What is the most scenic drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon?

US-89 North to AZ-64 West (Desert View Dr.) The Scenic Route takes you along the East Rim and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the entire USA. If a little adventure sounds appealing, take this extended route and make it a day trip, planning to make many stops along the way just to take in the scenery.



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The 207-mile drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon North Rim will take you at least 3.5 hours to complete. Key stops include monuments, ruins, and many more! You'll drive through some breathtaking Arizona landscape. Below are eight great stops that you can take on the way!

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Where to stop between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon North Rim?
  • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. 6082 Forest Service Rd 545, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. ...
  • Wukoki Pueblo Ruins. ...
  • Wupatki National Monument. ...
  • Little Colorado River Gorge Overlooks. ...
  • Desert View Watchtower. ...
  • Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center. ...
  • Cliff Dweller's Stone House.


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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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The Grand Canyon's Best Scenic Viewpoints
  1. Mather Point, South Rim. ...
  2. Redwall Bridge, North Rim. ...
  3. Hopi Point, South Rim Trail. ...
  4. Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail. ...
  5. Shoshone Point, South Rim. ...
  6. Desert View. ...
  7. Angel's Window, North Rim. ...
  8. Black Bridge or Silver Bridge view from the River.


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The Most Breathtaking Views of the Grand Canyon
  • Mather Point is one of the park's most popular viewpoints, and for good reason. ...
  • Bright Angel Point is the most popular viewpoint on the North Rim. ...
  • Point Imperial is the highest point on the canyon rim and the most northern boundary of the park.


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Grand Canyon South Rim is most frequently chosen by first-time visitors to the area not only for its beautiful views, but for its abundance of visitor services and family-oriented activities. The South Rim is open year-round. At 7,000' above sea level, the South Rim has four distinct seasons.

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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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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 two major cities closest to the Canyon are Phoenix and Las Vegas. Flagstaff, AZ is only 1.5 hours from the South Rim and although it is a smaller city, it does have an international airport. Tusayan is the closest town to Grand Canyon Village and also has a small public airport.

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The South Rim is by far the busiest and most popular section. It is the at the center of Grand Canyon National Park. This is where you will find Grand Canyon Village which was designed to provide amenities to the tourists.

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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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Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon for Smaller Crowds If you can visit during the low season, from November to March, you won't encounter crowds, but you'll need to plan ahead since parts of the park may be closed.

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The South Rim is the most popular and heavily visited area, with millions of visitors each year. However, the North Rim is much less crowded and can provide a more peaceful and relaxing experience. The West Rim, also known as Grand Canyon West, falls between the North and South Rims in terms of popularity.

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Scenery: Both sections have dramatic, incredible Grand Canyon scenery. The upper has the younger rock layers that one gets to experience up close and personal. There are also expansive rim views on one day of the upper.

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Upper Antelope Canyon is better for seniors, people who can't climb ladders, children, and people with mobility issues. Lower Antelope Canyon is less expensive, and more crowded. The structure of the canyon itself allows more light in, so you'll get more of the orange glow on the sandstone walls.

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Flagstaff is one of the great portals to the Grand Canyon for its close proximity, stunning alpine beauty, college-town conviviality, and Route 66 history.

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Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (Rte. 89A) is a 24-mile drive between Flagstaff and Sedona. From Flagstaff, take I-17 South to Highway 89A. The breathtaking road descends 4,500 feet from the top of the Mogollon Rim, winding through sandstone canyons and rock formations around every curve.

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