Visit the Grand Canyon on a Route 66 Road Trip
The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Route 66. Travelers from all over the world will be arriving in Chicago, Illinois to make the historic journey across the United States all the way to Santa Monica, California. If you plan to celebrate the anniversary of this iconic American landmark, you also you the unique opportunity to visit the most cherished natural landform in the country – the Grand Canyon. Learn more about this fantastic detour during your Route 66 road trip
Is the Grand Canyon Located Near Route 66?
Yes! The Grand Canyon National Park is about 75 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona and just 54 miles north of Williams, Arizona. Both cities are located on Route 66, making the Grand Canyon a popular stop during a road trip.
Getting to the Grand Canyon from Route 66
From Flagstaff, AZ:
Taked US Highway 180 northwest until reaching Valle, AZ; then take US 64 north until you reach the park entrance.
From Williams, AZ:
Take US Highway 64 north from Williams, AZ until arriving at the park entrance.
Grand Canyon Entry Fees for Cars & Motorcycles
Prepare for your visit in advance by learning what Grand Canyon entry fee applies to you. Active military service members, veterans, those with disabled status, and seniors can receive discounted entry. Be advised that entry can only be paid in cash, either at the park entrance or at a variety of locations within the nearby town of Tusayan, Arizona. Depending on when you plan to visit, there are also several entry fee-free days at the Grand Canyon. Be sure to check the National Park Service website to be aware of any unexpected closures.
What to Do at the Grand Canyon
There’s no shortage of exciting sightseeing opportunities and activities at the Grand Canyon National Park. From a variety of hiking trails to traverse, historic buildings to explore, and several once-in-a-lifetime tours – including scenic airplane flights, ground excursions, and even helicopter tours.
Best Grand Canyon Activities and Tours
While there are ample lookout points that can be reached on foot, you simply can’t match seeing the Grand Canyon from the sky. Helicopter tours and sightseeing airplane tours depart daily from the Grand Canyon Airport, and Hummer tours start just outside the park at the nearby Buck Wild Hummer Tours depot. No matter what tour you choose, you’ll be treated to incredible views and a story to share for a lifetime.
Experience a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: Soar over the deepest and widest canyon gorges and see the striped rock walls, the Colorado River, and the Kaibab Forest from the sky. Helicopters are equipped with oversized windows for photos and headset communications between the passengers and the pilot.
Fly Over the Grand Canyon in an Airplane: Enjoy aerial views of the Grand Canyon scenery from your seat in a sightseeing airplane. Accompanying music and narration through noise-cancelling headphones set a peaceful ambiance and climate control keeps you comfortable as you glide over the stunning canyon landscape.
Visit the Best Lookout Points in a Hummer: Board a military-style Hummer vehicle operated by a professional driver and travel through the park to some of the most impressive lookout points. The open-air construction is perfect for warmer months and the vehicle can be fitted with a roof in the colder months. Bench style seating makes a Hummer tour perfect for the whole family.
Start Planning Your Grand Canyon Detour Today!
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is the world’s premier air tour operator. Since our first flight in 1965, our tour offerings have grown to include 76 unique experiences, as well as tours to Grand Canyon West, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and beyond. Every year, 300,000 annual passengers choose Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters for their sightseeing experience. Join us on the adventure of a lifetime during your Route 66 road trip!
