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Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary from Scottsdale, AZ, to Grand Canyon National Park

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A hiker wearing a red backpack stands on the edge of a cliff at the Grand Canyon, gazing down into the vast canyon below during a golden sunset.

Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary from Scottsdale, AZ, to Grand Canyon National Park

Things To Do | March 7, 2025 | SWSS Staff

Chances are, visiting the Grand Canyon — one of the world’s seven natural wonders — is at the top of your list of things to see and do during a trip to Arizona!

The four-hour drive from Scottsdale and Phoenix to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim is incredibly scenic and includes plenty of must-visit attractions and can’t-miss stops along the way. This detailed guide will share our tips for getting to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, as well as our recommended stops and routes through Northern Arizona.

Getting to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale

 A scenic road from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon winds through a narrow canyon with red rock walls.

Fastest Route from Scottsdale

The quickest drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is 238 miles and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete without stopping (in normal traffic conditions).

Take the AZ-101 Loop N to the I-17 North to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff, take the I-40 W to Williams and the AZ-64 N to the Grand Canyon Village. If you want to make a quick sightseeing detour, stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde — a historic dwelling carved into a cliff.

Scenic Routes from Scottsdale

Though many tourists opt for the quickest route to the Grand Canyon (especially if you’re trying to squeeze an entire trip to the Grand Canyon into a day trip from Scottsdale), we recommend taking one of these scenic routes to the Grand Canyon South Rim instead:

  • Take the I-17 N to N State Rte 89A to drive through the stunning red rocks and natural beauty of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon before returning to the I-17 right before Flagstaff.
  • Before getting on the AZ-64 N on the final stretch to the Grand Canyon, drive along the historic stretch of Route 66 in Williams to see nostalgic diners, shops, and motels.
  • After reaching Flagstaff, take AZ Route 180 (Fort Valley Road) to Grand Canyon Junction for breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks in the Coconino National Forest, including Humphreys Peak — the tallest mountain in Arizona — with an elevation of 12,633 feet.
  • Stay on N State Rte 89A after reaching Flagstaff to detour at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument — a cinder cone surrounded by pine trees — and Wupatki National Monuments before heading west at Cameron to arrive at the East Entrance.
  • Take the longer and less-traveled route through Payson and the Tonto National Forest on the AZ-87 S, AZ-260 W, and Lake Mary Road before arriving in Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon Tours from Scottsdale

A self-guided road trip to the Grand Canyon is the best option for travelers who want to take the scenic route through Northern Arizona while having the freedom to stop and see famous landmarks and roadside attractions on the way. However, a guided day trip to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale is a great alternative for travelers who would prefer to leave the driving and coordination to someone else.

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Best Stops on a Road Trip from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon

A view of Sedona, Arizona, featuring towering red rock formations in the background with a small town nestled below, illuminated by dramatic clouds at sunset.

Consider making the following stops during your road trip from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon. As a bonus, these are all great places to stay overnight if you want to turn your trip to the Grand Canyon into a multi-day road trip!

Sedona

Sedona is a can’t-miss spot on a road trip to the Grand Canyon! While you’re in Sedona, go on a short hike that offers breathtaking views of the red rocks, like Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock, slide down the natural waterslide at Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, or go on one of the Sedona Pink Jeep Tours to see the city’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Desert Jeep Tours in Scottsdale

Flagstaff

Located on Route 66, Flagstaff is a popular town in Northern Arizona with plenty of things to do on your way to the Grand Canyon! Consider checking out a local brewery or restaurant in Downtown Flagstaff, like Lumberyard Brewing Company or Diablo Burger, stargazing at Lowell Observatory, or exploring Lava River Cave — the longest lava tube in Arizona.

Williams

Williams might be known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” but this charming town on Route 66 is much more than a roadside attraction! Stop at a local diner for dinner and consider taking the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Grand Canyon South Rim on a guided tour!

Top Things to Do After Arriving at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass observation deck extending over the canyon’s edge, offers visitors a breathtaking view of the deep canyon below against a bright blue sky.

After all that sightseeing, it’s hard to believe the adventure has just begun once you’ve arrived at the Grand Canyon! Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

  • Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk at the West Rim to stand 70 feet over the canyon.
  • Take a helicopter tour over the canyon to see its magnitude and magnificence on display.
  • Marvel at the canyon’s beauty during sunset at viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point.
  • Go on a thrilling white-water rafting tour through the canyon on the Colorado River.
  • Explore popular hiking trails in the Grand Canyon, like the Bright Angel Trail.

Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park from Scottsdale

For a smooth journey to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, follow these helpful tips:

  • Visit in Spring or Fall — Spring or fall are the best seasons to visit the Grand Canyon because of the mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is the busiest season at the Grand Canyon, and much of the park is closed in the winter due to snow and unsafe weather conditions.
  • Steer Clear of Weekends — Plan your road trip to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale on a Tuesday through Thursday to avoid weekend traffic on the I-17.
  • Plan Ahead — Study important information like entrance fees, park hours, and road conditions on the park’s official website before embarking on your road trip to the Grand Canyon.

Find a Stylish, Convenient Place to Stay During Your Trip to Arizona with Stay With Style Scottsdale

With so much to see and do, Scottsdale is the perfect place to start and end your road trip to the Grand Canyon! To find the perfect place to stay in Scottsdale for your upcoming trip, explore our collection of luxury rentals in Scottsdale. Feel free to contact us with any questions — we’re here to make your entire experience in Scottsdale as smooth and memorable as possible!

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