If you’re looking to visit the Grand Canyon, it can be hard to know which city or town is the best place to stay or start your trip from.
There are so many different nearby great places, nearby towns and cities close to Grand Canyon National Park, each with its own unique set of pros and cons. It can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
Outdoor Family HQ has put together a summary guide of all the cities close to the Grand Canyon National Park. We’ve combined personal experience and research of each city and weighed the pros and cons so that you don’t have to.
Our guide will help make your decision easier and ensure that you have an amazing trip so you can scratch off one more national park off your map!
- Most Popular Major Cities Near Grand Canyon South Rim
- Smaller Towns Near Grand Canyon National Park
- Most Popular Towns and Cities Close to Grand Canyon National Park
Most Popular Major Cities Near Grand Canyon South Rim
Check out the top 3 best options for major cities near the Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Distance from South Rim: 79 miles (1 hr. 27 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- A nice break from the nearby desert regions
- Cooler in the summer (average summer temperature 79-82°)
- Geological and Native American National Monuments
- Museums and an Observatory
- Skiing and plenty of other outdoor adventures
- Rich culture and historic district
Downside
- High altitude may take some adjustment
- Smells like vanilla most of the time (it’s the Ponderosa Pines … you either like it or you don’t)
- Traffic in the city can be heavy
Flagstaff is the closest major city to the canyon and a great alternative to Phoenix if you’re looking for a smaller city with plenty of things to do. Flagstaff is home to some amazing hiking trails, as well as a charming downtown area.
Located in the mountains north of the Grand Canyon National Park and surrounded by national forests, Flagstaff is a scenic town with plenty of amenities. In the summer, the temperatures are much more comfortable than in Phoenix and other nearby desert cities.
Flagstaff also has a rich culture and history, with plenty of museums and monuments to explore. And if you’re looking for some winter fun, Flagstaff is home to Arizona Snowbowl – one of the largest ski resorts in the Southwest.
Flagstaff can be quite cold in the winter. Make sure to pack lots of warm clothes if you visit in the winter!
Phoenix, Arizona
Distance from South Rim: 228 miles (3 hr. 36 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Variety of arts and cultural attractions
- Historic neighborhoods
- Abundant shopping and great dining options
- Wide selection of hotels and resorts
Downside
- Hot most of the year (average summer temperature 104-106°)
- Periodic, severe dust storms (haboobs)
Phoenix is the most popular place close to the Grand Canyon, and for good reason. There are tons of things to do in Phoenix, making it a great base for your trip.
You can enjoy world-class museums, go shopping, or explore the great outdoors. Phoenix is also home to some amazing restaurants, so you’ll never go hungry. The Phoenix Sky harbor Airport is also the closest airport to the South Rim (231 miles; 3.5 hrs).
Located in the Sonoran Desert makes Phoenix susceptible to extreme heat and occasional “haboobs,” what the locals call the intense dust storms that roll in with the desert winds, coating everything in grit.
Las Vegas, NV
Distance from South Rim: 279 miles (4 hr. 22 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Iconic Las Vegas strip (and all it has to offer)
- Wide selection of shopping and food
- Near Hoover Dam
- Museums and Botanical Gardens
- The pleasant, sunny climate most of the year (not summer)
- Plenty of outdoor activities
Downside
- Brutally hot summers (like Phoenix)
- Not a family-oriented city
- Expensive … even if you’re not gambling
Las Vegas is a city that needs no introduction. If you’re looking for a party, Las Vegas is the place to be. There’s never a dull moment in Sin City, and you can find something to do at any time of day or night.
Las Vegas also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, as well as some great tourist attractions like the Hoover Dam.
The city is located in the Mojave Desert; so, it can get very hot in the summer. It’s also not a very family-friendly city, which may or may not be a downside for you.
The downside to Las Vegas is that it can be quite expensive. Make sure to set aside a budget before you visit, or you may find yourself going broke very quickly.
Smaller Towns Near Grand Canyon National Park
If you prefer the charm of small towns over large cities, there are plenty of smaller towns near the Grand Canyon National Park that are worth exploring.
Each of these towns has a unique character and offers its own set of attractions and amenities.
Grand Canyon Village, AZ
Distance from South Rim: on-site
Top Reasons to Visit
- Shops offer gear, supplies, souvenirs, and authentic Native American crafts
- Stellar lodging options
- Top-rated walking tour
- Best scenic overlooks in the park
- A vast array of outdoor activities from mule rides to helicopter tours
Downside
- Lots of tourist traffic
- Limited lodging relative to the number of visitors
- Very hot in the summer months
Grand Canyon Village is located inside the Grand Canyon National Park; so; you can’t beat the location. It’s also home to some great shops, selling everything from gear and supplies to souvenirs and authentic Native American crafts.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, Grand Canyon Village has a vast array of lodging options, from campgrounds to luxury hotels such as Bright Angel Lodge; however, reservations go fast; so, book ahead!
It’s also home to the best views of the canyon via a worthwhile guided tour and Bright Angel Trail.
Being on the South Rim, the village is way more crowded and much hotter than on the North Rim. Carry plenty of water.
Williams, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 59 miles (1 hr. 5 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Seven fishing lakes
- Hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities
- Historic downtown district
- Rich Old West and Route 66 heritage
- Pleasantly mild temperatures year-round
Downside
- relatively high crime rate
Surrounded by the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, Williams is a great place to escape the summer heat.
This small town is home to seven fishing lakes, making it a great destination for anglers. There are also plenty of hiking and skiing trails in the area, as well as other outdoor activities like horseback riding and mountain biking.
Williams has a rich Old West and Route 66 heritage, which you can explore in its historic downtown district. The town enjoys pleasantly mild temperatures year-round, making it a great destination for winter vacations.
Unfortunately, Williams has a relatively high crime rate. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling at night.
Tusayan, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 6.2 miles (13 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Small town charm
- Hiking trails offering awe-inspiring canyon views
- Stat-of-the-art visitor center
- Grand Canyon Jeep safari, helicopter, and airplane tours
- IMAX movie theatre
- Horseback riding and skydiving (not at the same time)
- Great Mexican food and other dining options
- Nice lodging options
- 83° average in the summer
Downside
- Going back and forth between Tusayan and Grand Canyon park entrance can mean waiting in a long line during peak seasons.
Tusayan is the closest town outside Grand Canyon National Park. If you’re looking for easy access to the park (lines at the entrance booths notwithstanding), Tusayan is the place for you.
This town offers all the amenities you would expect from a tourist destination, including a variety of gift shops, restaurants, and lodging options. There’s even an IMAX movie theatre.
Best of all, Tusayan is home to some great hiking trails that offer awe-inspiring canyon views. You can also take the Grand Canyon Jeep safari, helicopter, or airplane tours from here.
The downside to Tusayan is that it’s a small town and can get crowded during peak seasons. Going back and forth between Tusayan and the park entrance can mean waiting in a long line.
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Download The FREE Guide NowValle, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 28.5 miles (41 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- A few unique attractions (read below)
- Tour buses heading to the canyon pass through Valle
- Mild summer temperatures
Downside
- Tiny … barely qualifies as a map dot
- Only 2 restaurants and 1 lodging option (not including an RV park)
Valle is a small, wisp of a town located 28 miles from the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon. It’s the last place you’ll find before entering the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is famous for its blue-green waterfalls.
There’s not much to do in Valle, but it does have a few unique attractions.
The Planes of Fame Air Museum is one of the largest air museums in the country and is home to a large collection of aircraft from World War II to the present day.
Then, for you classic cartoon lovers, the Flinstones Bedrock City is just up the road. This replica of the town from the classic TV show is complete with a working quarry and Fred Flintstone’s signature car.
Tour buses heading to the Grand Canyon pass through Valle, making it a convenient place to stop for a bite or a place to spend the night.
The downside is that there’s not much in the way of dining and lodging options. Valle only has two restaurants and one lodging option (not including an RV park).
Sedona, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 114 miles (2 hr. 6 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- 400+ miles of hiking and biking trails, golfing, fishing, and other outdoor activities
- A wide array of great restaurants
- Historical and National Monuments and Parks
- Helicopter, trolley, Jeep, ATV, Segway, electric bike, horseback, kayak, and hot air balloon tours
- Massage and spa locations
- Casino
- 80+ art galleries
- Souvenir and gift shops
- Playgrounds
- Dark sky stargazing
Downside
- Wildlife tend to wander the roads, so drive cautiously at dusk and at night
- Expensive prices
Considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, Sedona is a magical town located 114 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This eclectic town offers something for everyone. There are over 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, golfing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. You’ll find a wide array of great restaurants, historical and National Monuments and Parks, and every kind of tour you can imagine. There are also massage and spa locations as well as a casino.
80+ art galleries offer world-class works from local and international artists, and souvenir and gift shops abound. Children will love the playgrounds and dark sky stargazing is a popular activity.
The downside to Sedona is that it’s quite expensive. Make sure to set aside a budget before you visit, or you may find yourself going broke very quickly.
Page, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 137 miles (2 hrs. 32 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Plenty of outdoor activities and adventures
- Multiple National Monuments
- Jaw-dropping sights
- Ideal central location relative to parks and monuments
- Charming lodging options including Air BnB’s
- Good Mexican food and Texas-style BBQ
Downside
- Summer temps can be moderately hot (mid 90’s) but not too bad
- Scant lodging and dining options
Page is a small town located on the edge of the Grand Canyon National Park, serving as one of the best places to enjoy the desert’s beautiful landscape.
This is also a great home base for those wanting to see the Grand Canyon from the cooler, wooded North Rim and desert view of the South Rims due to its (relatively close) proximity.
Its central location relative to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon makes it an ideal home base for other park adventures, as well.
Page offers a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures including hiking, biking, canyoneering, rafting, kayaking, and more. There are also multiple National Monuments located nearby, including Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Page is also home to some amazing natural sights, such as Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. You can find charming lodging options in town, including Air BnB’s. Page also has a few good Mexican restaurants as well as a Texas-style BBQ joint.
The town itself is very small with not much in the way of shopping and dining.
Seligman, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 102 miles (1 hr. 44 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Classic Route 66 feel
- Nostalgic family-owned gift shops and historic buildings
- Near Kaibab National Forest and Parashant National Monument
- Near Supai Village and Havasupai blue waterfalls
- Cavern, horseback, and Jeep tours
- Near Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk
- Moderate weather year-round
Downside
- Scant dining options
- Lodging options are numerous; although, a bit rundown
Need a good dose of classic Americana? Seligman is a small town located on the historic Route 66. If you’re looking for a charming town to stay in, Seligman is perfect.
It has a classic Route 66 feel with old-fashioned gift shops and historic buildings. It’s also close to the Kaibab National Forest and the Parashant National Monument.
Seligman is also near the Supai Village, which is home to the Havasupai blue waterfalls. You can also enjoy cavern, horseback, and Jeep tours.
The downside to Seligman is that it’s quite small; so, there’s not a lot to do. You may find yourself bored if you stay there for more than a day or two.
Cameron, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 55.5 miles (1 hr. 13 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Historic Cameron Trading Post (Est. 1916)
- Native American arts, crafts, jewelry, and antiques
- Prickly pear-stuffed French Toast (I’m not kidding)
Downside
- Scant dining and lodging options
Cameron is a small town located in the heart of the Navajo Nation. It’s an interesting little cultural stop on your way to the Canyon.
The famous historical Cameron Trading Post is the flagship place-to-be, selling Native American arts, crafts, jewelry, and antiques. They also have a restaurant that is known for their prickly pear-stuffed French Toast (both weird and wonderful).
The Trading Post runs its own motel; but, that’s it for lodging within town limits.
Aside from the Trading Post, there is not much else to do in Cameron. The town only has a few restaurants and a couple of lodging options. So, if you’re looking to stay in Cameron overnight, you might want to book ahead.
Jacob Lake, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 168 miles (3 hrs. 5 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Considered the Gateway to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
- Hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, swimming, and other outdoor activities
- Exquisite shakes and cookies at Jacob Lake Inn
- Low tourist traffic
- Charming lodging and camping options
- Cool in the summer
Downside
- There’s no actual lake … it’s dry as a bone
- Cold in the winter
- Not a whole lot to do
Jacob Lake is a small town perfect for those that want to include a day trip to the North Rim before venturing on to the South Rim. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Jacob Lake is well-away from the crowds that descend on the towns closer to the South Rim.
The main attraction is the Jacob Lake Inn and its renowned shakes and cookies.
Aside from that, you’ll be leaving the town limits to seek out ways to pass the time like visiting the peaceful, cooler, less crowded North Rim, touring or staying at the famous Grand Canyon Lodge, hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
Peach Springs, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 139 miles (2 hrs. 16 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Close proximity to Grand Canyon West
- Colorado River whitewater rafting
- Hiking, off-roading, fishing, and hunting
- Rich Hualapai Native American culture
Downside
- Small with scant lodging and dining options
Peach Springs is a small town located in the heart of the Hualapai Nation Reservation. If you’re looking for an authentic and unique experience that immerses you in the heritage and traditions of “the people of the tall pines,” this is the place.
Authentic Nature American gifts and souvenirs are available at several gift shops including the Creations by Native Hands at the Indian Village at Eagle Point, Kaibab Lodge, the Hualapai Lodge, or, if you’re lucky, the Native American Flea Market at Guano Point.
You can also enjoy Colorado River whitewater rafting, hiking, off-roading, fishing, and hunting.
The downside to Peach Springs is that it’s located on a reservation; so, there’s not much in the way of creature comforts. The town is small and doesn’t have a lot of dining or lodging options. That said, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Kingman, AZ
Distance from South Rim: 172 miles (2 hrs. 43 min.)
Top Reasons to Visit
- Interesting museums featuring Mojave culture, railroad, and Route 66 history
- Breweries and wineries
- Fishing, hiking, and Camping at Lake Mojave
- Parks and recreational areas
- Plenty of lodging and dining options
- Jet skiing, water skiing, and kayaking
Downside
- Very hot in the summer
Kingman is a large town located just outside the Grand Canyon National Park. If you’re looking for a town with plenty of amenities, Kingman has them!
If you plan on staying for a while, stop by the historic Kingsman Powerhouse, now used as the visitor center. There you can learn about the history of the area, the Mojave people, and details on the town’s offerings
You can also visit one of Kingman’s three breweries or five wineries, go fishing, hiking, and camping at Lake Mead, or enjoy a day out on the water jet skiing, water skiing, or kayaking.
The only downside is that it gets very hot in the summer. So, if you’re looking to escape the heat, hold off on visiting until the cooler months.
Most Popular Towns and Cities Close to Grand Canyon National Park
So there you have it! These are some of the best cities near the Grand Canyon National Park. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a city here that’s perfect for you. Happy travels!
Now, get out there!
Joshua Davis
Being outdoors is freedom! Being outdoors with my wife and two boys is LIVING! Whether in my backyard or getting lost in a National Park, there’s nothing I’d rather do than explore, discover, and experience the paradise that surrounds us. Give me my family, a backpack, and a trail and my life is full!Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.
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