Williams is known as the “gateway to Grand Canyon National Park.” The majority of people who drive through Williams are on their way to this natural wonder that Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, is known for.
It’s truly a humbling sight to see something so incredibly expansive in its natural form. The fact that over millions of years ago the Colorado River cut through the Colorado Plateau creating this canyon is hard to comprehend. Even while looking at it in person the depth and its beauty is hard to take in.
While the Grand Canyon is an absolute must for visitors, there’s so much more to explore in Williams.
Here’s a one-day road trip to see some of the lesser known tourist attractions. Leaving Phoenix at 8:30 a.m. we got back just before 7 p.m. and hit all these spots.
Stop one: Bearizona
Located in Williams at 1500 E. Route 66, Bearizona is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north from Phoenix. Your admission ticket includes access into both the drive-through and walk-through Fort Bearizona.
Tickets are $30 per adult on weekdays and $35 on the weekend. Discounts are available for seniors and kids 12 and under.
Bearizona is a zoo like no other that allows you to fully immerse yourself among the animals. Situated on 160 acres, the drive-through portion winds you through the Ponderosa Pine Forest to see a variety of North American animals in their natural habitat.
Once you have your ticket for the day you can drive through the zoo as many times as you want. Stop by Canyonlands Restaurant at Bearizona whenever you’re in need of a refreshment.
For more information, visit bearizona.com.
Stop two: Bedrock City - Raptor Ranch
For only $10, step into the world of the "Flintstones." Located about a 30-minute drive north of Bearizona, the amusement park is located at 332 S. State Highway 64 in Williams.
If you’re looking to spend the night, there’s a campground on the property featuring 36 RV sites and tent sites. There are also some new Raptor Ranch Glamping tents for anyone looking to upgrade their typical camping experience. All campers gain free entry to Bedrock City.
If you’re looking to visit the Grand Canyon while you’re in Williams, staying at the campground can be a great spot if you’re looking to save money by forgoing a hotel. Only 20 minutes away from the South Rim Entrance, everything you need is on site from their campstore, giftshop, showers, snacks, coffee and more.
Once you pay your entry fee and walk through the gift shop into Bedrock City you’re taken back in time with this historic cartoon landmark. Instantly a wave of nostalgia will wash over you as you walk around the town of the "Flintstones" city created in the 1970s, inspired by the popular cartoon that aired in the 1960s.
I would give yourself at least an hour to explore the grounds. The experience is fully immersive, allowing visitors to walk through the different homes and shops you once saw on television.
My favorite part was the goats that stuck their heads out at the Goatasaurus feeding area and sliding down the massive Dino slide.
For more information, visit raptor-ranch.com/attractions/bedrock-city.
Stop three: Canyon Coaster Adventure Park
If I had more time I could have spent hours here! We only did the Canyon Coaster, but depending on the time of year you visit there’s summer mountain tubing and winter snow tubing. Prices vary for the tubing, but the Canyon Coaster was $20 per person for one ride.
Canyon Coaster is located 30 minutes from Bedrock City, and only a couple minutes away from Bearizona, so you can hit either one first. We wanted to get the one furthest away done first, so after exploring Bedrock we drove to the Adventure Park located in Williams at 700 E. Route 66.
The Canyon Coaster had been on my bucket list for quite some time now and it didn’t disappoint! The coaster goes a lot faster than you’d think, so listen when they tell you to make sure you have everything zipped up and secure before you begin your journey up into the mountains.
The coaster gives you both the chance to be surrounded by William’s beautiful mountain scenery while giving you an adrenaline rush as you zip around the mile-long alpine coaster ride.
If you’re worried about the speed, you’re able to pull back on the brakes to slow down as the ride takes you along “steep descents, dips, twists, hairpin turns and 360-degree corkscrews.”
If you’re up in Williams, don’t miss out on the first and only mountain coaster in Arizona.
For more information, visit canyoncoasteradventurepark.com.
Stop four: Cars of the Mother Road
Located at 341 W. Route 66 in Williams is this collection of vintage cars, souvenirs, a gift shop and cowboy reenactments. Less than a mile away from Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, Cars of the Mother Road feature tons of photo ops.
Keep your eyes out for a real life remake of Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater, two famous characters in Pixar’s “Cars.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/CarsoftheMotherRoad.
Once we hit all these spots we started the trek back to Phoenix. What I loved about this road trip was how different each spot was. Each place came with its own unique experiences, showcasing just how much Williams has to offer.
