Article Overview: Closest Cities Near the Grand Canyon
Believe it or not there are actually a handful of great towns and cities near the Grand Canyon. It isn’t always easy finding where to stay near the Grand Canyon but not to worry, that’s where I come in!
I’ve been to all of these cities all and have created this helpful article to help you determine which one is right for you during your next trip to the Grand Canyon.
In this article I’ll cover:
- Things to Know Before Visiting
- Closest Towns & Cities Near the Grand Canyon
- Where to Stay in Each of These Cities Near the Grand Canyon
- Helpful Tips for Visiting
- Interesting Grand Canyon Facts
Table of Contents: Closest Towns Near the Grand Canyon
Table of Contents: Closest Towns Near the Grand Canyon
Things to Know Before Visiting the Grand Canyon
Entrance Fees
$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
Guide Book
The Best Guide Book: James Kaiser is the proverbial bees knees in this department. I love all of his National Park guides and his Grand Canyon Guide is no exception.
Map
The Best Grand Canyon Map: I like this map best for Grand Canyon National Park.
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth 🙂
Know the Four Regions of the Grand Canyon
Most folks think of the Grand Canyon in terms of North Rim / South Rim. There’s also an area referred to as Grand Canyon East and Grand Canyon West.
- South Rim: The most popular and most heavily visited section of Grand Canyon National Park is the South Rim area located just beyond the South Rim Entrance Station which includes Mather Point & Grand Canyon Village
- East Rim: The east section refers to the area near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park which includes the Desert View Watchtower.
- North Rim: Located across the canyon from the south rim, the north rim of the Grand Canyon has become increasingly popular in recent years as visitation continues to surge. Despite being roughly 10 miles as the crow flies across the canyon, the drive to the north rim from the south rim takes about 4 hours.
- West Rim: Accessed via the South Entrance followed by Hermit Road or West Rim Drive and includes many of the best overlooks in the park.
- Grand Canyon West: Grand Canyon West is the most recently developed section of the Grand Canyon and managed by the Hualapai Tribe rather than the National Park Service. The famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is located here.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the Spring and Fall. I recommend the months of April and September when crowds will be down and temperatures will be pleasant.
Hours of Operation
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 24 hours a day all 365 days of the year. The North Rim however is closed to all vehicles between December 1st and May 14th with no services offered. From October 15 to December 1 on the North Rim services are limited.
Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
Here’s my favorite spot to stay at the Grand Canyon.
Towns & Cities Near the Grand Canyon
Top 10 Towns & Cities Near Grand Canyon National Park
10. Page, Arizona
How Close is Page to the Grand Canyon: 109 miles (2 hours)
Features: Distant, On the Way, Conveniences, Attractions
About this City Near Grand Canyon National Park
If you’re coming from Utah then Page could be a great stopping off point on your way to either the North Rim or South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While it is too far to be a base camp for a Grand Canyon visit, there are lots of things to see and do in/around Page including Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and more.
In Page, you’ll find lots of restaurants and plenty of modern conveniences. Getting to the Grand Canyon will take about 2 hours from here with few food options on the way so I recommend stocking up here.
Where to Stay in Page
9. Flagstaff, Arizona
How Close is Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon: 75 miles (75 minutes)
Features: Inexpensive, Major City, Conveniences, Distant
About this City Near Grand Canyon National Park
Flagstaff is by far the largest major city near Grand Canyon National Park with a population of around 75,000 residents. Here you’ll find every modern convenience you could hope for along with a wide variety of Grand Canyon hotels.
The downtown area is both charming and walkable featuring a great selection of restaurants. Just south of Flagstaff you’ll find the popular city of Sedona.
Where to Stay Flagstaff
- I’ve collated the top options for where to stay in Flagstaff
8. Fort Valley, Arizona
How Close is Fort Valley to the Grand Canyon: 58 miles (1 hour)
Features: Inexpensive, Limited Options, Remote
About this City Near Grand Canyon National Park
Located in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, just northwest of Flagstaff, Fort Valley is a remote option that is typically only “on the way” to the Grand Canyon if you’re taking the scenic route.
There is actually great skiing here in the winter time around the Humphreys Peak area making this a popular seasonal destination.
Where to Stay Fort Valley
7. Tuba City, Arizona
How Close is Tuba City to the Grand Canyon: 58 miles (1 hour)
Features: Inexpensive, Limited Options, Remote
About this City Near Grand Canyon National Park
Tuba City is a smaller town located nearest to the Grand Canyon East Entrance Station. It features just two hotels, a few convenience stores, and gas.
You’ll find a couple of fast food restaurants here for quick, on the go food options.
Where to Stay Tuba City
6. Cameron, Arizona
How Close is Cameron to the Grand Canyon: 32 miles (30 minutes)
Features: Inexpensive, Limited Options
About this City Near the Grand Canyon
While there is only 1 hotel located in Cameron, the Cameron Trading Post Hotel, it may be a great place to stop on your way to the Grand Canyon depending on availability and which route you’re taking. Cameron is located just 30 minutes away from the East Entrance Station of the Grand Canyon which is close to the Desert View area.
In Cameron you’ll also find gas, a convenience store, and limited grocery options.
Top 5 Closest Cities Near the Grand Canyon
5. Williams, Arizona
How Close is Williams to the Grand Canyon: 54 miles (1 hour)
Features: On the Way, Inexpensive
About this City Near the Grand Canyon
I would classify Williams as a great city to stay in on the way to the Grand Canyon rather than a base camp for Grand Canyon adventures. In a pinch it could serve this function but note that the drive time to and from the South Rim Entrance Station is about an hour which means 1 hour in and 1 hour out each day. While this is doable it’s not ideal.
On the bright side, Williams has the largest selection of hotels of the 5 closest cities to the Grand Canyon. According to Booking there are 52 lodging options located within Williams.
On top of the hotels, Williams has all the conveniences including grocery, gas, and more. Williams is also located on historic Route 66 adding to the charm of this Grand Canyon town.
Where to Stay in Williams
- Historic Grand Canyon Hotel
- Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
- Quality Inn
- La Quinta
- Comfort Inn
- Best Western
- Red Roof Inn
- Howard Johnson
- more…
4. Grand Canyon Junction (Valle, Arizona)
How Close is Valle to the Grand Canyon: 24 miles (25 minutes)
Features: Nearby, Affordability, Camping, Glamping
About this City Near the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Junction, also known as Valle, is another great city near the Grand Canyon to consider for your next trip to the park. Located just 25 minutes driving from the South Rim Entrance Station, Grand Canyon Junction is a bit less developed than Tusayan but boasts a number of lodging options along with a gas station, and convenience stores.
If you’re into glamping, this is the place for you as Grand Canyon Junction offers a nice array of glamping and camping options.
Where to Stay Grand Canyon Junction
3. Tusayan, Arizona
How Close is Tusayan to the Grand Canyon: 2 miles (4 minutes)
Features: Very Close, Affordability, Camping
About this City Near the Grand Canyon
Located just outside of Grand Canyon National Park, Tusayan is an excellent place to stay for people looking for options near the Grand Canyon. Tusayan is home of the famous Grand Canyon IMAX theater, gas stations, convenience stores, an airport, several landing pads for helicopter tours, and a great selection of hotels.
There is also a shuttle that connects Tusayan to Grand Canyon National Park allowing tourists who prefer to be more energy efficient to not drive a car into the park. Wahoo!
Hotels here tend to be more affordable than those in Grand Canyon National Park itself which is a major plus for those of us on a budget!
Where to Stay Tusayan
2. Grand Canyon Village
Distance from the Grand Canyon: Inside Grand Canyon National Park on the South Rim
Features: Closest, Expensive, Limited Availability, Camping
About this City Near the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Village is the closest city to the Grand Canyon being located within the National Park itself situated on the South Rim. It is the first destination most visitors reach upon entering the Grand Canyon.
There are also a sizeable offering of restaurants, convenience stores, and a visitor center located within Grand Canyon Village making it an essential stop for everyone visiting the Grand Canyon. A bank, grocery store, post office, and coffee shop are also located within Grand Canyon Village.
While Grand Canyon Village is the most convenient and closest city near the Grand Canyon, the biggest drawback of staying here is the limited availability and high prices of accommodations caused by the massive demand.
Where to Stay Grand Canyon Village
- Bright Angel Lodge
- El Tovar Hotel
- Thunderbird Lodge
- Kachina Lodge
- Maswik Lodge
- Yavapai Lodge
- Mather Campground
- Trailer Village RV Park
Outside of the village there is only one other campground on the South Rim located in the Desert View area, Desert View Campground.
1. Phantom Ranch
Distance from the Grand Canyon: At the Bottom of the Grand Canyon!
About this City Near the Grand Canyon
Phantom Ranch is actually a small village located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon itself. The main access point to Phantom Ranch is by hiking down Bright Angel Trail (or atop a mule) or rafting down the Colorado River.
Staying overnight at the bottom of the Grand Canyon requires a special permit and lots of planning. If you’re interested you should first chat with a ranger at the backcountry office!
You can either camp at the bottom or rent a room/cabin at the historic Phantom Ranch lodge.
NOTE: Temperatures at the bottom of the canyon are often 20 degrees hotter than those at the rim so plan accordingly!
Interesting Facts About the Grand Canyon
How deep is the Grand Canyon?
At it’s deepest point the Grand Canyon is 6,000 feet deep while it averages a depth of 4,000 feet.
How wide is the Grand Canyon?
At it’s widest point the Grand Canyon is 18 miles across from rim to rim.
How long is the Grand Canyon?
Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long with varying widths and depths throughout.
How big is Grand Canyon National Park?
Grand Canyon National Park consists of 1,218,375 acres making it one of the largest national parks outside of Alaska.
How far is the South Rim from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon?
Despite being roughly 10 miles as the crow flies across the canyon, the drive to the north rim from the south rim takes about 4 hours.
More fun facts about the Grand Canyon
- The Grand Canyon is an official UNESCO World Heritage site, one of only 24 in the United States.
- Originally saved by Theodore Roosevelt as a national monument, the Grand Canyon was designated as a US National Park on February 26, 1919.
Helpful Related Articles
Grand Canyon Viewpoints: 20 Best Views of the Grand Canyon (National Park)
Grand Canyon South Rim Things to Do: 15 Amazing Things to Do at the Grand Canyon South Rim
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon: 20 Best Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park
Closest Cities to the Grand Canyon: 10 Closest Cities Near the Grand Canyon
Desert View Watchtower: Explore the Historic Desert View Watchtower (Grand Canyon)
Grand Canyon Facts: 15 Fascinating Grand Canyon National Park Facts
Grand Canyon in Winter: Visiting the Grand Canyon in December (Winter Guide)
Arizona National Parks: 24 Epic Arizona National Parks to Visit (Photos + Guide)
Things to Do Saguaro NP: 15 Best Things to Do Saguaro National Park
Things to Do Zion NP: 18 Epic Things to Do at Zion National Park
Best Hikes Saguaro NP: 10 Best Saguaro National Park Hikes
National Parks Near Tucson: 10 Best National Parks Near Tucson
National Parks Near Phoenix: 10 Best National Parks Near Phoenix
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