The Grand Canyon is one of America's top tourist destinations to visit on a budget. Travelers flock to this magnificent site to explore its excellence and the surrounding striking features. Additionally, a road trip from the Canyon toward Arizona's capital, Phoenix, features more fascinating features along the way.

Tourists exploring Arizona should take a road trip from the Canyon to Phoenix. The drive comprises numerous stops, including the fabled Sedona Town, tucked between the amazing scenery of the state. Furthermore, a tour between the two areas ticks off a significant part of an Arizona itinerary.

There are two routes travelers can take when driving from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix. Here are the routes tourists can take when visiting Phoenix from the Canyon.

Grand Canyon To Phoenix, AZ

A drive to Phoenix from Grand Canyon involves two routes, the quickest of which is Highway 64. This route takes travelers past Williams, a town lying off the highway filled with various attractions. It further connects with I-17 through I-40, stretching south towards Phoenix.

Related: This Is The Best Month To Visit The Grand Canyon, And Which Tour To Take While You're There

Travelers interested in arriving fast without minding the numerous semis on the I-40 road should opt for this route. Conversely, those interested in multiple scenic views should take the Highway 180 route that winds past a mountainous region connecting with the I-17.

To say that Highway 64 barely has attractions is a far-fetched assumption, as both routes have a fair share of interesting stops. It all depends on preference, season, and urgency.

Stops To Make From Grand Canyon To Phoenix

The road trip from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix involves two segments. Both parts of the journey incorporate several interesting stops regardless of the preferred route. Here is a guide detailing the various parts of the trip with numerous interesting stops.

Related: Road Trip Arizona: What To See Between Phoenix & Sedona On This Short Trip

Part I: Grand Canyon To Flagstaff

This segment involves two routes, Highway 64 and Highway 180. Both routes take travelers from the natural feature to the fabled Flagstaff Town. However, using Highway 180, the slowest of the two, depends on the season as it's often closed during winter.

The first stop along Highway 64 is Bearizona National Park, a park in Williams. The park houses high-country wildlife easily explored via a safari-style drive. It also incorporates an in-house zoo that hosts various animals, including bears and arctic wolves.

A trip through the park often takes approximately two hours. Also, a few miles ahead of the park lies Williams, a town with its own share of unique attractions. The detour is quick, involving a fascinating historical district with multiple Route 66-themed shops and galleries. Tourists can check out the stores for souvenirs.

Travelers then take the I-40 route that links with I-17 at Flagstaff. On the other hand, Highway 180 involves more scenic views, starting with the famous Snow Ball, a ski resort on the western slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. The resort is seven miles off the highway's junction, with the drive taking visitors past striking aspen groves.

Further south of the peaks lies the famous Flagstaff Town. Travelers stop by the town to explore its historic downtown, including checking out Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The second part of the journey begins right after exploring Flagstaff.

Part II: Flagstaff To Phoenix

The last part of the road trip involves traveling south from Flagstaff via the I-17 road. For visitors, this route features interesting stretches of amazing scenery and stops. These fascinating features include saguaros towering the famous Black Canyon City.

Travelers drive toward the famous Sedona Town, a side trip that takes visitors past eye-candy vistas from Oak Creek Canyon to the village of Oak Creek. The municipality is also home to several easy hiking grounds a few miles off the highway, such as the West Fork of Oak Creek. Tourists can also explore the gastronomic culture of the town's plethora of restaurants.

Further ahead of Sedona off I-17 at Camp Verde lies the magnificent Montezuma Castle National Monument, another fascinating stop. The attraction houses ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over nine centuries ago. The visit is a quick stop as the parking spot is not far from the viewing area.

Ahead of the historical site toward Phoenix is the fabled Rock Springs Cafe. Originally built as a general store in the early 1900s, Rock Springs Cafe has been a significant stopover for travelers for years. The place also features an indigenous craft boutique selling souvenirs to visitors.

Additionally, Rock Springs Cafe has a rich gastronomic tradition, with the area being famous for its amazing pies. Also, tourists can take in the amazing scenery of the magnificent Sonoran Desert before embarking on a trip to Phoenix.

These stops lengthen the journey but make it more exciting. Tourists visiting Phoenix from the Canyon need to pick their preferred routes to enjoy a scenic tour past some top Arizona natural features. There are several things travelers need to include in this itinerary; here are some.

  • Travelers should pack their gadgets, including cameras, as the trip is full of picturesque scenery that deserves shots.
  • Enough cash is also a necessity as the trip features towns with amazing craft and souvenir stores.
  • For foreign visitors driving on the highway, carrying the right driving documents is a must; the same applies to American citizens.

Arizona is home to dramatic stretches of landscapes that feature rugged terrains winding through fascinating natural features. A good example of these natural sites includes the Grand Canyon, which experiences a high influx of tourists all year round. An Arizona road trip is the best way to get the most out of the state.