We'll be driving from Canyon de Chelly to Grand Canyon in one day.

Would like opinions of which route to take. Would you go 191 to I 40, 89 and 64 or go more cross country on 264, 160, 89 and 64? Suppose the first may be faster going via Interstate 40, but the second is marked "scenic" on the map. Has anyone taken this second route and what are your thoughts?

Since I suggested Rt 89 from Flagstaff, which I see is 136 miles vs 79 miles via Rt 180, perhaps I should also ask if the extra distance is worth it in views. We'll be returning via 64 and 180.

We'll only have the following full day at GC, so wonder if the faster route there may give us more time to orient ourselves, plus, we will be gaining an hour in time.

According to Google the scenic road from Chinle via Tuba City is faster than going via the Interstate. You do not have to go through Flagstaff to get to the Grand Canyon. Use the east entrance.

go more cross country on 264, 160, 89 and 64?

This one is more scenic than the interstate, passing thru the Hopi Reservation and nice stretches of the Painted Desert.

I agree.

Thank you for your replies. Think we'll try the "cross country route." Not a fan of interstates at all, but sometimes they're the necessary evil just to get to a place.

Are there any places of special mention to "stop and smell the roses" or should I say cactus along that route? Any idea of time or distance? I'll also do more research into this area.

Topping for happytrailstoyou.

We did take the 264 route and found it to be quite scenic and interesting. Glad we took that route.

We have done both and which you take depends on what you want to see. If you take the 264 route there is a very small "museum" if you go up on the Hopi mesas, I'm not sure which one it is. The road is a typical 2 lane road that most of the people we encountered were going 60 or so, but you need to be very alert as lots of it is open range and we did meet, not hit, horses and cattle on the pavement a couple of times there. This is scenic and relaxing, but remember to fill up on gas and water and snacks before you leave.

Painted desert/Petrified forest are interesting to see and not too far off I 40. Meteor Crater is interesting too. We've always done them as part of a loop from Albuquerque to or from Grand Canyon. You can stop at Sunset Crater and Wupatki along this route too.

In any case, either way stop at Hubble Trading Post. It is just a short way off the route and does not take much time for a visit. Check the beautiful baskets on the ceiling and the lovely blankets.

Have a fantastic trip.

Thanks, Clousie, for this clear answer to my question.

Emalloy, We will definitely check out the Hubble Trading Post.

HTTY