Williams

Williams is a town in Northern Arizona, 35 miles west of Flagstaff on Interstate 40. In 1984, it was the last Route 66 town to be bypassed by freeway — a distinction it wears with pride, maintaining a vibrant downtown that deliberately evokes the heyday of American road-trip culture. The city's location on I-40, as well as its position on the old Route 66, make it a frequent stop for travellers passing through on their way to more exotic destinations. The city is also a major gateway to the Grand Canyon, with the Grand Canyon Railway departing daily from Williams to the South Rim.

At roughly 6,800 feet elevation, Williams enjoys a pine-forested mountain setting with cool summers, significant winter snowfall, and four distinct seasons — a stark contrast to the desert heat of Phoenix, 190 miles to the south. The surrounding Kaibab National Forest offers extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and camping, and the town itself hosts an appealing mix of antique shops, diners, and Route 66 nostalgia.

By Car

Williams sits directly on Interstate 40, about 35 miles west of Flagstaff and 190 miles north of Phoenix. From Flagstaff, it is a straightforward 35-minute drive west on I-40. From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff, then I-40 west — roughly 3 hours under normal conditions.

By Train

The Grand Canyon Railway operates daily service between Williams and the Grand Canyon South Rim. The depot is at 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with vintage diesel or steam locomotives pulling restored passenger cars through 65 miles of pine forest and high desert.

By Bus

Greyhound serves Williams with stops along I-40. The Williams Visitor Center, 200 W Railroad Ave, +1 928-635-4061, can help with schedules and connections.

Williams is compact enough to explore on foot, especially the Route 66 downtown corridor along Route 66 (Historic Route 66 through the centre). For the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway, and surrounding Kaibab National Forest areas, a car is essential.

• Route 66 downtown corridor. Williams maintains one of the best-preserved stretches of historic Route 66 in Arizona. The downtown is lined with vintage signs, antique shops, and retro diners. Walking the main street feels like stepping into 1950s America.

• Bearizona Wildlife Park, 1500 E Route 66, +1 928-635-2289. A 160-acre drive-through wildlife park where bison, elk, bears, wolves, and other North American animals roam in spacious natural enclosures. A walk-through section, Fort Bearizona, features smaller animals and birds. $20 adults, $15 children 3-12, free under 3.

• Peach Springs Canyon Trail. Located just east of Williams, this scenic trail winds through a canyon with views of the Kaibab Plateau. Moderate difficulty.

• Kaibab National Forest. The surrounding forest offers extensive hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The forest surrounds Williams on three sides, and numerous trailheads are accessible within minutes of town.

• Grand Canyon Railway. Departing daily from the Williams depot, this scenic railway carries passengers through 65 miles of pine forests and high desert to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Vintage locomotives — including steam engines on select days — pull restored passenger cars. The trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. A range of seating classes is available, from coach to luxury dome and parlor cars. Book well in advance during peak season. From approximately $67 adults.

• Rodeo events and festivals. Williams hosts several annual events, including the Spring Roundup (typically in June), a 4th of July parade, and Christmas in Williams with festivities along Route 66.

• Fishing and outdoor recreation. The Kaibab National Forest provides ample opportunities for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation year-round. Several lakes and streams in the region are stocked with trout.

• Cruisers Cafe 66, 100 W Route 66. A popular Route 66-themed restaurant with burgers, steaks, and American comfort food. The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal.

• The Historic Route 66 Diner. Classic American diner fare along the main Route 66 strip — milkshakes, burgers, and all-day breakfast.

• Gold Mine Grill, 230 S 7th St. A local favourite for hearty American and Mexican food at reasonable prices.

• We Cook Pizza and Pasta, 100 W Route 66. Italian-American food including pizza and pasta dishes.

• The Barrel House Alehouse, 234 W Route 66. Craft beer and cocktails in a Western-themed setting.

• Various bars and grills along Route 66. The downtown area has several establishments serving drinks in a Route 66 atmosphere.

• Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, +1 928-635-4010. Connected to the Grand Canyon Railway depot, this modern hotel is the most convenient option for railway passengers. Comfortable rooms with Western décor, on-site restaurant, and easy access to the train platform. $130-250.

• Best Western Plus Inn of Williams, 900 W Route 66, +1 928-635-4072. A reliable chain property with indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast. Directly on the Route 66 strip. $100-200.

• Holiday Inn Express Williams, 200 E Railroad Ave, +1 928-635-9100. Modern rooms with complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool. Close to the downtown area.

• Rodeway Inn Williams, 201 S 7th St, +1 928-635-4431. Budget option with clean, basic rooms. Good value for travellers passing through on I-40.

• Route 66 shops and galleries. The downtown corridor features a variety of antique stores, gift shops, and galleries selling Western art, Route 66 memorabilia, and Native American crafts.

• Cruisers Route 66 Soda Fountain, 101 W Route 66. A retro soda fountain and gift shop selling classic American soda fountain treats and Route 66 souvenirs.

• Grand Canyon National Park (60 mi north) — One of the world's greatest natural wonders. The South Rim entrance is accessible via the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams.
• Flagstaff (35 mi east) — A lively mountain town with Northern Arizona University, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and a historic downtown.
• Sedona (80 mi southeast) — Famous for its red rock formations, vortex sites, art galleries, and resort spas.
• Lake Powell (200 mi northeast) — Massive reservoir straddling the Arizona-Utah border, with houseboat rentals and slot canyon exploration.