The magical Grand Canyon National Park is just north of Route 66 and is worth the slight detour. This 200-mile-long, dramatic canyon of the Colorado River is a destination in and of itself, and is easily one of the best natural formations along the historic route.

Yes, Route 66 is quite close to the Grand Canyon, particularly the South Rim, which is the most visited part of the park. The closest major town on Route 66 to the Grand Canyon is Williams, Arizona, located about 60 miles (approx. 1 hour) south of the South Rim entrance. Williams is often called the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon" and is the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railway, a historic train that takes passengers directly into the heart of the park. Another iconic Route 66 town nearby is Seligman, which is considered the "birthplace" of the historic route's revival and is about 100 miles from the canyon. For travelers on a classic American road trip, the stretch of Route 66 between Kingman and Williams provides some of the most well-preserved neon signs and retro diners in the country. Combining a Route 66 drive with a detour to the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular "Grand Circle" itineraries in the Southwest, allowing you to experience both 20th-century Americana and timeless natural wonder.