Because of the Grand Canyon's massive size there are numerous towns and cities people can use as a base camp or entry point to the Grand Canyon. From major hubs with international airports, to dusty one road towns its nice to get an idea about where to start your trip to the Grand Canyon in order to avoid spending to much time driving around.
The two major cities closest to the Canyon are Phoenix and Las Vegas. Flagstaff, AZ is only 1.5 hrs 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. Other towns in Arizona that are close to various areas with the Canyon are Sedona, Seligman, Peach Springs, Meadview, Marble Canyon, Fredonia and Jacob lake. Kanab Utah is fairly close to the North Rim as well as the Tuweap region of Grand Canyon National Park.
Phoenix- The largest city in Arizona, Phoenix has the largest airport in the state. It is also the closest major airport to the South Rim.
Las Vegas- Las Vegas is another Grand Canyon area hub, but the drive is 1.5 hours further than Phoenix to get to the South Rim. The North Rim and many Parks in Southern Utah are actually closer to Vegas.
Flagstaff- Flagstaff is only 1.5 hours from the South Rim, and has its own small airport. This is a great base camp to explore the South Rim, Sedona, and other area attractions.
Williams- A small town along historic route 66, Williams is 45 minutes from the South Rim, and the home of the Grand Canyon Railway.
Tusayan- Home of the Grand Canyon Imax, Tusayan is only a few miles from the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
Sedona- Located a half hour south of Flagstaff, Sedona is know for its beautiful red rock formations, art, hiking, mountain biking and up scale resorts.
Page- Home to Lake Powell, Page is a couple hours from the North and South Rims. Lake Powell is a popular house boating destination, but there is also great hiking and kayaking.
Seligman- Along historic route 66 is the small town of Seligman, the gateway to Havasu Falls and the Western Grand Canyon.
Peach Springs- Peach Springs is right down the road from Seligman. This is the home of the Hualapai Tribe, and the home to the Grand Canyons only one-day whitewater trips.
Jacob Lake- Little more than a lodge and a gas station Jacob Lake is where highway 89 meets highway 67 for visitors traveling to the North Rim.
Fredonia- A small town along the Arizona-Utah border, Fredonia a few small lodges and restaurants.
Kanab- Right across the border from Fredonia is Kanab, a pretty little town with a great central location to explore the Grand Canyon's North Rim, and Southern Utah.
Meadview- Located next to Lake Mead, Meadview is the only town in the area. It is also the closest town to those heading to Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk.
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