Planning a drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon is one of those Arizona road trips that genuinely delivers on every mile.
The scenery shifts constantly: cactus-covered desert, red rock canyons, cool ponderosa forests, and finally, a rim that opens into one of the most astonishing views on Earth.
It’s not just about getting there; it’s about how you get there. Let’s break down the routes, highlights, and practical tips so you can shape your day the smart way.
Quick Facts for 2025
- Main destination: South Rim (open year-round).
- Closed for 2025: North Rim (infrastructure damage from Dragon Bravo Wildfire).
- Alternate option: Grand Canyon West on Hualapai Tribal lands, home of the Skywalk.
- Drive time from Scottsdale: About 4 hours to the South Rim, 4.5 hours to Grand Canyon West.
- Best time to leave: Early morning (6 am is ideal).
- Live travel info: Check AZ 511 for traffic and weather alerts.
Route Options From Scottsdale
1. Fastest Route: I-17 North to Flagstaff or Williams
Take I-17 north. You can branch two ways:
- Option A: Stay on I-17 to Flagstaff, then US-180 west to AZ-64 through Valle into the park.
- Option B: From I-17, connect to I-40 west to Williams, then AZ-64 north straight into the South Entrance.
Drive time: About 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Why choose it:
- Simple, well-signed, and winter-friendly.
- Great if you want to maximize time at the rim.
What to see on the way:
- Montezuma Castle National Monument (near Camp Verde): Sinagua cliff dwellings with a short paved loop.
- Tuzigoot National Monument (near Cottonwood, a short detour): A hilltop pueblo site with wide Verde Valley views.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument (just east of Flagstaff): Trails to cliff dwellings in a limestone canyon.
2. Scenic Route: Through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
From I-17, cut west on SR-179 (the Red Rock Scenic Byway) into Sedona. Continue north on SR-89A through Oak Creek Canyon, then reach Flagstaff. From there, take US-180 to AZ-64.
Drive time: Longer than the interstate, especially with traffic.
Why choose it:
SR-179 is a designated All-American Road, and SR-89A is a historic canyon route through red rock cliffs and forests. It’s arguably the most beautiful approach to the canyon.
Caution: SR-89A is narrow and winding with sharp turns and steep grades. Safe and rewarding, but slower.
Highlights:
- Red Rock Scenic Byway pullouts with Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
- Sedona’s red rock core: Plenty of dining, art galleries, and trailheads.
- Oak Creek Canyon Vista: A classic roadside overlook at the top of SR-89A.
3. East Entrance via Desert View Drive
From Flagstaff, head north on US-89 to Cameron. Turn west on AZ-64, enter through the Desert View/East Entrance, and drive along Desert View Drive (23 miles of rim viewpoints).
Drive time: About 1.5 hours from Flagstaff to Desert View.
Why choose it:
- Typically lighter entry lines than the South Entrance.
- The payoff: uninterrupted canyon vistas on Desert View Drive.
Stop along the way:
- Cameron Trading Post: Navajo Nation landmark with food, art, and history.
4. Grand Canyon West (Skywalk Option)
Drive west from Phoenix/Scottsdale toward Kingman, then north on US-93 before turning onto Diamond Bar Road.
Drive time: About 4.5 hours from the Phoenix area.
Details
- Located on Hualapai Tribal lands (not part of the national park).
- Separate tickets required. Packages available for Skywalk, helicopter flights, river trips, and zipline rides.
- Morning entry helps you avoid crowds at the Skywalk.
How Long Does It Take?
| Segment | Typical Drive Time | Notes |
| Scottsdale/Phoenix to South Rim via I-17 | ~4 hrs | NPS estimate; stops and traffic add time |
| Flagstaff to South Entrance | ~1.5 hrs | Easy run through Valle |
| Williams to South Entrance | ~1 hr | Also the start of the Grand Canyon Railway |
| Flagstaff to East Entrance (Desert View) | ~1.5 hrs | Often quicker entry point |
| Phoenix to Grand Canyon West (Skywalk) | ~4.5 hrs | Tribal destination, separate passes |
What to See Along the Way
Verde Valley and Red Rock Country
- Montezuma Castle National Monument: Well-preserved cliff dwellings, easy to explore in under an hour.
- Tuzigoot National Monument: Ancestral pueblo with wide desert views.
- Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179): Famous for Sedona’s red rock pullouts.
- Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road (SR-89A): Historic mountain road with forests and canyon walls.
Around Flagstaff
- Walnut Canyon National Monument: Trails down into a limestone canyon with dwellings built into cliffs.
- Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki Loop: A 35-mile circuit north of town connecting volcanic landscapes with ancestral pueblos.
East Approach
- Desert View Drive: 23 miles of rim-top overlooks between Desert View and Grand Canyon Village.
- Desert View Watchtower: Historic 1930s stone tower designed by architect Mary Colter.
- Cameron Trading Post: Good food and Native art before you climb to the rim.
Once You’re at the Canyon
South Rim Shuttle System
Free with park entry. Routes include:
- Village Route: Main visitor services.
- Kaibab Rim Route: Key viewpoints near Visitor Center.
- Hermit Road Route: Access to famous west-side overlooks (closed to private cars in summer).
- Tusayan Route (Purple): Seasonal connection from gateway town Tusayan.
Hiking Basics
- Don’t attempt rim-to-river-to-rim in one day. Over 250 rescues annually remind why.
- Early starts: Beat the heat and afternoon storms.
- Best beginner trails:
- Bright Angel Trail (turn back at 1.5-Mile or 3-Mile Resthouse).
- South Kaibab Trail (shuttle-only trailhead, great for short rim-to-cedar point hikes).
Fees and Passes
| Location | Who Runs It | Passes Accepted | Vehicle Fee |
| Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) | National Park Service | Yes, America the Beautiful Pass | 35 USD per vehicle (7 days) |
| Grand Canyon West (Skywalk) | Hualapai Tribe | No, separate tickets | Package pricing varies |
Other Transportation Options
- Grand Canyon Railway (from Williams): Historic train with daily runs to the South Rim. Great for families.
- Amtrak to Flagstaff: Connects to a bus link toward Williams and the railway.
- Shuttle services: Groome Transportation runs between Phoenix Sky Harbor and Flagstaff, with connections to the South Rim.
One-Day Game Plan From Scottsdale
Outbound
- Leave by 6 am.
- Fastest route: I-17 to Flagstaff, then US-180 to AZ-64.
- Scenic detour: SR-179 through Sedona, then 89A through Oak Creek Canyon.
Inside the park
- Start at Mather Point and Visitor Center.
- Use shuttles to reach Yavapai Point, Grand Canyon Village, or Hermit Road overlooks.
- If South Entrance is jammed, reroute to Desert View Entrance via Cameron for a more relaxed entry.
Return
- Depart late afternoon.
- Grab dinner in Flagstaff or Camp Verde before finishing the drive back to Scottsdale.
Seasonal and Safety Notes
- North Rim closed in 2025: All itineraries should focus on the South Rim or Grand Canyon West.
- Altitude: South Rim is nearly 7,000 feet. Hydrate more than you think, and expect cooler temps than Phoenix.
- Traffic watch: I-17 backs up on summer weekends. Use AZ 511 before heading home.
Sample Itineraries
Classic South Rim Day Trip
- Morning: Drive to Flagstaff, coffee stop, continue to South Entrance.
- Midday: Explore Mather Point, Visitor Center, Yavapai Point.
- Afternoon: Drive Desert View Drive eastward, exit via East Entrance, stop at Cameron for dinner.
Park Once, Ride the Train
- Morning: Drive to Williams, board the Grand Canyon Railway.
- Midday: Explore South Rim Village and shuttle routes.
- Afternoon: Return by train, then drive back via I-40/I-17.
Car-Free Version
- Morning: Shuttle from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Flagstaff.
- Connect to Groome’s South Rim service.
- Use free park shuttles. Return in the evening or overnight on the rim.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
The drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon is an immersion in Arizona’s landscapes and history. Whether you want the quickest highway push, a winding red rock detour, or a quieter east entrance, there’s a route that matches your pace.
Give yourself the gift of an early start, stop once or twice to stretch and take in the scenery, and by the time you step out at the rim, you’ll feel like the drive itself was part of the adventure.