Overview
The Grand Canyon is a stunning natural attraction located in Arizona and is a great destination for any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. Scottsdale, Arizona is a city located just two hours away from the Grand Canyon and provides an ideal jumping off point for anyone wishing to explore the amazing natural sights.
In this article, we will discuss the best way to get from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, including:
- How to get there
- How far it is
Grand Canyon Location and Distance From Scottsdale
The Grand Canyon is located near Flagstaff, Arizona approximately 225 miles north of Scottsdale. It’s in the area of Tusayan, Arizona and is part of the Coconino National Forest. The amazing coloration and chasms attract millions of visitors each year.
When planning a trip from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, it’s important to consider how long you’d like your journey to take — plan accordingly. Although the direct route from Scottsdale takes about four hours, the beautiful hues found in the canyons make it worth taking a bit longer and taking some detours. This can stretch the journey to six hours or more, depending on where you decide to go along your route.
- Follow Interstate 17 North out of Phoenix for about 75 miles
- Connect with Interstate 40 East — this will lead you directly into Flagstaff
- Flagstaff is located just 28 miles South-East of Tusayan, where you can access the Grand Canyon Visitor Center
No matter how long you decide your journey should be, chances are high that it will be well worth the time spent getting there!
Driving Directions
If you are looking for the best way to get to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona, you are in the right place. The Grand Canyon is only a short drive away and there are several scenic routes that make it easy to get there. In this article, we will cover all the driving directions you need to get to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Take the AZ-101 Loop N
- Continue on I-17 N
- Take exit 339 toward AZ-64 N/Grand Canyon
- Continue on AZ-64 N
- Take a right onto the South Entrance Rd
- Continue on the South Entrance Rd and you will arrive at the Grand Canyon
Route From Scottsdale To the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s natural wonders and a top destination for many visitors to Arizona. Getting there from Scottsdale, AZ can be done by car in about 2 hours, depending on traffic and conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale:
- From Scottsdale, take the AZ 101 West for about 25 miles until you reach I-17 North;
- Get onto I-17 North, then take 90 W. The route follows Hwy 93 to Wickenburg;
- Connect onto SR 89A north park of 267 miles till you reach the South Rim Visitor Center;
- A few miles south of Flagstaff turn right onto US Route 180 West and continue for another 80 miles till you reach your destination!
Make sure to plan ahead and check road conditions since they can change quickly due to rain or snow. It’s also recommended that visitors pack plenty of water bottles with them as much of this drive can be dry and hot! Take breaks frequently in order to stay more alert throughout your journey!
Safety Tips For Driving To the Grand Canyon
Planning to drive to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale? Make sure you plan your trip carefully and be aware of some common safety tips.
- When driving to the Grand Canyon, watch out for wildlife on the roads. Deer, coyotes, foxes and other animals can wander onto the highway at any time, so always drive with caution. Be especially careful at night — use your high beams when possible once you pass Flagstaff and keep an eye out for eyes reflecting in headlights from the sides of the road.
- It’s also important that you remain well-hydrated during your drive. Bring plenty of water and plan regular stops along your journey in order to avoid fatigue and dehydration. Cell service is sparse throughout parts of Arizona, especially in rural areas close to Flagstaff; remember that it can be difficult or virtually impossible to find help if you get into a dangerous situation due to dehydration or other medical issues while traveling alone.
- Finally, take safety precautions against extreme temperatures that are common during summer drives — watch out for flash floods when it rains, as well as heat exhaustion when it’s hot outside. If driving during periods of heavy rain or poor visibility (due to dust storms), always travel at a safe speed for conditions and pull off the road into a safe area (e.g., a parking lot) if needed until conditions improve.
Public Transportation
Visiting the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona can be a great day trip but getting there can be daunting. Fortunately, public transportation is an option as it allows you to get to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale in a cost-effective and stress-free way. In this article we will discuss the different types of public transportation available from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, as well as the estimated time it takes to get there.
- Bus – 5 hours
- Shuttle – 4 hours
- Train – 6 hours
For those looking for a more direct journey, there are several private transportation services that can take you from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon in approximately 3 hours.
Bus and Shuttle Services To the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is located more than 200 miles from Scottsdale, so renting a car may not always be the most convenient option. Fortunately, there are bus and shuttle services available between Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from multiple options for transportation to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale.
Talking about budget-friendly options, there are several tour companies that offer both one-day and extended tours of the Grand Canyon. These tours will typically include a stop on Highway 66 to enjoy the stunning views of Kaibab National Forest as you make your way to the canyon. Prices typically vary based on duration of tour and number of people included in each vehicle.
If you’d prefer a private shuttle service over a tour package, there are companies that offer private shuttles customized to your itinerary, with services including hotel pickup/drop-off at one or multiple locations between Scottsdale and Grand Canyon National Park. Rates typically vary according to location and vehicle size but usually include round trip transportation as well as stops for sightseeing along the way.
Alternatively, you can also consider taking public buses to get from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Public bus lines such as Greyhound or Amtrak currently offer daily trips from multiple locations in Phoenix – including Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and different downtown locations – directly into Tusayan Village which is located near South Rim’s entrance gate . Please keep in mind that tickets may need to be reserved well in advance for certain days or times due to high demand during peak season.
Train Services To the Grand Canyon
Public transportation is a viable way to get to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona. There are no direct rail services that run all the way to the South Rim of the canyon, but train travelers will have several options to make their way to the iconic destination.
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line runs from Los Angeles to Chicago and passes through Flagstaff, Arizona, which serves as a common destination for travelers headed toward the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is located about four hours from both Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. From Flagstaff, you can take a shuttle or taxi the remaining 90 miles (145 kilometers) to either destination.
The Grand Canyon Railway offers a round-trip service daily between Williams and the South Rim Village at Grand Canyon National Park. This historic railway travels through parts of Arizona’s vast wilderness and offers passengers views of Ponderosa pine forests, ancient cliff dwellings and other natural wonders along its path. Trains depart Williams at 9:30 AM for two-hour trips along portions of historic Route 66 eastward toward its only stop near Santa Fe in Gallup, New Mexico before arriving in grand style at the edge of one of America’s greatest natural wonders—the Grand Canyon.
- The return trip passes through Aspen incline
- Short stops in Stoneman’s Lakeview
- Tuweep before returning to Williams in time for an evening arrival
As with any national park visit, checking local conditions before you leave Scottsdale will help ensure your trip goes smoothly!
Air Travel
If you’re looking to get to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona, one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get there is via air travel. It takes just under an hour to get to the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, located near the south rim of the canyon. From there, you can drive or take a shuttle bus to the popular viewpoints. Let’s take a closer look at the air travel options available.
- Commercial Airlines
- Charter Airlines
- Helicopter Tours
Closest Airports To the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a popular destination for travelers in Scottsdale, Arizona. The closest airports to the Grand Canyon are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest air option to the Grand Canyon National Park, situated 85 miles from the park entrance. It’s serviced mostly by American Airlines, which offers flights from Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix. Once at Pulliam Airport, it’s possible to rent a car for the 1-hour drive.
If you’re coming from farther away, your first step will be to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, serviced by almost all major airlines including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta and United Airlines. The airport is located 223 miles from the park entrance so you’ll need a rental car or transfer service to get to your desired destination.
Los Angeles International Airport is located 440 miles away from the park which makes it a more expensive flight option but can still be done if coming on a larger airline such as Vision airlines or Jetblue. A 4-hour drive will take you directly there with a rental car or transfer service recommended for longer trips with two or more passengers traveling together.
Flight Options To the Grand Canyon
For travelers looking to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona, there are two primary flight options to consider.
The first is a direct flight from Scottsdale airport (KSDL) to the Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN), which is located within the park boundaries and just south of Grand Canyon Village. This short and scenic flight takes about two hours, affording breathtaking views of the desert terrain before landing in front of some of the most incredible natural beauty on Earth.
The other option is to fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) via Phoenix and rent a car for an approximately two-hour drive north through Oak Creek Canyon before arriving at the South or West Rim entrance gates. The additional transportation time allows travelers to appreciate more details of this region’s breathtaking landscape, including some incredible stops along the way such as:
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
With either choice, first-time visitors have an exciting journey ahead!
Accommodations
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona can be an exciting experience. Whether you are looking for a short day trip or a longer stay, it is important to consider your accommodations. Depending on how far you plan to travel, you will need to consider how many days you want to stay, what type of accommodation you prefer and what activities you want to do during your stay. This article will provide an overview of the different types of accommodation available near the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Day Trip Accommodations
- Longer Stay Accommodations
- Activity Accommodations
- Research types of accommodation available
- Compare prices and amenities
- Book your accommodation
Hotels and Lodging Near the Grand Canyon
If you plan to stay overnight near the Grand Canyon, there are plenty of hotels and resorts available. Depending on where you stay and the time of year, prices can vary greatly. Northern Arizona offers a range of accommodation from low cost to luxury resorts. The most popular places are around Flagstaff and Williams, but you’ll also find a range of great options around Page and Tuba City in the south-eastern part of the state.
Closer to the Grand Canyon itself, accommodation options include hotels and bed & breakfasts located in both Tusayan (near South Rim) and Valle (near North Rim). There are two main camping spots; Mather Campground for RV or tent camping near South Rim village and Desert View campground for tent camping nearest East Rim village.
Accommodation within Grand Canyon National Park is limited due to its remote location, so bookings must be booked well in advance if possible. The park itself has four lodges inside its boundaries – Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Maswik Lodge Complex, Thunderbird Lodge – all of which provide some level of services like restaurants, gift shops and more depending on the lodge type. Of these four lodges only El Tovar offers full service with spa amenities such as massage parlors. If you’re looking to stay at one of these lodges make sure you book your reservation ahead of time as rooms fill up quickly during peak season months like May – August. You can use online booking sites such as Expedia or Hotelscombined to compare prices for Grand Canyon lodging accommodations across different websites.
Camping At the Grand Canyon
Camping at the Grand Canyon is a great way to experience the natural beauty of one of the world’s most incredible landmarks. The Grand Canyon National Park operates three campgrounds located in both the South and North rims along with other campgrounds operated directly by concessioners.
On-site camping is permitted with a valid camping permit. Campers must check-in at the designated campsite and adhere to park guidelines—including regulations governing noise levels, animals, fuel fires, trash disposal, and human waste disposal. These regulations exist to protect visitors from potential hazards, aid in conservation efforts, and make sure everyone has a pleasant and safe visit.
In addition to onsite camping permitted within the national park boundaries, other sites are located nearby for those traveling by car or camper van. Potential campers should be aware that availability for reservations may be limited due to extremely high demand so it’s always best to reserve ahead of time as far as possible.
Whether you plan on tent camping or staying in an RV (or somewhere in between), there are many fun experiences to enjoy throughout your visit including:
- Wildlife watching
- Birding tours
- Astronomy tours
- Stargazing events
- Relaxing under a starry night sky while listening to stories around the campfire!