Before you plan a road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, you’ll want to know when to go, where to stop, the best Grand Canyon entrance to use, and other insider tips for a relaxing and fun time on the road.
Read on for everything you need to know for this classic Arizona road trip.
Grand Canyon Entrances
The Grand Canyon has three entrances operated by the National Park Service—the North Rim, South Rim, and East Entrance—and one operated by the Hualapai Tribe at the West Entrance.
The South Rim Entrance is the most popular and has the most amenities.
The Desert View Entrance on the east side is the second-most popular area of the park, 22.5 miles east of the South Rim Entrance.
The most remote and least-used North Rim Entrance is closed December 1–May 14 each year because of its higher altitude and plentiful snowfall.
We recommend using the South Rim Entrance near Williams, Arizona.
Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon
No matter when you visit the Grand Canyon, expect variable temperatures and weather as you head north from Phoenix through several mountain ranges—the Mogollon Highlands, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Mazatzal Mountains.
Summer
Summertime is the most popular time to visit the Grand Canyon, but when starting your road trip, be aware that Phoenix often averages highs over 100°F in mid-summer.
The mountain towns between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon are at higher elevations and therefore have markedly cooler temperatures. Flagstaff’s 7,000-foot elevation means summer temperatures are quite comfortable with highs near 80°F and lows in the mid 40s.
At the Grand Canyon, highs are typically in the low 90s and lows around 60°F.
Spring and Fall
For those in the know, spring and fall are the best times to visit because crowds are smaller and temperatures are mild.
Phoenix is warm but comfortable, with highs between 77–100°F and lows around 60°F.
Flagstaff has warm days and cool nights with high temperatures from 53–74°F and lows between 25–40°F.
In the fall and spring, the Grand Canyon has highs between 65–85°F and lows from 40–55°F.
Check the Grand Canyon website for weather and road conditions before you go.
Winter
While Phoenix has a wonderful winter climate with warm sunny days and brisk nights (it’s a popular snowbird destination for a reason!), Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon have real winters, with freezing temperatures and snow—making for gorgeous photo ops!
Expect winter highs in the 50s-60s at the Grand Canyon, and highs in the 40s in Flagstaff.
If you travel during the winter, you might consider visiting Sedona in lieu of Flagstaff, given Sedona’s lower elevation and, hence, warmer temperatures.
Remember that the Grand Canyon’s amenities and services may be limited during winter months. See the park’s Operations page to learn what’s open.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Just off the highway near Camp Verde, Arizona, is the awe-inspiring Montezuma Castle with incredible, well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people who inhabited this area more than 600 years ago. It is the best example of ancient Native American architecture in the Southwest.
On your stop, be sure to visit the:
Montezuma Castle Visitor Center: Start here to learn about the history and culture of the Sinagua people through educational displays and artifacts, plus information about ranger-led programs.
See the Castle: The highlight of your stop, the five-story cliff dwelling contains 20 rooms and once housed about 50 people. For preservation, visitors cannot access the dwellings, but there are great viewpoints from the ⅓ mile trail which allow you to appreciate the ingenuity of its builders and way of life.
Sedona, Arizona
This gem of Arizona is worth a day or even a week to fully appreciate and enjoy its beauty and sophistication. Sedona is equal parts outdoor beauty and recreation, arts and culture, and a spiritual hub.
Many believe that Sedona has unique spiritual vortices in its gorgeous red sandstone hills and rock formations.
Popular Sedona activities include:
Red Rock Scenic Byway: AZ-179’s 7.5-mile byway has unmatched views of red sandstone formations plus access to numerous hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Consider this a “must-do.”
Spiritual Vortex Sites: The most famous of the spiritual “energy” sites are Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa and Boynton Canyon.
Hiking: Sedona is a hiking paradise and offers trails for all skill levels, from the easy Bell Rock Pathway to the challenging Cathedral Rock (both include famous vortex sites). Mountain biking and Jeep tours are also great ways to explore Sedona’s rugged landscape.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: This art, dining, and cultural hub is modeled after a traditional Mexican village. Its cobblestone sidewalks are filled with wonderful shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Sedona Arts Center: see works by local artists, take classes, or attend workshops to fully appreciate the strong artistic culture of Sedona.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: built into the cliffs of Sedona, the architectural marvel is a wonderful place for quiet reflection and panoramic views of the area.
Flagstaff, Arizona
With a population under 80,000, Flagstaff punches above its weight in attracting visitors to its amazing cultural and historical sites. Plus, Flagstaff’s altitude of 7,000 feet means it’s a wonderful place to escape the summer heat in most of Arizona’s lower elevations.
Like most of northern Arizona, Flagstaff is surrounded by mountains and massive ponderosa pine forests. Its dramatic mountain peaks mean outdoor fun like hiking, mountain biking, photography, and star gazing opportunities.
There are even great skiing options in the winter, with Flagstaff seeing 100 inches of snow a year. But this town isn’t just about the outdoors or access to the Grand Canyon. It offers history, dining, and culture. The famed Lowell Observatory is a must-see—even if you’re not that interested in astronomy.
Some of the most popular things to see and do in Flagstaff include:
Lowell Observatory: Take a day or night tour of this iconic and historic observatory founded in 1894. In 1930, Pluto was first discovered here.
Historic Downtown and Railroad District: Enjoy historic buildings, shops, art, dining, and culture at this bustling and charming downtown district. Check out the First Friday ArtWalks if your schedule allows.
Walnut Canyon National Monument: About 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff, this remarkable archaeological site is beautiful natural wonder. The ancient canyons were carved over millions of years by Walnut Creek while the cliff dwellings built into the canyon walls by the Sinagua people showcase ancient ingenuity. There are 80 dwellings inside this monument area showing how these native people survived with dry farming.
Wupatki National Monument: Gain insights about Native American tribes who once thrived in this area by exploring the remains of ancient pueblo communities.
Arizona Snowbowl: This year-round resort offers tons of hiking in warmer months and snow sports in the winter. Try one of the trails leading up to Arizona’s highest mountain, Humphrey’s Peak. Check Flagstaff Uphill for hiking information.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: For lovers of arts and crafts, architecture or historic homes, check out the beautifully preserved mansion of one of the city’s founding families.
Williams, Arizona
Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams is a charming “wild west” historic town with a variety of year-round activities and amenities. It’s close to historic Route 66 and its vintage attractions, as well as the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
Consider these popular things to see and do in Williams:
Grand Canyon Railway: take an unforgettable scenic rail trip into the Grand Canyon aboard a historic train.
Bearizona Wildlife Park: check out animals in their natural habitat.
Route 66 History: Enjoy vintage Americana such as classic dinners, neon signs and memorabilia shops in Williams’ main strip. The Williams Train Depot and Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum provide historical insights into the town’s railroad and automotive history.
Kaibab National Forest: This massive forest surrounding Williams offers hiking, camping and wildlife.
Wild West Junction: Get a firsthand glimpse into wilder times with gunfight reenactments and cowboy culture.
