Williams
Williams is an old city at the base of Bill Williams Mountain. The city lies on the famous Route 66, one of the earliest U.S. highways. Enjoy breakfast in a Route 66 corner café or drive to many national monuments, including the Grand Canyon, a famous natural wonder and UNESCO heritage site.
Visit a classic American diner or stay in a quirky hotel on the Williams stretch of Route 66. Enjoy great shopping, with many retailers selling handmade leather goods, home décor items and souvenirs. This stretch also contains restaurants serving flame-seared steaks and other classic American fare.
The Grand Canyon Railway operates between Williams and the South Rim. The railway is an excellent way to view the Grand Canyon and its surrounding forested landscape. On the 130 mile (209-kilometer) round trip look for mountain lions, elk, squirrels and deer from the comfort of a restored passenger car.
Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park, is another popular Williams attraction. See black bears, buffalo, mountain goats and arctic wolves from the comfort of your own car or one of the park’s courtesy cars. The wildlife park features a walk-through section with a petting zoo and educational displays. Find the park in Kaibab National Forest, a beautiful wooded area with canyons and hiking trails.
Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Williams. The South Rim is open year-round and features extraordinary views of the canyon and the Colorado River. Hike the Bright Angel Trail, a long-distance route running toward the Colorado River from Grand Canyon Village. The village contains cabins and other accommodations, but be sure to book well in advance.
Stop at the Williams Visitor Center for tourist information and maps. The small city is about 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Flagstaff, Arizona.
With its proximity to the Grand Canyon and other nearby attractions, Williams is an excellent place to stay when exploring northern Arizona.