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Is the drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon difficult?

You take that to Rte 64 which is a similar road directly to the canyon. The drive is not necessarily difficult, but you will find that it is extremely dark up there (no city lights once you leave flagstaff).



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For the most part, driving in Grand Canyon National Park is relatively easy—so easy that it can lead to a false sense of security. The park's semiarid climate and high elevations mean that both desert and mountain driving conditions apply.

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In the end, Phoenix is a great place to start your trip to the Grand Canyon from. If you plan is to visit the Grand Canyon, and only the Grand Canyon, I would say Phoenix is the best major city to depart from. If you plan on seeing more of the amazing attractions in the area, Las Vegas may be a better choice.

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There is just one scenic drive open to private cars on the South Rim, Desert View Drive. The 23 mile (37 km) long Desert View Drive features marvelous panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. There is parking at every viewpoint. Be sure to bring enough food and water for everyone in your group.

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With just one day at the Grand Canyon South Rim, you can see several viewpoints and even hike into the canyon. Unless you want a super relaxed Grand Canyon vacation on the rim or an adventurous rafting trip down below, one to three days at the Grand Canyon is usually enough time for the highlights.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

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Safety: Taking a guided tour can be safer than driving yourself, especially if you're not familiar with the terrain or weather conditions. However, there are also some downsides to taking a tour: Cost: Tours can be expensive, especially if you're traveling with a large group or booking a luxury tour.

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It is one of the number one tourist destinations worldwide, and it's an experience that will create lifelong memories for you and your family. If you're planning to stay in Las Vegas, taking a day trip to the canyon is well worth it and can get you out of the city to indulge in a truly unique outdoor experience.

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Getting There in Grand Canyon National Park
  1. By Car—The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is 60 miles north of Williams (and I-40) via Ariz. ...
  2. By Plane—The closest airport with commercial service is in Flagstaff. ...
  3. By Train—The Grand Canyon Railway operates excursion trains between Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.


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You will at least need a vehicle with high ground clearance to make the trip; 4WD is a great idea, but probably not required, depending on driver experience and skill. There are a couple of river crossings along the way, most on the northern end as you approach Diamond Canyon and the Colorado.

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How many days should you spend in the Grand Canyon? If you're visiting the South Rim, you'll want 2-3 days. For the North Rim, plan on visiting for 1-2 days. If you want to see both rims, give yourself 4-5 days!

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It really depends on what you want to see and do! Some visitors stop by a couple of viewpoints and arrive and leave within a day but there are so many more fantastic things to do at the Grand Canyon. We recommend spending at least one full day at the Grand Canyon South Rim and ideally two if time permits.

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The average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles, however, the drive between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village is about 212 miles and takes about 4 1/2 hours to drive. It takes time, planning, and effort to visit both rims in one trip.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin.

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Distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Both the North Rim and South Rim are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.

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I happily respond that the road is completely paved! But it hasn't always been that way. The bumpy road had been a source of complaints and difficulties for many years – since before the Skywalk opened in March 2007.

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