Grand Canyon Tours from Williams

Grand Canyon tours from Williams, Arizona offer one of the most convenient and scenic options. Located just 60 miles from Grand Canyon National Park, Williams serves as a charming and accessible base for your adventure into one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Why Start Your Grand Canyon Tour in Williams?

Williams, AZ is a historic Route 66 town full of western charm, modern comforts, and easy access to the Grand Canyon. With its close proximity to the South Rim, it’s a perfect launch point for both day trips and multi-day excursions. Whether you want to take the Grand Canyon Railway, embark on a guided van or bus tour, or drive yourself to the rim, Williams has the resources to make your trip smooth and memorable.

Popular Grand Canyon Tour Options from Williams

Grand Canyon Railway Tours: Take a nostalgic journey on the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs daily from Williams and travels directly to the South Rim. The train ride includes entertainment, scenic views, and optional first-class service.
Guided Van and Bus Tours: Many local operators offer full-service tours to the Grand Canyon, complete with hotel pickup, guided narration, lunch, and stops at iconic overlooks.
Self-Drive Apps & Guides: Prefer to explore at your own pace? Williams is well-stocked with visitor centers, maps, and tour recommendations to help you customize your Grand Canyon experience.

Other Attractions Near Williams

In addition to Grand Canyon tours, Williams offers fun attractions to round out your Northern Arizona vacation:

Bearizona Wildlife Park: Drive through a forested wildlife preserve and see bears, wolves, bison, and more.
Grand Canyon Railway & Seasonal Polar Express Ride: Ride to the Grand Canyon by train or during the winter holiday season, families flock to Williams for the magical Polar Express train experience.
Wineries & Breweries: Sample local Arizona wines and craft brews in this small but lively town.
Historic Downtown Williams: Explore Route 66 nostalgia, western-themed shops, and great restaurants. Easy Access to Flagstaff and Outdoor Adventures

Just 45 minutes from Flagstaff, AZ, Williams is ideally situated for a variety of outdoor activities. After your Grand Canyon tour, consider:

Hiking and biking in the Coconino National Forest
Skiing or snowboarding at the Arizona Snowbowl (seasonal)
Visiting the Lowell Observatory or Walnut Canyon National Monument

Plan Your Grand Canyon Vacation from Williams, AZ

With affordable lodging, a variety of Grand Canyon day tours, and plenty to see and do in town, Williams is a smart and scenic base for your South Rim adventure. Whether you’re riding the rails or hitting the road, Grand Canyon tours from Williams make it easy to turn your trip into the experience of a lifetime.

Grand Canyon UTV Tours

YOU DRIVE one of our UTVs as you follow one of our expert guides taking you on an adventure of a lifetime. Our cross country leading to Grand Canyon is a full-day ride and our Verde River Tour is a 4-hour ride. All of our rides are radio-dispatched with check-in points to assure your safety and well-being. Don’t worry about getting lost, you’ll be following one of our expert guides leading the way. Don’t worry about breaking down, we have staff standing by to come to the rescue. What we are trying to say is just don’t worry as you enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ll see ya on the trail.

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Leaves from Williams | Things to Do in Williams | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Things to Do in Williams

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Bearizona Wildlife Park

Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park. We are a Wildlife adventure, open year-round. Located on 160 acres in the city of Williams Az. We are right off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, just a short drive from Sedona and Flagstaff. The park consists of a 3 mile drive thru and Fort Bearizona. In the drive-thru, you will take your own vehicle or our Wild Ride Bus through pristine Natural habitats for many North American Species. In these free-roaming areas, you will see wolves, bears, bison, and many other large species that can come right up to your car. Where the drive thru ends Fort Bearizona begins. Park your car and come on in. This is where you will find our smaller animals like river otters and bobcats. The barnyard, which is our petting zoo and fun for all ages. The Raptor Free Flight program, where birds of prey fly right over your head. All Shows which include animal meet-n-greets and training presentations. Big Bear Gift shop, over 8,000 sq feet of treasures and also housing Arizona's largest model train, a historically accurate replica of the railroad from Williams depot to the grand canyon. For dining options we have the Bearizona Grill for a quick snack or our themed Canyonlands restaurant where you can sit and have a hot meal and a cold beverage overlooking our remarkable jaguar enclosure. You can Hop on our website for all current show times and we hope you can come visit us soon. Not only will you learn about lots of Awesome North American animals but you will also have an amazing time while your doing it.

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Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Things to Do in Williams

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9.5

Backland Luxury Camping

Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.

Features:

Complimentary Breakfast
Onsite Glass Walled Restaurant
Onsite and nearby hiking trails
Close to the Grand Canyon and dozens of local attractions
Pond with sand beach, fishing, and kayaking
Snowshoes and sledding onsite when it snows

Tents feature:

Panoramic windows
Huge stargazing skylights over the beds (Skyview tents only)
Automatic climate control, fully insulated, and energy-efficient
King-sized beds
Full en-suite bathroom with showers
Luxury linens
Electricity in tents
Tentside parking + electric vehicle charging at reception
Private Outdoor patios
Coffee makers + mini-fridges
Ecological toiletries + water conservation fixtures

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Grand Canyon Railway

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, AZ to the South Rim—perfect for kids, families & seniors. Includes the magical Polar Express train ride!

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Family-Friendly | ADA Accessible | Things to Do in Williams | Leaves from Williams

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9.5

Fun 66 Tours

Your unforgettable Route 66 adventure begins in Williams, AZ, known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. This charming town was once a bustling stop on the Mother Road before I-40 bypassed it, leaving the town to find new ways to survive. This unique story of small-town resilience is part of what makes your journey so special, and along the way, you’ll learn all about the real-life inspiration for the Disney movie Cars. Meet the beloved Tow Mater for a fun photo op and see where the magic of Radiator Springs was born. Still more you’ll See Grand Canyon Caverns, learn of the Natives still living in Grand Canyon and much more!