The quaint town of Williams Arizona lies along historic Rt. 66 and still holds much on its old west charm. Williams was the original gateway to the Grand Canyon, which is still its largest tourist attraction. The Grand Canyon Railway, which runs daily between Williams and Grand Canyon National Park, is a popular activity for train enthusiasts and families alike. Williams offers a fair selection of lodging and restaurants, and is only a 45-minute drive to the Park. Williams AZ is also the closest town to the Grand Canyon for travelers driving from Las Vegas, and offers a much slower pace than nearby Flagstaff.
Both the town and mountain backdrop are namesakes of Bill Williams, who among other things was a legendary trapper. At nearly 7,000 feet in elevation Williams enjoys 4 seasons, and has a climate similar to Flagstaff and the South Rim. After the construction of interstate 40, Williams like many other Rt. 66 destinations nearly turned into a ghost town, but nearby Grand Canyon National Park keep things alive. With the Rebirth of Rt. 66, happy days were here again, and a new type of tourist began to flood into this dusty town. Historic Rt. 66 enthusiasts will find several dinners, bars and shops reminiscent of the good old days in this modern piece of Americana.
Williams has several great recreational activities besides the well-known National Park. There is trophy elk hunting, and several lakes to fish right outside of town. Elk Ridge Ski area is a short drive up Perkinsville Road, which is an amazing scenic drive that goes all the way to Jerome, AZ along an old dirt road. This route also offers great hikes and camping, including some places right along the Verde River. Just east of town, rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy Paradise Forks, which offer great crack climbing, hiking, and a seasonal waterfall.
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