Few landmarks evoke a sense of wonder and Americana the way the Grand Canyon does. Located in Arizona, and regarded as one of the finest examples of arid-land erosion in the world, this 4,000-foot-deep chasm spans 277 miles in a state otherwise celebrated for its flat desert Badlands.
Route 66 Tours invites you to experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world as part of a guided experience across America’s Mother Road.
The Route 66 Grand Canyon experience
Travelling from Las Vegas to Chicago and back to Las Vegas as part of our 26-night adventure? You’ll enjoy a stop at both the North & South Rims of this majestic historical site, with a view to showcase the splendour of the Grand Canyon at its very best.
Located roughly 60 miles north of the Route 66 town of Williams, the Grand Canyon Village sits on the south rim of this world-renowned marvel. The north rim of the canyon is about 210 miles from the Route 66 town of Flagstaff, meaning it is not a popular viewpoint for route 66 road trippers, even though it is more spectacular. The good news is that our new 26-night Route 66 Plus adventure, visits both the North, and the South Rims.
While a highlight of our tour down this historic route is undoubtedly the attraction formerly known as “The Big Canon,” there’s plenty to enjoy on the road trip there! Whether you’re taking in the open air from the passenger seat or relishing the AC of a luxurious SUV, there’s really no wrong way to experience the sights and sounds of a cruise down the Mother Road.
Since the old route ceased to appear on most maps way back in 1985, your Route 66 Tours adventure is hosted by our experienced guides, who are there to facilitate your journey and offer insight into the legendary highway so closely identified with the “American Graffiti” era.
Splendour abounds from both rims of the Grand Canyon from Route 66!
The historic Grand Canyon National Park
Famous for an intricate series of over 1,000 caves and caverns – only one of which is accessible to the public – the Grand Canyon covers more geography than the entire U.S. state of Rhode Island. Measured at a depth of over a mile in some places, and with a width of 18 miles across at its widest point, this majestic natural wonder attracts millions of visitors each year.
This jaw-dropping destination offers far more to see than your average pit stop. From breathtaking vistas to desert bighorn sheep and bald eagles, & even bison, you’re apt to take in all sorts of sights as part of your tour.
To whet your appetite for adventure, here are some amazing Grand Canyon facts:
- Did you know that the Grand Canyon is so majestic that it can influence the weather itself? Boasting an elevation variance of 2,000 to 8,000 feet, the temperature actually increases by 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000-foot loss in elevation.
- The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States … and all of North America! An estimated 5.9 million people take in the wondrous vistas each year. This number marks the boost in popularity the park has achieved following the relatively tame 44,173 tourists who made the trip in the inaugural year of 1919.
- The notorious rock squirrel is amongst the most dangerous encounters you could have at the Grand Canyon! According to a report on AZ Central, these precious-looking local rascals are known to nibble on unwary selfie-seekers.
- Filmmaker John Ford showcased nearby Monument Valley in 1930’s cowboy films, fueling the nostalgia and Wild West connotations the Canyon enjoys to this day.
- Smoke on the horizon? Don’t worry, controlled fires have been a part of the ecosystem for thousands of years. The fire accelerates nature’s recycling efforts, thins forests and stimulates new growth.
- The Colorado River white water rapids run through the majority of the park, originating in the Rocky Mountains and cascading through Utah, and into the Grand Canyon Arizona.
- Similar to Arches National Park in Utah and Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, the Grand Canyon houses dozens of flora and fauna entirely unique to the environment.
- The Grand Canyon Railway still carries passengers between Williams, Arizona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The 64-mile stretch of railroad was completed in September of 1901, and passengers aboard the Southwest Chief famously rode from Chicago to the Canyon.
While the Grand Canyon isn’t technically on Route 66, it’s well worth the quick detour. The South Rim is the predominant destination due to its proximity to the Mother Road, and luckily for nostalgia-lovers, it also offers the fantastic views! When taking our new 26-night Route 66 Plus Tour, you also get to visit the rarely visited North Rim, with its even better views.
Travellers from all over the world journey to Grand Canyon National Park to take in the 200-mile expanse from the North Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Visitor Center. With Route 66 Tours you’ll enjoy a beautiful slice of the Canyon, hand-selected to offer all of the wonders of the park as a showcase destination on your larger adventure!
From Las Vegas to Chicago back to Las Vegas: The Route 66 Tours difference
Have you ever wanted to cruise America’s most famous highway the way countless movies and classic songs have imagined it? There may be no better place on Earth to time travel than Route 66. Boasting one of the longest, most beautiful and geographically diverse regions in the United States, you’ll never take in the same sights twice.
The itinerary gives you the very best of the South-West, and a litany of American cultural differences as we cross this amazing country. You’ll be able to enjoy the best of historic Route 66, as well as stunning roads through the Colorado Rockies. Prepare to ride through old town America in a comfortable, welcoming environment designed to prepare you for the thrills to come!
Route 66 Tours is invested in delivering the best driving experience for your adventure, and that includes taking the time to ensure you’re comfortable driving on American asphalt. We’ll get you over the jet lag and used to the other side of the road before hitting a series of stops that include classic car museums and a world-famous Route 66 museum. From there, it’s nothing short of open road and full-throttle Americana on the way to take in the Grand Canyon from both angles.
Our guided tours allow you to take the highway by the handlebars and traverse Main Street America’s first all-weather highway the way nostalgia demands you should. However, we take the time and consideration to ensure you’re comfortable and able to enjoy everything the experience has to offer. Our tour along 66 average only 166 miles per day, although the sights and sounds you’ll take in will have you ready to relax and reflect come day’s end.
Rest assured, we won’t just throw you behind the wheel and head off down the road – our tours enable you to enjoy a leisurely cruising pace or relax from the shotgun seat as one of our dedicated tour guides regales you with little-known facts about the Route.
Head over to our testimonials page to share the sentiment only the Great American Road Trip can evoke. We’ve collected feedback from Aussies and an array of global enthusiasts who champion the experience – in fact, we’re proud to admit we’ve seen some familiar recurring faces on our tours, with some die-hard road warriors nearing double-digit excursions!
Come take a ride on the (safely guided) wild side with us! Our seasonal tour offerings are booking now … the open road AND historic places like the Route 66 museum and the Grand Canyon await! Take advantage of our Spring, Summer, and Fall packages and come see why there’s no better way to experience this historic route than by roaring down it!
