular viewpoints are uncrowded. It is a much quieter time and the contrast between the red rocks of the canyon and snow on the rim is a magical sight.

Sunrise/Sunset

The best time to see and photograph the Grand Canyon is typically at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise is between 5:11 and 7:40 am depending on the season while sunset fluctuates between 5:14 and 7:49 pm.

There is no one best place for watching sunrise or sunset, just good places and better places. Look for a viewpoint that juts into the canyon with views both east and west.

On Hermit Road, Hopi Point is unquestionably a desirable viewpoint for sunset; it attracts crowds of people and buses especially in the summer
Hermit Road, Mohave, and Pima Points offer spectacular views of the canyon, are less congested, and allow you to see the Colorado River a mile below
Points along Desert View Drive that offer great east and west panoramas include Yaki, Navajo, and Desert View
Lipan Point near Desert View offers incredible views of the canyon with the San Francisco Peaks to the south, the distant Painted Desert, and extensive stretches of the river below
For a memorable sunrise, try Mather or Yaki Points

How to get there

The closest town to the South Rim is Williams which is a direct one-hour-and-20-minute drive on Route 64. From the larger city of Flagstaff, the South Rim is one hour and 45 minutes via Route 180. Phoenix is the closest major city and is three hours and 45 minutes away by car. Las Vegas is around four hours and 45 minutes from the South Rim.

Once you’re in the South Rim village there are several free shuttle buses that take you to various viewpoints, sites, and trailheads around the rim. Some routes run year-round while others are seasonal. Check the schedule on the website.

You can also get to the South Rim on the Grand Canyon Railway which departs from Williams. By taking the train you can avoid entrance line waits and parking headaches.

The North Rim which is typically open between May 15 and October 15 is around two hours south of Jacob Lake, Arizona on Highway 67. Las Vegas which is over 5 hours away by car is the closest major city to the North Rim. And as I previously mentioned, driving between the two rims takes a full five hours.

Best things to do

Scenic drives

One of the best ways to experience the size and beauty of the canyon is to drive the Desert View Drive along the South Rim. The road takes off near the South Rim village and continues along the canyon rim for 23 miles passing six viewpoints and a Tusayan Pueblo site. A shuttle bus also runs along this route.

Hermit Road (formerly West Rim Drive) runs in the opposite direction of Desert View Drive on the South Rim and offers a completely different look at the canyon (with nine viewpoints). Hermit Road is closed to private cars from March 1 to November 30. During that time, there is a free shuttle bus that runs along the road.

On the North Rim you can drive between Cape Royal and Point Imperial on a scenic road with plenty of pullouts and viewpoints including Walhalla Overlook and Roosevelt Point. Keep in mind the North Rim and its scenic roads are closed in the winter.

Rafting

If you’re interested in going down inside the canyon, a raft trip is a must. There are full and half-day river trips that can be arranged through lodging accommodations on the South Rim along with multi-day excursions down the Colorado River (for the latter, you need to secure a permit in advance).

Road biking

On the South Rim there are around 13 miles of bike-friendly road and greenway trail (including Hermit Road, formerly known as West Rim Drive). The shuttle buses have bike racks so you can bike out and ride the bus back. There are regular and e-bike rentals available from the Bright Angel Bicycles shop adjacent to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim.

Cultural demonstrations

There are ongoing cultural demonstrations at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim. These free demonstrations allow park visitors to meet members of the area’s 11 Indigenous groups and watch how traditional and modern crafts are made.

Best hikes

Canyon Rim Trail

This flat route runs right along the rim of the canyon and is a great introduction to the park. It starts at the visitor center at the South Rim and follows the edge of the canyon, eventually running alongside Hermit Road which has nine exceptional overlooks.

Trail of Time

The Grand Canyon has a long and beautiful geological history and it’s showcased along the Trail of Time which runs almost three miles round-trip along the canyon rim between the Yavapai Museum of Geology and Verkamps Visitor Center on the South Rim. Each meter walked on the timeline trail signifies one million years of Grand Canyon’s geologic history and there are samples of rock and exhibits that explain how the Grand Canyon was formed.

South Kaibab Trail

Day hikes into the canyon should definitely be on your list especially if it’s your first time. Hike along the South Rim’s South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (three miles round-trip) or Skeleton Point (six miles round-trip). Just keep in mind, the trail descends into the canyon and is extremely steep. The national park notes that “the openness of this trail lends itself to extreme heat during the summer months and little to no protection from passing storms.”

Bright Angel Trail

Another in-canyon hike on the South Rim to consider is the Bright Angel Trail to the 1.5- mile rest house or the three-mile rest house. This route follows in the footsteps of the canyon’s Indigenous people, miners, and early tourists.

Transept Trail

This route on the North Rim follows the canyon rim from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground. The canyon views are plentiful on this three-mile round-trip hike.

North Kaibab Trail

This is the only maintained trail that goes into the canyon from the North Rim. You can go as far as you want with the Coconino Overlook and Supai Tunnel just 1.5 miles and four miles round-trip, respectively. The North Kaibab Trail goes all the way from the rim to the river at the bottom of the canyon but the park warns that “Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day” as the route is 28 miles round-trip with a steep 6,000-foot descent.

Campgrounds

There are four campgrounds along the South Rim including the year-round Mather Campground for tent camping and Trailer Village for RVs. The South Rim also has two seasonal campgrounds that open for the spring, summer, and fall: Desert View near the East Entrance and Ten-X Campground.

There are also two seasonal campgrounds on the North Rim of the canyon, the North Rim Campground and the DeMotte Campground. Neither have hookups.

Fact box

Location: Northwest Arizona, 80 miles north of Flagstaff
Size: 1.2 million acres
Highest peaks, lowest valley: North Rim sits at about 8,000 feet, South Rim at 7,000 feet with the canyon dropping a mile below them
Miles of trails: 35 miles of paved trails and 560 miles of unpaved paths (and 277 miles of river)
Main attraction: Views from atop the canyon and adventures into it by foot, mule, or raft
Entry fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days; Annual Seniors Pass, $20 for visitors 62 and older
Best way to see it: From scenic rim-top viewpoints at sunrise and sunset
When to go to avoid biggest crowds: September through April

Most recent travel stories on the Grand Canyon

Worth Pondering…

The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself.

—Major John Wesley Powell, Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons

The Complete Guide to Grand Canyon National Park

Experience the majesty of the natural wonder—gorges, alcoves, and rocks resembling castles

President Teddy Roosevelt visited the Grand Canyon in 1903 telling applauding crowds at the South Rim that “Arizona has a natural wonder which … is absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world … one of the great sights which every American … should see.”

He declared the Grand Canyon a national monument in 1908 with it finally achieving national park status in 1919 after a long political battle with powerful local mining interests.

Nowadays, Grand Canyon National Park with its 1.2 million acres of sweeping landscapes, raging rapids, and winding trails is well on its way to fulfilling Teddy Roosevelt’s desire welcoming more than 6 million visitors annually. And it is indeed a grand canyon: Carved from millions of years of the Colorado River’s powerful waters, the multicolored layers of eroded rock drop a full mile of elevation from the rim split by a chasm averaging 10 miles wide overlooking 277 miles of a river that has challenged rafters since John Wesley Powell’s legendary pioneering journey in 1869.

The Grand Canyon’s majesty is much more than just facts and figures. This natural wonder has an overwhelming presence that must be experienced in person as even the best photos and words can hardly do it justice. But naturalist John Muir tried: “I cannot tell the hundredth part of the wonders of its features—the side canyons, gorges, alcoves, cloisters, and amphitheaters of vast sweep and depth carved in its magnificent walls; the throng of great architectural rocks it contains resembling castles, cathedrals, temples and palaces, towered and spired and painted, some of them nearly a mile high, yet beneath one’s feet.”

Visitors can experience the Grand Canyon’s grandeur in ways as varied as the canyon’s rocky ridges. From bus tours and easy strolls along the canyon rim to the famed mule rides or educational ranger programs, helicopter rides flying above it all, and rafting tours in the Colorado River there’s something for everyone.

Plan your trip

Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona about 80 miles from both Flagstaff to the southeast and the Utah border to the north, 230 miles from Phoenix to the south, and 275 miles from Las Vegas to the west. You can visit the 277-mile-long canyon from entrances on the North, South, East, and West rims but the South Rim entrance receives about 90 percent of visitors.

It also hosts most of the facilities, on-site lodging and activities, and is more easily accessed than the North Rim. The eastern entrance, a lesser-trafficked gate lies about a 25-mile drive from the South Rim facilities while Grand Canyon West is a Hualapai tribal development outside of Grand Canyon National Park’s boundaries with a glass-bottom scenic skywalk jutting precariously over the canyon cliff as well as a zipline, rafting excursions, cultural demonstrations, food and lodging.

The North Rim closes November through April but the rest of the park remains open year round. Admission is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days ($20, Annual Seniors Pass for ages 62 and older). Save time at the gate by buying a digital pass in advance at recreation.gov or from an outlet in the towns of Tusayan, the South Rim gateway just a mile outside the park or Williams, 60 miles south.

Summer months and holidays are the park’s busiest times. If you visit then, avoid traffic, parking hassles and lines at the South Rim entrance by taking a free shuttle bus from Tusayan, about a 20-minute ride to that gate’s South Rim Visitors Center. You can also detour to the East Entrance via AZ 64 and then take a scenic 25-mile-drive along the canyon to reach the South Rim.

Or for a particularly fun way to get there, ride the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim from Williams in old-time Pullman cars.

Amtrak stops at Williams and farther south at Flagstaff where it offers shuttle service to the park. Once at the South Rim, hop on ADA-compliant shuttle buses that operate on four routes for easy access to viewpoints, trailheads, lodging and dining (though lines can be long at bus stops in peak seasons).

To avoid the crowds altogether visit in the slow season from November to February (not during holidays) and potentially get treated to a phenomenal snow-covered version of the park. After a fresh snowfall, the canyon looks like an epic orange layer cake with vanilla frosting.

Park weather can surprise visitors given the rim’s altitude of more than 7,000 feet above sea level. The high temperature in midwinter averages in the 40s with lows in the teens and regular snowfall. Even in summer when highs average in the mid-80s and can easily top 100 degrees, mornings and evenings remain chilly with temperatures dropping precipitously into the 40s. Temperatures at the canyon’s base, a mile below, can be more than 30 degrees warmer than at the rim. On any visit, dress in layers, and—given the high and dry environment—stay hydrated.

The South Rim facilities are grouped in three main areas spread over approximately three miles near the canyon. The South Entrance Road winds first past the Visitor Center area then continues west for a mile to Market Plaza, a practical hub with shops, Park Headquarters, lodging, and campgrounds. Another mile west brings you to Grand Canyon Village, the historic center and activity base for visitors with food, lodging, museums, and the train depot. Limited parking is available at each area with remote lots served by free shuttles.

Cell phone access within the park can be spotty (and nonexistent in the valley) but the Grand Canyon Lodges’ six properties in the park recently upgraded their wireless systems providing much improved connectivity for guests. You’ll find free Wi-Fi at the Park Headquarters as well as the Canyon Village Market Deli and the Community Library (a half-mile from the train depot).

El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Where to stay and eat

Whatever your taste in lodging perhaps super deluxe or maybe no frills—Grand Canyon National Park has you covered. But it’s important to know that the park’s accommodations are typically booked up a year in advance for summer and holiday visits.

The 78-room El Tovar Hotel built in 1905 and perched proudly like a mountain chalet footsteps from the South Rim’s edge has been called the “Crown Jewel of National Park Lodges.” With moose and elk hunting trophies jutting from vaulted wood ceilings towering over roaring fireplaces you can imagine Teddy Roosevelt sitting in the lounge trading tall tales with his Rough Rider mates, one of whom built a still extant cabin nearby. You can rent it—the Buckey O’Neill Cabin—at the Bright Angel Lodge which has 37 basic rooms many with a shared bathroom and 53 cabins.

Other South Rim options include the 55-room Kachina and 49-room Thunderbird lodges (affordable and contemporary accommodations) and the Maswik Lodge (280 motel rooms).

On the North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge has 40 basic motel rooms and 179 cabins (nestled in pines) ranging from basic to more deluxe, six with rim views.

At the canyon’s base, Phantom Ranch is a rustic destination available only via tour operators and a lottery system.

If camping is more your style you’ll have plenty of company. On the South Rim, the 325 sites at the Mather Campground (near Market Plaza facilities, no RV hookups) and the 123 at Trailer Village (about a half-mile from Mather, full RV hookups) are often booked up. Both have laundromats and pay showers and there are nearby markets.

The more rustic Desert View Campground has 50 first-come-first-served campsites for tents and RVs. Sites fill up by noon in high season. The North Rim has a 90-site campground (no RV hookups) with shower facilities and a nearby market. To escape it all, backcountry permits are available. Permit costs vary among the campgrounds ranging from $6 to $50 per night with a 50 percent discount for the Seniors Pass. Reservation policies vary, as well.

South Rim food options are plentiful. Bite into the filet mignon with jalapeno chimichurri sauce at the classically elegant El Tovar Dining Room. Stop by for a prickly pear margarita even if you’re not dining there.

For more casual fare, try Fred Harvey Burger at the Bright Angel Lodge serving family-friendly fare (with king-size ice cream scoops for dessert and the Maswik Food Court next to Maswik Lodge satisfying appetites with cafeteria food and pizza. Food trucks rove around cooking up tasty tacos and more. For picnic lunches or to stock up for camping head to the Canyon Village Market & Deli in the Market Plaza area near the campgrounds.

Things to do

Staring and marveling at the Grand Canyon is the obvious thing to do but so many other activities available will help enhance your visit. Maybe you can’t do all five of these well-worth-it ones highlighted here but doing at least some should ensure you’ll long remember your time at this spellbinding natural wonder.

Note: An accessibility guide helps those with impaired mobility or vision decide the best options for them.

Explore 1.8 billion years of history

Sure, the canyon looks pretty but how in the world did it get here? The park becomes so much more than a scenic hole in the ground when you learn about the area’s natural and human history. Joining a free ranger-led tour from the park’s three visitor’s centers is a great way to get started. A self-guided walk along the Trail of Time (see below) reveals 1.8 billion years of geologic change in the canyon culminating in displays at the Yavapai Geology Museum at the trail’s east end.

Also learn about the people who have made the park what it is. Grand Canyon Village tells the story of native tribes at the Hopi House, of pioneering photographers at Kolb Studio, and the naturalists and explorers at Verkamp’s Visitor Center.

Go for a hike

Whether you want a casual stroll to a viewpoint or a heart-pounding climb into the canyon the variety of Grand Canyon National Park’s 35 miles of paved trails and 560 miles of unpaved paths ensures you’ll find what’s just right for you. While the treks into the canyon can be extreme you don’t need to go below the rim to appreciate the park. When going into the canyon even on shorter hikes it’s still important to know your limits especially with the heat and elevation at the park.

The most easily accessible and popular hike is the paved Rim Trail, a 13-mile path along the canyon from the Hermit’s Rest viewpoint west of the Village to Yaki Point to the east with many scenic overlooks and photo-worthy stops.

Insider tip: To provide human scale within a photo walk a bit outside the Village then snap a shot back at people gathered at the overlooks there.

Within the Rim Trail, the Trail of Time segment is the most worthwhile combining awe-inspiring views with interpretive signage detailing the canyon’s history. The 2.8-mile route lies between the Yavapai Geology Museum and Verkamp’s Visitor Center with benches for resting, occasional shady spots, and rock displays from the 1.8 billion years of geologic history.

For something a little more adventurous but still relatively moderate take a guided 1.8-mile round-trip walk down and back up the South Kaibab Trail leaving from Verkamp’s. The turnaround spot at Ooh Aah Point delivers stunning 360-degree views of the canyon depths and up to the rim.

Follow the sun

Come to the park early or stay late for bucket-list worthy sunrises and sunsets. The changing light reveals colors and contours not visible under the blazing midday sun almost like you’re visiting three different parks in one as the day changes. See the shadows play behind towering rock spires as the sun dips to the horizon, bright reds and oranges dimming to soft hues like a movie fading to a close. At sunrise, nature’s theater curtain opens with hints of light gradually revealing the majesty below.

The South Rim’s popular viewpoints can get crowded particularly near the South Rim Visitor Center at Mather Point (sunrise) and at Hopi Point (sunset) so stroll along the Rim Trail to a quieter spot—even if it isn’t the ultimate overlook it’s still going to be pretty darn good. Along Desert View Drive, Pima and Lipan points are less crowded for catching the sunset; try Yaki Point for sunrise. Or tap into local savvy with a Grand Canyon Lodges’ sunset or sunrise bus tour; in-the-know tour leaders take you to the best spots that particular day given the conditions.

Hop on a mule

While fun, riding a sure-footed mule to the canyon floor, a longtime park tradition may sound a bit too grueling and nerve-racking for you. If so, enjoy a similar experience, minus any angst with an easy and relaxing mule ride along the South Rim—two hours in the saddle with frequent stops for talks with the rangers. Riders are shuttled from Grand Canyon Village to a corral where wranglers help with riding instructions. At the North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge offers slow-paced, one-hour and half-day rides with shuttles from the lodge.

Watch the stars

The Grand Canyon has been designated a Dark Sky location due to its prime viewing conditions—high elevation, dry atmosphere, and limits on artificial light. The dazzling display including a Milky Way so bright and close you feel you can touch it makes the Grand Canyon seem small. Yes, small.

The less-developed, darker North Rim draws stargazers year round but even at the South Rim Yavapai Point provides an easily accessible spot to set up a telescope or just gaze upward. Or park along Desert View Drive at Lipan Point for excellent gazing.

Gateway towns

In the small town of Tusayan (population: 587), the South Rim’s gateway be sure to visit the privately run Grand Canyon Visitor Center for a good orientation to the park—it has an information center, tour-operator section, and a popular IMAX theater that showcases the Grand Canyon on a six-story screen.

The town’s half-dozen lodging options range from the budget 7 Mile Lodge to the upscale Grand Canyon Lodge. Dine at the Big E Steakhouse and Wagon Wheel Saloon for some Old West-style ambience and hearty burgers, ribs. and steaks.

The North Rim doesn’t have any gateway towns of note but is served by a one-stop shop: The family owned and operated Jacob Lake Inn, 42 miles north of the park entrance offers a hotel, motel, and cabins along with dining and a gift shop. Jacob Lake is also a good jumping off point for excursions to southern Utah’s national parks such as Bryce and Zion.

The park’s eastern entrance near the village of Cameron has a couple of small souvenir shops, diners, and Cameron Trading Post with a motel, RV park, gift shop, gallery, and restaurant. It’s nearby the little-known but worth-visiting Grand Falls waterfalls over 181 feet tall and aka The Chocolate Niagara for its sometime muddy waters. Nearby, you can go flat-water rafting.

En route

Williams, 60 miles south of the park has a downtown full of charming Route 66 kitsch with a dozen gift shops, a few friendly diners, cowboy street performances, and the Grand Canyon Railway depot. While there, try the delicious burritos at El Corral 66 or the family-friendly pub grub (and tasty microbrews) at the Historic Barrel and Bottle House. Williams is also a base for area activities such as fishing, golfing, and hiking.

Flagstaff is a destination in itself, a high desert retreat particularly popular with Phoenix residents who drive the 80 miles north (and nearly 6,000 feet uphill) to escape the summer heat. Three top things to do around the area: Visit the Lowell Observatory (the place where Pluto was discovered) and its science center; go to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort for summer hikes as well as downhill skiing in winter (yes, in Arizona); and tour the Bearizona wildlife park for its cute bear cubs and other wildlife. Dining and shopping options pack Flagstaff’s downtown and there’s plentiful lodging and campgrounds in and around town.

Do make a side trip to Meteor Crater National Landmark, 45 miles east of Flagstaff even if you think you’ll get your fill of canyons at the national park. The mile-wide, 550-foot-deep impact crater is an impressive cosmic contrast to the Grand Canyon’s gently eroded landscape. Take time to stop at the visitor’s center for fascinating science exhibits and films and stay overnight in their RV park.

Grand Canyon National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. I hope this guide helps you plan your adventure and that you’ll soon discover the magic of this park.

Here are a few more articles to help you do just that:

Fact box

Location: Northwest Arizona, 80 miles north of Flagstaff
Acreage: 1.2 million acres
Highest peaks, lowest valley: North Rim sits at about 8,000 feet, South Rim at 7,000 feet with the canyon dropping a mile below them
Miles of trails: 35 miles of paved trails and 560 miles of unpaved paths (and 277 miles of river)
Main attraction: Views from atop the canyon and adventures into it by foot, mule, or raft
Entry fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days; Annual Seniors Pass, $20 for visitors 62 and older
Best way to see it: From scenic rim-top viewpoints at sunrise and sunset
When to go to avoid biggest crowds: September through April

Worth Pondering…

The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself.

—Major John Wesley Powell, Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons

14 Must-See National Historic Landmarks (Must-See + Photos)

From sea to shining sea, I’m sharing America’s best historic landmarks

While there are more than 87,000 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places which is America’s official list of historic properties only about 3 percent of those are National Historic Landmarks. The Alamo, Savannah Historic District, Keeneland Race Track, Historic Williamsburg, Hubbell Trading Post, and more are all National Historic Landmarks.

Each of these Landmarks is an exceptional representation of an important chapter of American history. The town of Telluride joined this preeminent group of America’s most special places in 1961 when it was designated a National Historic Landmark as one of the most important places associated with mining history in the United States. Hall’s Hospital, now the home of the Telluride Historical Museum was built in 1896 and is one of the oldest buildings in Telluride. It is also designated as a National Historic Landmark and is a contributing structure to the Town’s status as a National Historic Landmark District.

From Old Ironsides to the Grand Canyon Depot these 14 landmarks are just some of the must-see sights that help us appreciate America’s beauty and resiliency while reconciling its past and honoring those who lived here before the New World was built. Be sure to stay in a local campground or RV park to get the full local, often historic, experience.

There are over 2,600 National Historic Landmark sites in the United States and the federal government owns fewer than 400 of them. Roughly 85 percent of them are owned by private citizens, organizations, corporations, tribal entities, or state or local governments—or sometimes a combination.

USS Alabama *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. USS Alabama

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: January 14, 1986

Location: Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama

Description: Displacing more than 44,500 tons, USS Alabama Battleship measures 680 feet from stem to stern—half as long as the Empire State Building is tall. Armed with nine, 16-inch guns in three turrets and 20, 5-inch, .38-caliber guns in 10 twin mounts, her main batteries could fire shells, as heavy as a small car, accurately for a distance of more than 20 miles.

Her steel side armor was a foot thick above the waterline, tapering to one half inch at the bottom. Her four propellers, each weighing more than 18 tons, could drive her through the seas up to 28 knots (32 mph). Loaded with 7,000 tons of fuel oil, her range was about 15,000 nautical miles.

Hubbell Trading Post *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Hubbell Trading Post

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: December 12, 1960

Location: Ganado, Apache County, Arizona

Description: Hubbell Trading Post is the oldest operating trading post in the Navajo Nation. The Arizona historical site sells basic traveling staples as well as Native American art just as it did during the late 1800s.

Jekyll Island Club *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Jekyll Island Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: June 2, 1978

Location: Jekyll Island, Glynn County, Georgia

Description: In 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased to become an exclusive winter retreat known as the Jekyll Island Club. It soon became recognized as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world.” Club members included such notable figures as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field. Today, the former Club grounds comprise a 240-acre site with 34 historic structures. The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark is one of the largest restoration projects in the southeastern United States.

USS Constitution *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Constitution (Frigate)

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: December 19, 1960

Location: Charlestown Navy Yard, Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Description: USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Naval officers and crew still serve aboard her today.

The wooden-hulled, three-mast USS Constitution was launched from Hartt’s shipyard in Boston’s North End on October 21, 1797. It was designed to be more heavily armed and better constructed than the standard ships of the period.

The greatest glory for USS Constitution came during the War of 1812. It was during this war in the battle against the HMS Guerriere the ship earned the nickname Old Ironsides when the crew of the British ship noticed their canon shots simply bounced off the ship’s strong oak hull they proclaimed: “Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!”

Keeneland *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Keeneland Race Course

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: September 24, 1986

Location: Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky

Description: Since opening in October 1936, Keeneland has been unique in the Thoroughbred industry. Keeneland is the world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house and hosts world-class racing twice annually during its boutique spring and fall meetings. Owners, trainers, riders, and fans from all over the world travel to Lexington each year to participate at Keeneland.

Read more: Keeneland: A Special Place

Grand Canyon Depot *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Grand Canyon Depot

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: May 28, 1987

Location: South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino County, Arizona

Constructed in 1909-1910, Grand Canyon Depot is part of the Grand Canyon National Park Historic District and is a National Historic Landmark. Designed by architect Francis W. Wilson of Santa Barbara, California, the log and wood-frame structure is two stories high. Originally, the downstairs was designated for station facilities, and the upstairs was for the station agent’s family.

Just beyond the depot is the El Tovar Hotel built in 1905 by the railroad. The El Tovar is the signature hotel along the rim. The railroad built the depot five years after the hotel and placed it conveniently close for the rail passengers.

Read more: Making a Grand Trip Grander

The Alamo *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. The Alamo

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: December 19, 1960

Location: San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Description: In San Antonio, five missions were constructed between 1718 and 1720. Appropriately, the first of these was Mission San Antonio de Valero later to be known as the Alamo. Remember the Alamo! It was the battle cry of Texas freedom fighters during the decisive Battle of San Jacinto led by Sam Houston against Mexico in April 1836. And it was a memorial to the doomed defenders of the Spanish mission turned Texas fort. The Alamo became a bloody battlefield and a hallowed final resting place for those who would never leave these grounds alive.

Read more: Remember the Alamo?

Colonial Williamsburg *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Williamsburg Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: October 9, 1960

Location: Williamsburg (City), Virginia

Description: Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum with 301 acres featuring iconic sites, working trades people, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums. The city was founded as the capital of the Virginia Colony in 1699 and it was here that the basic concepts of the United States of America were formed under the leadership of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, and many others.

Savannah *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Savannah Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: November 13, 1966

Location: Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia

Description: Walk down the cobblestone streets of Georgia’s first city, a place filled with southern charm. Steeped in history and architectural treasures, Savannah begs to be explored by trolley and on foot. Much of Savannah’s charm lies in meandering through the Historic District’s lovely shaded squares draped in feathery Spanish moss—all 22 of them.

Tumacacori *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Tumacacori Museum

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: May 28, 1987

Location: Tumacacori, Santa Cruz County, Arizona

Description: The oldest Jesuit mission in Arizona has been preserved in Tumacácori National Historic Park, a picturesque reminder that Southern Arizona was, at one time, the far northern frontier of New Spain. The San Cayetano del Tumacácori Mission was established in 1691 by Spanish Jesuit priest Eusebio Francisco Kino, 29 miles north of Nogales beside the Santa Cruz River. Jesuit, and later Franciscan, priests ministered to the O’odham Indians and Spanish settlers until 1848.

Mount Washington Hotel *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

11. Mount Washington Hotel

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: June 24, 1986

Location: Carroll, Coos County, New Hampshire

Description: While the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods is tucked away from the main drag, it’s almost impossible to miss it with Mount Washington hovering over like a halo. Once you walk into the lobby, you’re transported back to 1902 when the hotel first opened. It’s even rumored that the owner’s wife, Carolyn, still lives in the hotel (don’t worry, a friendly tenant), and ghost aficionados jump at the opportunity to book her old quarters in Room 314.

Palace of the Governors *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

12. Palace of the Governors

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: October 9, 1960

Location: Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico

Description: Downtown Santa Fe’s Palace of the Governors on the plaza is one of the most iconic sites in the city. The oldest continuously inhabited building in the United States, it’s perhaps best known for the Native American market beneath its portal. But inside is a historic gem as well—the New Mexico History Museum which covers centuries of life in Santa Fe and hosts exhibitions related to the tri-culture of the Native Americans, Spanish, and Anglo peoples and cultures of New Mexico.

Read more: Santa Fe Never Goes Out of Style

The Strand *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

13. Strand Historic District

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: May 11, 1976

Location: Galveston, Galveston County, Texas

Description: Galveston’s Historic Strand District, or The Strand, is the heart of the island and a great place to shop, dine, and be entertained. Fronting Galveston Bay, The Strand is a National Historic Landmark that harkens back to Galveston’s heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of the buildings here are more than a century old, stunning in their detail and craftsmanship. Storefronts here are a mix of antique shops, art galleries, souvenir shops, and more. The Strand serves as the commercial center of downtown Galveston. Places of interest include the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center and Museum, Pier 21 Theater, the Texas Seaport Museum, and the tall ship Elissa.

Read more: I Still Dream of Galveston

Yuma Crossing *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

14. Yuma Crossing and Associated Sites

Date recognized as a National Historic Landmark: November 13, 1966

Location: Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona and Winterhaven, Imperial County, California

Description: The Colorado River State Historic Park (formerly Yuma Crossing State Historic Park) sits on the bank of the Colorado where river captains once sailed from the Gulf of California to unload supplies then kick up their heels in the bustling port of Yuma.

The park is located on a portion of the grounds of the old U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot established in 1864. This site is significant in the history of the Arizona Territory. The purpose of the Park is to protect its historic structures and interpret the diverse history of the site.

Many of the original structures from that time are still standing.

Read more: The Yuma Crossing

Worth Pondering…

Most people’s historical perspective begins with the day of their birth.

—Rush Limbaugh

National Parks Host Holiday Celebrations

The holiday season is a wonderful time to visit North America’s national parks which offer cooler temps, lighter crowds, and a peaceful serenity that comes during this relatively quiet time of year

The holiday season is a special time for the National Park Service. Many parks across the U.S. and Canada offer unique holiday programs and events that simply can’t be experienced at any other time of year. Chances are, there’s something exciting happening in a park near you!

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly entertainment and a visit from Santa, rousing celebrations featuring time-honored traditions, or a tranquil getaway that allows you to further immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, these national parks make the perfect destination for your holiday getaway.

1. Hop aboard the Polar Express to Grand Canyon National Park

Fans of the man in the red suit can ride the rails for a different Santa-themed adventure taking visitors from Williams, Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park. Kids and kids-at-heart will flip for the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express which runs from mid-November through the end of the year. Travelers will have the honor of mingling with Santa and his reindeer before heading back to Williams with a keepsake present in hand. It’s a popular journey that fills up fast, so making reservations for this experience is a must.

El Tovar Hotel *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The park’s El Tovar Hotel which first opened in 1905 also gets in on the festivities with a massive tree, Santa hat-adorned taxidermy, and extravagant holiday wreaths spilling out of the century-old lobby. Don’t expect to leave without a full stomach. They’re always famous for their French onion soup but they also have specialty offerings like turkey that are unique to the holidays. The hotel also hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner each year (reservations required).

Banff National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Savor a traditional holiday atmosphere at Banff National Park

Canada is known for its long winters and the short summer season means heavy crowds in Banff National Park during warm weather. But a visit during the snowy season offers a Narnia-like wonderland with fewer tourists.

From carols to candles, cookies, and cocoa, the holiday season is full of robust rituals passed on from generation to generation. And at Alberta’s Banff National Park you can honor treasured traditions in an awe-inspiring snow-covered setting.

Events held throughout the season include European-style Christmas markets filled with handcrafted wares and delicious treats, a delectable hot chocolate trail through Banff and Lake Louise, and a live Christmas story told through illuminated puppets, dazzling sculptures, and clever sound effects at the park’s Cascade of Time Garden.

Come January you can enjoy the Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition at frozen Lake Louise. Here, delicate and beautiful ice sculptures take shape as they’re carefully carved by skilled artists. Grab a drink from the onsite ice bar then stroll through a literal ice castle as you view the creations.

3. A Smoky Mountain Christmas

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular of all the national parks in the United States. And if you’re looking for unspoiled natural beauty, it’s arguably the best place to visit in the Smoky Mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

But during the holiday season, the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains involve getting into the mountain towns and soaking in a different type of scenery. Some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains in winter aren’t of nature at all but of the Christmas cheer that seems to abound throughout the region. Christmas in the Smoky Mountains involves small-town parades, Christmas trains, Christmas lights, holiday craft markets, snow skiing and tubing, and a big heaping serving of music and theater.

Gatlinburg *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Whether you choose to visit North Carolina, Tennessee, or both, a Smoky Mountain Christmas offers plenty of opportunities to get festive. Christmas in Gatlinburg gets magical at SkyLift Park with its beloved Lights over Gatlinburg event running from mid-November to the end of January. The entire park is bedecked with lights and trees including a 30-foot, multi-colored Christmas tree and a 300-foot tunnel of Christmas lights.

Pigeon Forge *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Christmas in Pigeon Forge is all about the Winterfest Celebration which fills the town with Christmas light displays, holiday parades, trolley tours, and Christmas shows. The Winterfest Celebration spans several popular places to visit in the Smoky Mountains including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.

Zion National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Seek out songbirds at Zion National Park (and beyond)

Each December, natural areas throughout the country take part in the longest-running citizen science survey in the world during the Christmas Bird Count. This century-old, far-reaching effort allows bird watchers and avian enthusiasts to join in the efforts to identify, count, and record the bird population as part of what’s considered to be the most significant citizen-based conservation effort.

The events at Zion and Bryce Canyon allow participants to join with family and friends to conduct their count throughout a designated zone within the park. Those who can’t make it to Utah for this endeavor can locate a Christmas Bird Count event at nearby national and state parks throughout the holiday season by visiting the National Audubon Society’s website.

Bryce Canyon National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Attend an epic winter festival in Bryce Canyon National Park

The iconic red rock spires that fill the landscape in Bryce Canyon National Park look even more ethereal when coated with a dusting of white snow. Visitors can delight in full-moon snowshoe adventures and Saturday astronomy programs at this certified Dark Sky Park.

So, beloved, is this stunning destination come wintertime that it plays host to a kid-friendly Winter Festival each President’s Day weekend. Here you can attend a variety of themed events including cross-country ski tours, archery clinics, morning yoga, crafts and cookie decorating for kids, and more.

White Sands National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Go warmish weather sledding through White Sands National Park

If the thought of braving below-freezing temps for some winter fun frightens you, consider a getaway to White Sands National Park. With daytime highs hovering in the 50- to 60-degree Fahrenheit range, New Mexico winters offer a more palatable climate for sledding and creating snow angels—minus the snow. Glistening white sand tricks the eye into believing that the scenery is a true winter wonderland and the park’s hills are so popular for sliding down that plastic snow saucers can be purchased or rented at the White Sands visitor center.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park brings back history-inspired Rock of Ages tour

For six nights in December, Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience special guided tours with staff in historical costumes. The tour times are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17. The cost is $55 per person and reservations are required.

The tradition, brought back in 2000, gives visitors a chance to meet some of the men and women, so to speak, who helped weave the fabric of the national park. Park staff dressed in historical costumes guide visitors on a lantern-lit tour of the front half of the Big Room at the caverns.

The tour will feature a re-creation of the historic Rock of Ages Ceremony which was regularly conducted in the Big Room during the 1930s and ’40s. During this portion of the tour, visitors will experience a blackout, being immersed in total darkness as a mysterious voice fills the cavern, singing the hymn Rock of Ages.

Worth Pondering…

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

—Norman Vincent Peale

The Ultimate Guide to Grand Canyon National Park

Grand doesn’t really even begin to describe it

No matter how many photos you’ve seen of the Grand Canyon, standing at the rim’s edge for the first time takes your breath away—especially if you’re there at sunset as the fading light paints shades of rose, violet, and gold onto the ancient rocks. There will never be a photograph captured of the Grand Canyon that can adequately describe its depth, breadth, and true beauty.

The canyon walls have stories that we will never hear and a history that our eyes will never behold. But if you stand and watch long enough, you’ll start to appreciate the vastness as its depths open up as each emerging shadow moves across its void. It is perhaps for those reasons that it has earned a rare spot among the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and why everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Grand Canyon South Rim *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Grand Canyon is about 1-mile deep and 10 miles wide, measuring 277 miles in length, and it holds more than 10,000 years of history in that space (millions if you really want to get technical). There are endless ways to experience it depending on what the body and mind are looking for and one’s level of endurance. The Grand Canyon is not “one place” but a desert wilderness with many areas to explore—North Rim, South Rim, and West Rim (outside of Grand Canyon National Park); the Village of Supai and Kaibab National Forest—there are different stories to seek out and to create in each of them.

In a well–known film lampoon of the family vacation, Chevy Chase stands at the edge of the Grand Canyon, nods his head in approval, and leaves. Visitors in real life tend to linger a bit longer—but not much. They emerge from cars or tour buses on the South Rim to peer out and take a selfie. Sometimes, they stay for a picnic or to have lunch at one of the rim lodges. Then they’re gone, the once-in-a-lifetime visit checked off their bucket list. According to Grand Canyon National Park officials, the average visit to this Arizona attraction lasts just two hours.

The Grand Canyon can be a disappointment. Viewed from the top near one of the visitors’ parking lots, the fissured network of buttes and desert plateaus that make up one of the world’s largest river gorges can appear almost like a two-dimensional painting. More than one spectator has called it overrated.

But for those who take the first steps to descend below the canyon rim, something magical happens. Despite all the beautiful parks and places to discover on Earth, they’ll decide this is the place they must return to, again and again.

When hikers step through the canvas of pastel pink, orange, grey, and deep blue, they become part of the landscape. Down foot trails gouged from the side of rock cliffs, the view expands to 360 degrees and the canyon takes on dimensions and distances that can’t quite be imagined. Only the condors and ravens seem to have mastered the terrain. A vast world like this leaves plenty of room for the mind to wander, to gaze, and to rest.

First, let’s take a quick look at the two most visited locations: the North and South Rims.

The North Rim is visited less frequently than the South Rim for a variety of reasons—it is more remote and difficult to get to than the busy South Rim, it is further removed from major population centers, it maintains a short season (May 15–October 15) because of its heavy snow and higher elevation (about 8,000 feet; 9,200 feet at the highest point), and it offers fewer easy access points to peer into the valley of views than its southern counterpart does.

If you plan to visit the Grand Canyon just once in your life, you’ll want it to be the South Rim, first to get a load of the views that drew awareness to the area in the first place. They really are spectacular. If you’ve already seen the South Rim, a visit to the northern side is where you can find solitude in backcountry camping and hiking and unique sites to photograph such as the Cape Royal viewpoint.

The South Rim is the best-known area of the park and is the passageway to iconic viewpoints such as Yavapai and Mather Points, both of which often serve up to many the first views of the colorful gorge as it is located just a short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. At night, catch the sunset at Hopi Point and Mojave Point, two of the most popular places in the park to drink in the pink sky. Near to all of them are iconic lodges, located just steps from the canyon rim. The panoramic views in this area seem to stretch on endlessly and visitor amenities abound including shops, restaurants, free shuttle access to iconic viewpoints, trail access, historical sites, exhibits—and the list goes on and on.

El, Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon South Rim *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

You will find everything you need for a Grand Canyon adventure in Grand Canyon Village. This historic village has excellent shopping for all the hiking and camping gear you need, as well as authentic American Indian crafts and plenty of canyon souvenirs. The village also has stellar lodging options and a top-rated walking tour. Highlights of the tour include Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Buckey O’Neill Cabin, Hopi House, Lookout Studio, and Kolb Studio.

Begin your Grand Canyon tour at the visitor center—especially if you have limited time. Here you can pick up a copy of the self-guided walking tour brochure for in-depth information on the canyon and its history. Park rangers can help design an itinerary to make the most of your visit, suggest hikes to suit your fitness level, and recommend the best viewpoints for sunset and/or sunrise.

Grand Canyon Railway Depot, Grand Canyon South Rim *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

You’ll also learn how Grand Canyon Village grew up around the Santa Fe Railroad starting in 1901. Stop by the rustic Grand Canyon Railway Depot which welcomes Grand Canyon Railway passengers to the village. One fun way to arrive at the South Rim is via the Grand Canyon Railway which runs from the historic town of Williams into the heart of the park allowing for a half-day of exploring before returning in the afternoon.

There are many activities in the Village including helicopter tours, horseback rides, scenic train rides, and mule trips. Do you remember the Brady Bunch adventure when Mike, Cindy, and the clan ventured down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by mule? This is an actual thing! But, why a mule? They’re more sure-footed than horses. From the South Rim, you can ride a mule to the Colorado River and spend a night or two at Phantom Ranch or take a shorter two-hour ride along the rim. Book as far in advance as possible to guarantee yourself a spot.

And, of course, the hiking can’t be beaten. Some of the best hikes include Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Hermit Trail, and Rim Trail. The simplest walk is the Rim Trail which stretches for 13—mostly flat—miles along the top of the South Rim. Much of it is paved and wheelchair-accessible and you can enter and leave the path at any viewpoint. Backcountry permits are not required for day hikes, but—with the exception of Phantom Ranch—they are if you plan to spend the night.

If your fitness allows, try to hike at least part of the way into the Grand Canyon; you’ll get a completely different perspective than you do from the top. The most popular South Rim trail into the canyon is the Bright Angel Trail which is well maintained and offers some shade along the way. Another good option is the South Kaibab Trail—it is a little steeper and has less shade but boasts slightly more dramatic views if you’re only doing part of the trail. While both of these trails go all the way to the bottom you can easily transform each of them into a day hike by turning around at one of the mile markers and going back the way you came.

Shuttle transport, Grand Canyon South Rim *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

For visitors who aren’t up for a hike into the canyon, a shuttle transports visitors along the rim of the canyon, stopping at many breathtaking vantage points. You can also enjoy the views directly from Grand Canyon Village and enjoy lunch at one of the village’s restaurants: Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar, or Maswik Lodge.

Part of the Grand Canyon but outside of the National Park is Hualapai Tribe’s Grand Canyon West. Walk the glass panels on the Skywalk. Soar over the canyon in a helicopter or on a zipline. Float down the Colorado River on a river tour. Take in the epic views at Guano Point and Eagle Point. And, you can stay on-site at the Cabins at Grand Canyon West.

Fact Box

Size: 1,218,375 acres

Date Established: February 26, 1919 (established as Grand Canyon National Monument on January 11, 1908)

Location: Northwestern Arizona

Park Elevation: South Rim, 7,000 feet; North Rim, 8,000 feet

Weather: Though open 365 days a year, Grand Canyon weather can present a few extremes. While the South Rim is warm in the summer, it’s also very busy and the temperature on the canyon floor can reach over 100 degrees. Spring and fall can be pleasant, but unpredictable.

How the park got its name: According to research by award-winning documentarian Ken Burns, the park got its name from a one-armed Civil War veteran and geology professor named John Wesley Powell who declared it the “Grandest of Canyons” after rafting the length of the Colorado River in 1869, after which the name stuck.

Iconic site in the park: Mather Point, just steps from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is often the first view that visitors have of the park. Just after gathering the info needed in order to better plan their stay, visitors can step out onto a narrow railed overlook to take in some of the most extensive views that the canyon has to offer, including Yavapai Point and the Bright Angel Trail stretching down to the bottom of the canyon. From here you can also catch a glimpse of the mighty Colorado River.

Big adventure: There are two popular rim-to-rim hikes for adventurous souls yearning to gaze 4,000 feet skyward from the base of the Colorado River that bisects the canyon. The rim-to-river-to-rim hike starts at the South Rim—the most popular route being down the South Kaibab Trail (7 miles) and up the Bright Angel Trail (about 10 miles.) The true rim-to-rim hike starts on the Bright Angel Trail at the North Rim, descending to the bottom of the canyon for stays at the Phantom Ranch or the Bright Angel Campground, ascending the Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim. This adventure covers 24 miles and takes about 3 days.

Designations: UNESCO World Heritage Site on October 26, 1979

Recreational visits in 2019: 5,974,411

Recreational visits in 2020: 2,897,098

Entrance Fees: $35/vehicle (valid for 7 days); all federal land passes accepted

Camping Fee: $18/night

Worth Pondering…

Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is keep it for your children, your children’s children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see.

—Theodore Roosevelt on the Grand Canyon in 1908

Best Places for RV Travel this August

It’s time for the final hurrah of summer with peak sunshine

Like the preceding month, August is also named after another real person—Augustus, who was the first emperor of Rome and also the nephew of Julius Caesar. The month was originally supposed to be the sixth month, not the eighth, and was called Sextillis to reflect that.

Eleven Range Outlook, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Sunny days and warm weather are the norm and here are our top places to enjoy them.

What does your ideal summer look like: Hiking in a national park? Soaking up the sun on a white-sand beach? Enjoying outdoor activities in a state park? Whatever your dream summer RV trip, one of these destinations will fit the bill.

Badlands National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out our monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in May, June, and July. Also check out our recommendations from August 2019.

Joshua Tree National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

California

From northern redwood forests to the High Sierra, the wild Big Sur coast to the expansive southern desert, you’re never very far from the next adventure in California. It’s a state with fabled drives—Highway 1 on the coast, 101 through the redwoods, 395 beneath the eastern Sierra—and national parks that need no introduction. But with 280 state parks and 18 national forests, the state has almost endless portals into wild country that suits pretty much anyone’s outdoor inclinations.

New Mexico

Artists, photographers, and moviemakers are crazy about New Mexico and the amazing quality of light which is why just naming the state conjures such familiar images for most of us. You know: huge, empty red-rock landscapes with big sunny skies and UFOs arrive on a regular schedule. But there’s more here, of course, including the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Range—the southernmost stretch of the Rockies—and ancient ruins of disappeared cultures. Whether you’re exploring high desert broken by mangled badlands, notching up trophy parks like Carlsbad Caverns, or diving deep into the 34 state parks or five national forests, you always feel you’re discovering something in New Mexico.

Penticton Channrl *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Float the Channel

August is the perfect month to go for a float down the Penticton (British Columbia) Channel. This quintessential Penticton bucket-list activity is fun for the whole family. Cool off in this gorgeous heat with your favorite floatie and friends as you enjoy a leisurely ride down the 4½-mile long channel. You can fill up your own flotation device or rent one from Coyote Cruises. They also provide shuttle transport back to the starting point. They also have some awesome new rental floaties and even some party floats for larger groups.

Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Information Center, Shipshewana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Shipshewana, Indiana

The Shipshewana area is celebrated for being home to the third largest Amish community in the United States, for having the Midwest’s largest flea market, and for its reputation of hand-crafted wares. Enjoy buggy rides, visit an Amish working dairy farm, and experience delicious Amish cooking in beautiful Northern Indiana-Amish/Mennonite Country.

Badlands National Park

Weathered and windswept, Badlands is a desolate yet phenomenal sight. Its layers of sedimentary rocks date back millions of years, resulting in an ancient, fossil-rich landscape of ridges, buttes, and canyons. Saber-toothed cats may no longer roam but the mixed-grass prairies support numerous animals including white-tailed deer and coyotes. Catch a glimpse from one of the easy boardwalk trails.

Board the Grand Canyon Railway

You don’t have to be a train buff: One of the world’s great rail journeys is the Grand Canyon Railway. Departing from the historic Arizona town of Williams, it chugs each morning on a 65-mile journey north to Grand Canyon National Park. On the two-hour trip you’ll wind your way over Arizona’s 5,000-foot-high Colorado Plateau passing the red buttes, prairies, and pinyon pines of the high desert along its scenic route. Performers in authentic Wild West costumes bring the past alive with onboard (and, yes) touristy) entertainment. Passengers will have time to explore the South Rim and check out two century-old train depots before returning in the early evening.

Worth Pondering…

“‘Heat, ma’am!’ I said; ‘it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones.”

—Sydney Smith

Absolutely Best Road Trip from LA to the Grand Canyon

This road trips goes from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park to Prescott to Williams to the Grand Canyon to Mojave National Preserve and back to LA

The open road is calling and few road trips are as awe-inspiring as a drive from Southern California to the Grand Canyon if you know how to do it right. From the otherworldliness of Joshua Tree National Park to the mountain biking, hiking, and golfing hub of Prescott to historic Route 66 in Williams and the vastness of the Grand Canyon; a road trip through the deserts, mesas, and forests of California and Arizona is hard to beat.

As communities re-open after their COVID-19-related closures, keep in mind that some parks, businesses, and attractions may still be closed or have new protocols in place. Before traveling, familiarize yourself with local guidelines and regulations for the destinations you plan to visit.

Start in LA

Begin your adventure in Tinseltown known for its movie stars, palm trees, beaches, and surf. Take in the Hollywood sign, meander around Manhattan Beach, or head to Malibu to see what stars may come out to play.

Stop 1: Joshua Tree National Park

Created as a national monument in 1936 and a national park in 1994, Joshua Tree National Park has long held a mystical quality. A haven for artists, rock climbers, musicians, and adventurers alike, Joshua Tree has long been a sought after destination for those seeking enlightenment and adventure in the desert.

Courthouse Plaza, Prescott *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Stop 2: Prescott

A Western history lover’s sweet spot, mile-high Prescott is home to more than 700 homes and businesses listed in the National Register of Historic Places as well as museums that tell their stories. Stroll along Whiskey Row where the old saloons thrive alongside shops, galleries, eateries, and antique venues.

Outdoor and nature enthusiasts are equally well served in Prescott. Set amidst the Ponderosa Pines of Prescott National Forest, the western town offers more than 400 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Paddle on any of four pristine lakes in the area and enjoy a picnic lunch before getting back on the road.

Stop 3: Williams

This northern Arizona town is located on the last stretch of Route 66 to be by-passed by Interstate 40. Historic highway memorabilia are featured in kitschy shops and restaurants. Old timey western shoot outs are staged in the middle of Main Street on weekends. And bear, bison, and wolves roam in Bearzona, a nearby, drive-through animal park.

The colorful town of 3,000 residents is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway where visitors can hop aboard lovingly restored rail cars and be entertained by musicians and the antics of cowboy characters as the train traverses the scenic, high-desert plateau between the historic depot and the grandest canyon of them all.

Stop 4: The Grand Canyon

Whether you drive to the Grand Canyon or arrive via the Grand Canyon Railway, you’ll soon understand why it’s a treasured wonder of the world. Carved by the mighty Colorado, the multi-hued rock walls revealing millions of years of geologic history descend a mile deep and stretch for 277 miles.

To understand about the Park’s colorful story, the Grand Canyon Historic Village is an important stop. You’ll find many National Historic Landmarks including the iconic El Tovar hotel, shops, and art galleries within the canyon-side village.

Note: A free shuttle bus operates on the South Rim.

Stop 5: Mojave National Preserve

On your return to LA, stop and become overwhelmed by the vastness of Mojave National Preserve. Established in 1994, Mojave National Preserve is home to such wonders as the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains, and the Cima Dome, as well as volcanic formations such as Hole-in-the-Wall and the Cinder Cone Lava Beds.

Worth Pondering…

—Major John Wesley Powell, Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons

Grand Canyon RV Park: Road Trip Heaven

Perfectly placed adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and within walking distance of the Route 66 historic district

Some of the happiest travelers are the ones who never leave home. Why? Because they take their home with them in the form of an RV!

Each year hundreds of thousands of these dedicated RV travelers map out their personalized Great American Road Trip and push a pin into one of the world’s great destinations, the Grand Canyon. As they wrap up their driving day, they find a great place to spend the night at the 5-star Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. But it’s not just the park’s many amenities that attract RV travelers. It’s the location, location … and history.

Route 66 once stretched uninterrupted from Chicago to Los Angeles. Over time, however, it lost ground to the interstate system until, on October 13, 1984, I-40 bypassed the final, stubborn section of Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. Having outlasted every other mile of America’s Mother Road, Williams retained a retro-hip 1950s vibe highlighted by kitsch signage, neon lights, and cool diners—an absolute must-do for road trippers.

Perfectly placed adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and within walking distance of the Route 66 historic district, the highest rated and only all-paved RV park in the Williams area offers three levels of options, from pull-through sites to buddy spaces to back-ins. Each full-service site is equipped with 50-amp utility services and is large enough to accommodate big rigs.

And while the Tin Can Tourists who once traveled Route 66 would have been astounded to receive a Western Union telegram at their campsite, today’s guests can stay as connected (or as disconnected) as they wish, with free Wi-Fi as well as high definition digital TV. Other amenities include coin-operated laundry machines, updated shower facilities, a community picnic area with gas grills and fire pit, and access to the hotel’s indoor swimming pool and hot tub.

Guests of the RV Park and Railway Hotel enjoy an extra perk for their traveling pets, namely the animal equivalent of a luxury vacation. The Grand Canyon Railway’s Pet Resort is one of the area’s most comfortable and modern facilities where dogs and cats, both small and large, enjoy abundant indoor space for lazing about. This is especially useful since they must be leashed at all times at the Grand Canyon South Rim and are not permitted on trails below the rim, on park buses, or in park lodging (service animals are exempt).

But from their base in 28 clean, cool kennels at the pet resort, dogs will enjoy individual playtime in the outdoor exercise yard and dog run. Kitties, too, can enjoy a dog’s life in 16 sun-filled cat condos overlooking the basketball and volleyball courts. From atop their private sitting ledge, felines savor the setting as they take a catnap.

En route to the Grand Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

For both people and pets, the location and amenities of the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is about as good as it gets — a welcome adjunct to the railway itself.

The Grand Canyon Railway takes passengers on one of America’s most picturesque train journeys. Departing each morning from the station beside the RV Park, the train chugs north out of Williams for a ride up and over the massive Colorado Plateau. At just over two hours, the journey gives RV travelers the chance to take a 65-mile shortcut and leave the driving to the engineer. It’s a perfect way to arrive at Grand Canyon National Park rested and relaxed without worrying about navigating an RV through the twists, turns, and often dense traffic that concentrates at the park’s south entrance.

Departing the train at the Grand Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

And it’s all made easier by a quiet night, modern conveniences, and the perfect location of Grand Canyon RV Park.

Worth Pondering…

The Grand Canyon…

Do nothing to mar its grandeur…

Keep it for our children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see.

—Theodore Roosevelt

Williams: Gateway to the Grand Canyon & Much More

Cowboy shootouts. A bear and bison park. Historic Route 66. Welcome to unexpected fun in this gateway to the Grand Canyon

The opium dens, bordellos, and other landmarks of Williams, Arizona’s, rough-and-tumble past are long gone. But some kinder, gentler vestiges of this town’s Wild West era remain. And that’s fortunate for Grand Canyon-bound visitors seeking a fun, full-service spot as a base before and after a trip to the canyon’s South Rim, 56 miles north.

Williams, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

The town of 3,000 residents, considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon, is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway, an excursion train that traverses the scenic, high-desert plateau between a historic depot and the canyon.

Even if you’ve been to Williams before, you might not be aware of these surprising facts and how they can enhance the visitor experience.

On the Right Track

At just over two hours, the journey gives RV travelers the chance to take a 65-mile shortcut and leave the driving to the engineer. It’s a perfect way to arrive at Grand Canyon National Park rested and relaxed without worrying about navigating an RV through the twists, turns, and often dense traffic that concentrates at the park’s south entrance.

Get Your Kicks On Route 66

Williams boasts the final stretch of Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 (on October 13, 1984). The original “super-highway,” as Route 66 was known in 1926, spanned more than 2,300 miles from Chicago to Long Beach, California and opened up the West to road travel. (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 singer Bobby Troup marked the day Route 66 was bypassed, October 13, 1984, by plunking out the 1946 tune on a piano in the middle of America’s most iconic byway—called “The Mother Road” by John Steinbeck in his classic novel The Grapes of Wrath.

Today, the town’s Main Street is a National Historic District. Its storefronts house curio shops, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and classic diners and motels, which preserve a bygone era.

Shootouts On Main Street

There’s a nightly shoot-out downtown at 7:00 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day in which classic Old West “outlaws,” the Cataract Creek Gang, get killed (civic boosters prefer the term “plugged”) as hundreds of “witnesses” (i.e., visitors) look on. The costumed bad guys—cowboy hats, spurs, and all—bounce back and come back the next day to perform their evil deeds again. And get plugged again.

See the Forest and the Trees

Williams is surrounded by the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest. You can explore the Kaibab National Forest’s 1,100 miles of U.S. Forest Service roads via mountain bike, all-terrain vehicle, or four-wheel drive. Elevations range from about 3,000 feet to 10,418 feet on top of Kendrick Mountain. Hikers can explore more than 300 miles of trails, some along the rims of the Grand Canyon.

Where the Wild Things Are

Bearizona Wildlife Park on the eastern outskirts of Williams is a rare spot where you can see bears, bison, wolves, and other North American critters, seemingly wandering free in the 160-acre facility. Guests view them from the comfort (and safety) of their cars through three miles of Ponderosa pine forest in the drive-through park.

A separate 20-acre walking area set up like a more conventional zoo is home to otters, beavers, porcupines, and more. The park also features a Bearizona Barnyard petting zoo, a special exhibit of “kindergarten” bears not old enough for the adult enclosure, and a high-country raptors show of hawks, owls, falcons, and other birds of prey.

Fill ‘Er Up

Remember when gas station attendants wore jumpsuits? Remember when there were gas station attendants?

Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum (101 E. Route 66) does. The cheerful red and white vintage building contains car-culture memorabilia harking back to another era. It’s open daily in summer.

Worth Pondering…

—Major John Wesley Powell, Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons