The Grand Canyon Railway

Named for the famous mountain man, Bill Williams, Williams, Ariz. is a former frontier town that makes for a nostalgic, perfect summer getaway. Hop on the Grand Canyon Railway and watch the sunset over a desert horizon. In town, browse Indian art galleries and dine at several restaurants right on Route 66. The outdoorsy can take in the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world, visit Kaibab National Forest or hike the Bill Williams Mountain Trail.

• How to Get There


• Where to Stay


• Where to Eat


• What to Do


• Insider Tip


• More Travel Info

How to Get There

• Phoenix airport
• North on I-17, then west at Flagstaff on I-40


• Williams is 29 miles west of Flagstaff

Where to Stay

The Canyon Motel
Nestled in Ponderosa pine trees on 10 acres of land along Old Route 66, this motel offers accomodations in a converted railcar or even a caboose.
1900 E. Rodeo Rd., Williams, AZ 86046
928-635-9371
www.TheCanyonMotel.com

The Johnstonian Bed & Breakfast
This two-story Victorian is just one hour away from the Grand Canyon National Park. Expect homemade goodies and period-style furnishings.
321 West Sheridan Ave., Williams AZ 86046
928-635-2178

Where to Eat

Rod's Steak House
Located on Route 66 for 58 years, this steak house serves up strip sirloin and prime rib.
Website: www.rods-steakhouse.com

Old Smoky's Restaurant
Open since 1946, enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, biscuits and gravy.
624 W. Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046
520-635-2091

Pizza Factory
Try the aptly named Route 66, a combination pizza.
214 W. Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046
928-635-3009

Pine Country Restaurant
Dessert lovers must visit for 45 kinds of pie, including peanut butter chocolate.
107 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, AZ 86046
520-635-9718

What to Do

Grand Canyon Railway
Arrive just steps from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on this 65-mile journey. On the way you'll be entertained by cowboy characters and even be a part of a mock train robbery.
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, AZ 86046
800-843-8724
www.TheTrain.com

Pueblo Indian Gallery
Aboriginal and Inuit artists sell their one-of-a-kind jewelry, sculpture, pottery, paintings and rugs and blankets in this exclusive gallery.
202 W. Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046
520-635-4966
www.PuebloIndianGallery.com

Kaibab National Forest
One of six national forests in Arizona, visit Kaibab for camping, fishing, seeing historic homes or observing wildlife. Take the 11-mile Sycamore Rim Trail which has great views of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness on the southern border of Kaibab.
800 South Sixth St., Williams, AZ 86046
928-635-8200
www.fs.fed.us

Insider Tip

• Lace up and hike at Bill Williams Mountain Trail. It's an eight mile roundtrip on a moderately difficult trail that takes you through pine forests, across a creek and through fern and Arizona rose groundcover. (742 South Clover Rd., Williams, AZ 86046, 928-635-5600, www.fs.fed.us)
  

For more information about Williams, Ariz., visit the City of Williams website at www.WilliamsChamber.com.