Williams, AZ
The city of Williams, Arizona, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," is one of the best-preserved Route 66 towns in America. Visitors can ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway, explore the scenic Kaibab National Forest, or enjoy wildlife encounters at Bearizona and the Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking Bill Williams Mountain and Sycamore Canyon, while families can experience cowboy shootouts, ziplining, and the Polar Express in winter. With charming shops, Western hospitality, and delicious local dining. Williams is a must-stop for any Arizona traveler.
Photo: Sycamore Falls
Route 66 History
Step back in time on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, one of the best-preserved and most vibrant stops along the Mother Road. As the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984, Williams proudly keeps the spirit of classic Americana alive with its retro diners, neon-lit motels, vintage cars, and old-fashioned general stores. Strolling through historic downtown, visitors can enjoy live music, Western-themed attractions, and nostalgic eateries serving up hearty burgers and milkshakes.
Grand Canyon Railway
All aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, a historic train journey that brings the Old West to life as you travel from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Since 1901, this scenic ride has offered a unique way to experience the Grand Canyon, complete with stunning views, vintage railcars, and lively entertainment. Along the way, passengers enjoy cowboy musicians, friendly attendants, and even a mock train robbery for a touch of Wild West fun. Whether you choose classic coach seating or the luxurious first-class dome car, the Grand Canyon Railway promises an unforgettable adventure.
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Bearizona Wildlife Park
Experience wildlife up close at Williams, Arizona Bearizona, a thrilling drive-through and walk-through wildlife park. This popular Williams, Arizona attraction lets visitors observe majestic black bears, wolves, bison, elk, and more roaming in their natural habitats—all from the comfort of their own vehicle. After the drive, explore Fort Bearizona, a walk-through area featuring smaller animals, educational exhibits, and exciting wildlife encounters. Perfect for families and nature lovers. Another wildlife activity is Grand Canyon Deer Farm, where visitors can feed, pet, and walk among friendly deer in a charming, hands-on setting. This family-friendly attraction also features playful wallabies, mischievous coatimundis, and other exotic animals.
Kaibab National Forest
The Kaibab National Forest surrounds Williams, offering hiking, camping, fishing, and off-roading opportunities. There are a ton of things to see in Williams, Arizona if you decide to hike through its lush pine forests, scenic canyons, and breathtaking overlooks, or setup camp under a canopy of stars for the ultimate Arizona wilderness experience. Sycamore Falls is a popular waterfall located within the Kaibab National Forest, offering a scenic and peaceful spot for photography, and nature exploration. Anglers can cast a line in peaceful lakes and streams, while off-road enthusiasts can explore rugged trails perfect for ATVs and mountain biking. Wildlife lovers will be thrilled by sightings of elk, deer, bald eagles, and other native species in their natural habitat.
Winter Activities
Williams, Arizona, is a winter wonderland offering a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking in the Kaibab National Forest, or head to Elk Ridge Ski Resort for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. After a day of outdoor fun, warm up in historic downtown Williams, where cozy restaurants and local shops offer the perfect place to relax. Another great activity for kids is the Polar Express train ride to the North Pole. Departing from the historic Grand Canyon Railway, this family-favorite event brings the beloved holiday story to life with a festive journey complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and carolers!
Your unforgettable Route 66 adventure begins in Williams, AZ,
known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. This charming
town was once a bustling stop on the Mother Road before I-40
bypassed it, leaving the town to find new ways to survive.
This unique story of small-town resilience is part o
… More
Your unforgettable Route 66 adventure begins in Williams, AZ,
known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. This charming
town was once a bustling stop on the Mother Road before I-40
bypassed it, leaving the town to find new ways to survive.
This unique story of small-town resilience is part of what
makes your journey so special, and along the way, you’ll learn
all about the real-life inspiration for the Disney movie Cars.
Meet the beloved Tow Mater for a fun photo op and see
where the magic of Radiator Springs was born. Still more you’ll
See Grand Canyon Caverns, learn of the Natives still living in
Grand Canyon and much more!
Leaves from Williams | Things to Do in Williams | Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Educational
Canyon Spirit is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim, taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines. Upon reaching the edge, the rim drops away as the magnificent Grand Canyon comes into full view.… More
Canyon Spirit is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim, taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines. Upon reaching the edge, the rim drops away as the magnificent Grand Canyon comes into full view.
Leaves from Tusayan | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park. We are a Wildlife adventure, open year-round. Located on 160 acres in the city of Williams Az. We are right off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, just a short drive from Sedona and Flagstaff. The park consists of a 3 mile drive thru and Fort Beari
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Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park. We are a Wildlife adventure, open year-round. Located on 160 acres in the city of Williams Az. We are right off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, just a short drive from Sedona and Flagstaff. The park consists of a 3 mile drive thru and Fort Bearizona. In the drive-thru, you will take your own vehicle or our Wild Ride Bus through pristine Natural habitats for many North American Species. In these free-roaming areas, you will see wolves, bears, bison, and many other large species that can come right up to your car. Where the drive thru ends Fort Bearizona begins. Park your car and come on in. This is where you will find our smaller animals like river otters and bobcats. The barnyard, which is our petting zoo and fun for all ages. The Raptor Free Flight program, where birds of prey fly right over your head. All Shows which include animal meet-n-greets and training presentations. Big Bear Gift shop, over 8,000 sq feet of treasures and also housing Arizona's largest model train, a historically accurate replica of the railroad from Williams depot to the grand canyon. For dining options we have the Bearizona Grill for a quick snack or our themed Canyonlands restaurant where you can sit and have a hot meal and a cold beverage overlooking our remarkable jaguar enclosure. You can Hop on our website for all current show times and we hope you can come visit us soon. Not only will you learn about lots of Awesome North American animals but you will also have an amazing time while your doing it.
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Things to Do in Williams
Journey through stunning Arizona landscapes on this full-day tour from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit the Grand Canyon and explore Route 66 with an expert guide who handles all the driving and logistics, leaving you free to soak in the incredible scenery. Explore highlights of the Gran
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Journey through stunning Arizona landscapes on this full-day tour from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit the Grand Canyon and explore Route 66 with an expert guide who handles all the driving and logistics, leaving you free to soak in the incredible scenery. Explore highlights of the Grand Canyon, and drive through the Sonoran Desert on this small-group tour. With numbers limited to 13 participants, you can enjoy a more intimate experience of the Southwest's natural beauty. Choose between a small-group or private option.
Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Family-Friendly | Hotel Pickup | Professionally Guided | All Fees Included
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or, select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon Natio
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Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or, select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon National Park.
Family-Friendly | ADA Accessible | Things to Do in Williams | Leaves from Williams
The most far-reaching tour of the Grand Canyon, upgrade and explore the entire South Rim in an open-air Jeep Wrangler. An expert guide will navigate and take you to the most exclusive look-outs and provide you with the best photo opportunities on this unforgettable adventure.
Come see Tiger Splash show at 1:15 every day. Watch Bengal tigers in natural play as they hunt their caretakers. Open Daily 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Just 40 minutes from Sedona.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and
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Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Flagstaff | Multi-Attraction Tours
YOU DRIVE one of our UTVs as you follow one of our expert guides taking you on an adventure of a lifetime. Our cross country leading to Grand Canyon is a full-day ride and our Verde River Tour is a 4-hour ride. All of our rides are radio-dispatched with check-in points to
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YOU DRIVE one of our UTVs as you follow one of our expert guides taking you on an adventure of a lifetime. Our cross country leading to Grand Canyon is a full-day ride and our Verde River Tour is a 4-hour ride. All of our rides are radio-dispatched with check-in points to assure your safety and well-being. Don’t worry about getting lost, you’ll be following one of our expert guides leading the way. Don’t worry about breaking down, we have staff standing by to come to the rescue. What we are trying to say is just don’t worry as you enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ll see ya on the trail.
Leaves from Williams | Things to Do in Williams | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Things to Do in Williams
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professiona
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Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
Private Tours Available | Shuttle Services Provided | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours | Additional Tour Options Available | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly
Located 1 mile from the National Park South Rim Entrance. Go beyond the rim in the spectacular IMAX adventure film shown on a 6-story high screen. The Visitor Center also includes Pink Jeep Tours, Pizza Hut Express and the world famous National Geographic Store.
