It's a safe bet that most visitors to Flagstaff intend to make at least a one-day trip to the Grand Canyon. And it's now wonder; no matter how you want to take it all in by air, river or land, everyone can find a terrific way to see the Grand Canyon. Just 90 minutes from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, you can easily dedicate 1 - 10 days exploring the grandeur of the Grand Canyon by helicopter and air tours, river rafting tours, guided jeep and van tours, or a guided hike. Experience Grand Canyon tours from Flagstaff, whether you drive yourself using our handy driving directions and map below, or by hiring one of the professional tour operators we feature on flagstaff.com.
Directions from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon South Rim
There are three ways you can get to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff) - Source: U.S. Department of the Interior Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
- Take I-40 west to Highway 64 (Exit 165, just east of Williams). Head north on Highway 64 directly to the South Rim. 79 miles (96 km) - 1 hour 32 minutes.
- Travel north on Humphreys Street to Columbus Avenue, turn left. Columbus Avenue becomes Highway 180. Take Highway 180 west to Highway 64. Head north on Highway 64 directly to the East Entrance of the South Rim - known as Desert View. 49.6 miles (79.8 km) - 55 minutes
- Follow Route 66 northeast to Highway 89 (note: Route 66 will turn into Highway 89). Take Highway 89 north for approximately 65 miles, turn left (west) onto Highway 64. Take Highway 64 directly to the East Entrance on the South Rim - known as Desert View. 50 miles (80 km) - 55 minutes
Directions from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon North Rim (open May 1 through mid-October only)
- Take US 89 and US 89A north from Flagstaff. On top of the Kaibab Plateau turn south on Highway 67. 207 miles (333 km) - 4 hours 4 minutes.
Directions from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon West Rim
- Take I-40 west to Kingman. North on Stockton Hill Rd to Pierce Ferry Rd. Take Pierce Ferry Rd north to Diamond Bar Rd. Go east on Diamond Bar Rd. **Diamond Bar Rd will end at the only entrance to Grand Canyon West, which is the Grand Canyon West Airport. Take the park and ride shuttle to Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk.
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About the South Rim:
Most visitors come to the South Rim. Reservations for camping and lodging are essential. When making reservations for lodging and camping, remember to identify the rim you plan on visiting. Day-use visitors should expect traffic congestion and parking problems, particularly in summer. The least crowded time is November through February. However, winter weather is a major consideration when planning a trip during these months. The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7000 feet/2134 m above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. All walking at this elevation can be strenuous. Source: National Park Service
About the North Rim:
Along the vast Arizona Strip, the Kaibab Plateau rises to over 9,000 ft. The plateau is isolated in the high country. Its remote location keeps this section of the Grand Canyon pristine and beautiful. The Grand Canyon North Rim overshadows the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in subtle ways. The North Rim is enhanced by extreme erosion, faster uplift and a higher altitude resulting in more rain and vegetation growth than the south rim, but the most important factor is that the North Rim's secluded location means fewer visitors and more space for you! Source: East Zion Tourism Council
Grand Canyon's West Rim, the home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, is the up-and-coming area that has recently been catapulted into Grand Canyon visitors' consciousness. You'll find Grand Canyon helicopter tours and bus tours to the West Rim from Las Vegas and from Grand Canyon National Park West Rim Airport. An easy day-trip from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon Skywalk is today one of the most popular Grand Canyon destinations. Grand Canyon West is also well-known as the only place in the Grand Canyon in which helicopter tours can make their landing down in the Inner Canyon. Source: thecanyon.com
Here's a sample of just a few of the ways to experience the Grand Canyon. For more Grand Canyon vacation ideas, see our section on Grand Canyon Tours from Flagstaff or visit our companion site, thecanyon.com.
- Take a guided hike or horseback trail tour and see parts of the Grand Canyon you may not have an opportunity to see otherwise.
- See the Grand Canyon up close on a Grand Canyon tour by river. Ride the Colorado River and be a part of the millions of years of water, wind and energy that have carved this breathtaking wonder of the world.
- Take in the vastness and majesty of the Grand Canyon with all your senses at any one of several scenic viewpoints. It’s the classic way to see the Grand Canyon that’s perfect for everyone, regardless of age, physical condition or time availability.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon on a helicopter tour or airplane tour. Seeing the Canyon by air will truly take your breath away. The views are spectacular...beyond compare. Whether by helicopter or airplane, be sure to see the Grand Canyon by air...and let your dreams take flight.
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