Williams, Arizona - Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Williams, Arizona

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Outside of Williams, an abundance of outdoor activities prevail at four beautiful lakes within minutes of town – Cataract, Kaibab, Dogton, and White Horse Lakes, which all provide fishing and camping.

Within an hour's drive are Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments, sites of several 12th-century Indian ruins; Sunset Crater, the remains of a once-active volcano; and the San Francisco Peaks, the highest elevation in Arizona.

The surrounding Kaibab National Forest provides hunting for deer, turkey, antelope, elk, lion and bear in season. The Williams Ski Area provides downhill skiing and sledding during the winter months and there are cross-country ski trails nearby.

Twister's Soda Fountain in Williams, Arizona,

December, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

After having visited the Old West and the Route 66 era, take as step way back in time as you stop at Flintstone’s Bedrock City, just some 30 miles north of Williams on your way to the Grand Canyon. Here you can, frolic with Fred, Wilma, Bam-bam and the rest of the cast of the popular Flintstone characters at this wacky amusement stop.

To continue your journey on the Mother Road, you will rejoin I-40 just west of Williams at exit 161. The southern frontage road is Route 66 but soon dead ends.

Beyond here, there were once two old alignments traveling west, as those long ago travelers dropped down from mountain country to the plains below. Both alignments can be accessed at exit 157 and run south of I-40. The more southerly pre-1932 alignment soon runs into private property. The post-1932 alignment can be driven but is mostly dirt or rugged pavement. The post-1932 alignment will take you by two old cafes – the Monte Carlo and the County Line, about a mile on down the road. Both these eateries are long closed.

More early alignments appear just a few more miles down the road, which can be accessed at exits 151 and 149. Some of these are drivable but others have been made into bike trails.

Continue your Mother Road journey by visiting nearby Ashfork and Seligman, a bit further down the stretch.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Flintstones Bedrock City Arizona - Join Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, and all the Flintstone characters in a fun and entertaining adventure in this theme park with a gift shop and a campground.
101 S Hwy 180 Williams, Arizona, 86046

Grand Canyon National Park - The Grand Canyon is a geological wonder, one of the Natural Seven Wonders of the World! Geologists suggest land erosion created this giant chasm, whose layers and strata are naturally “painted” in spectacular colors. The south rim is open all year; the north rim is open May through mid-October.

Grand Canyon Railway - The Railway departs from Williams, Arizona at the 1908 depot, complete with its own attractions and activities. Take the relaxing and scenic 65 mile trip across Arizona countryside. There are a number of packages available, including overnight stays in the Grand Canyon National Park itself. Toll-free: 1-800-THE TRAIN (1-800-843-8724)

Kaibab National Forest - One of the largest contiguous pine forest in the united states. It offers activities such as hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking, trail rides and wildlife viewing. 800 South 6th Street Williams, Arizona 86046 928.635.8200.

Saloon Row Ghost Tour - Walk through William's historic downtown, which is full of paranormal tales from the Banshee of the Mountain, the East End Ghoul and tales of the soiled doves of Whiskey Row. Tours begin at the Red Garter Bed & Baker, 137 W. Railroad Ave, 928-635-4530.

Snow Bowl Ski Area - On the San Francisco Peaks boasts an elevation of 12,500 at it's peak and offers some of the best skiing in northern Arizona.

Sunset Crater Volcano - It first erupted nearly a thousand years ago, and it continued intermittently for the next two centuries. Today, this wonder of natural volcanic activity is a stunning site, rising a thousand feet from the surrounding landscape, which consists of lava flows, spatter cones and cinders. Because of the composition of the ash that spewed for many miles in all directions, the area became fertile for farming, attracting several distinct native civilizations. Tours are self-guided.

Walnut Canyon National Monument - See millions of years of history unraveled in the geology of the rocks at this popular scenic and historic hiking area, once populated by the Sinagua Indians. In Walnut Canyon, visitors can hike back in time nearly 700 years. Originating at the visitors center, a rugged three-quarter-mile off-trail hike leads to cliff dwellings that stand unspoiled in the cover of the beautiful canyon walls. The strong of heart can hike deeper into the canyon on Island Trail, a breathtaking 85-foot descent into 25 rooms where American Indians once lived in the shadow of the cliffs.

Wupatki National Monument - Imagine hiking only half a mile through 800 years of history. Wupatki National Monument is home to some incredible prehistoric pueblos built by early wizards of masonry; the American Indians who once farmed this rugged terrain. Three trails each promise unique and rewarding sights within this self-guided scenic park. Visitors can picnic atop a cinder cone and enjoy panoramic views from Doney Mountain Trail. Bring your hiking shoes, camera, and quest for adventure. A visitors' center offers exhibits and restrooms.

Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, © May, 2005

Also See:

Red Garter Bed & Bakery Haunting

Yaba-Daba-Doo - Bedrock City

Book your lodging in Williams, Arizona

right HERE online

Sunset Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona, April, 2005,

David Alexander.

Cruiser's Cafe in Williams, Arizona was once the C. Bene

Gas Station, April, 2005, David Alexander.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

The Grand Canyon Hotel advertises rates starting at

$3.50 and up, December, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

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