Williams | Visit Arizona (2024)

FAQs

Is Williams, Arizona worth visiting? ›

A small town nestled in the pine country of Arizona, Williams offers countless things to see and do. The train enthusiast can ride the Grand Canyon Railway through Arizona's high country. Route 66 history buffs can explore more than six blocks of historic buildings and shops bursting with memorabilia.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The tourism score favors clear, rainless days with perceived temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Based on this score, the best time of year to visit Williams for general outdoor tourist activities is from mid June to late August, with a peak score in the second week of July.

Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” and for being the home of the famous Bill Williams Mountain Men; Williams, Ariz. is at an elevation of 6,770 feet, providing a moderate climate within Kaibab National Forest. Founded in 1874, the town's current population is approximately 2,900.

The train travels almost due north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The trip measures 65 miles and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes each way—45 minutes faster than in 1901 when the train made its first trip. The train departs Grand Canyon Depot each afternoon for the return trip to the Williams Depot.

❓ Is it better to stay in Williams vs Flagstaff? Williams and Flagstaff are pretty different. If you're into history and the Old West, choose Williams and stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, but if you're traveling with family, Flagstaff is the better town, and you can stay at the Little America Hotel.

Yes, the driving distance between Williams to Sedona is 63 miles. It takes approximately 1h 19m to drive from Williams to Sedona.

The average train ticket price from Williams to Grand Canyon Village is $57. The best way to find train tickets from Williams to Grand Canyon Village is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim is 59 miles, a 1 hour 5-minute drive. Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon West Rim is 183 miles, a 3 hour 10-minute drive.

From Williams, after a short 59-mile drive north, the Grand Canyon will lie before your eyes.

From Flagstaff

From I-40 and I-17 interchange in Flagstaff, it is a 33.4-mile drive to Williams.

Does Route 66 go through Williams, Arizona? ›

From Flagstaff Historic Route 66 passed through Williams, the jumping off point to the Grand Canyon, followed by Ash Fork, and then into Seligman.

Every year for the past two decades, Williams has faced water shortages, and it's far from being the only water-strapped community in the state. Starting in the 1990s, Arizona entered into a long-term dry climate trend that has continued to this day.

The drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon is fairly short and typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This, however, depends on the traffic. To avoid doubling the drive time, try to schedule your trip outside of peak hours.

Enjoy mountain scenery on your way up, then you control the speed down a mile-long track! Experience a variety of thrill ride features such as steep descents, dips, twists, hairpin turns, and 360-degree corkscrews!

Ground tours - South Rim - $72 per person. Ground tours - West Rim - $110 per person. Train tours - South Rim - $75 per person. Air tours - South Rim - $300 per person.

Fun for the whole family! Our visit to Bearizona was a fantastic experience for my family. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals. It's worth mentioning that some sections feature two lanes.

Williams lake is located in a valley, and it neighbors rivers, hillsides, tree lines, hiking trails, and of course, the expansive lake. The size of the lake makes it a great spot to go fishing, boating, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. You can also enjoy other adventurous water sports, like jet skiing.