Jane22

You all have been great help in assisting me with my trip to the southwest. Thank you. We are planning to drive the Desert View road to the south entrance of the Grand Canyon in late May. Is this a one-way road? Approximately how long will it take to reach the south entrance of GC?

pollyvw

I can't remember how long it takes, but it is NOT a one-way road. When estimating time, remember that there are many scenic overlooks along the way to 'center' GC. Someone correct me. I'm thinking 1/2 hr/45 minutes if you drive direct from Cameron?

rm_mn

From Cameron to Grand Canyon Village is almost 60 miles. The road has sections of 45 mph limit so I'd say it will take an hour and a quarter without any stops. With stops it could take 2 to 10 hours depending on how much you want to do at each stop.

Jane22

Thanks for your help. Would you agree that this is the most scenic road to the south entrance of GC? Is it a paved road?

pollyvw

It is a paved two-lane road. I like this entrance because as you drive to Cameron, you can see the Painted Desert on the horizon.

rm_mn

Since there are really only 2 roads that lead from Cameron to the south entrance of the Grand Canyon, and the other one goes through Flagstaff for a total distance of 127 miles, and since the one past the Desert View Watchtower parallels the Grand Canyon, I think it's safe to say that it is the most scenic, although going through Flagstaff will take you past Sunset Crater and Humphrey's peak.

LindainOhio

I had read a recommendation to enter the park through the east entrance. Taking 89N 64E. The scenic overlooks in the park seem to be along this route. We thought we would return to Phoenix by leaving through the south exit. Any thoughts?

MikePinTucson

This is the route we took last September. And, yes, the views are spectacular. Take a look at my photo album (the first picture is from Desert View, the first point you will come to):

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2101944890

Also take a look at my trip reoprt. We went to the Grand Canyon, then Sedona:

http://p104.ezboard.com/feuropetogof...icID=252.topic

Jane22

Mike, Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with me. And thanks everyone for your help. We are really looking forward to our trip.

maria_so

Sunset Crater was a beautiful stop (along with Waputki), We did this as we were leaving GC south rim, took the desert view road as an exit towards Flagstaff (we took it as our entrance too) and was a shortish drive once you got off of desert view road and on the main highway. Beautiful stop though and really close to Flagstaff. But for the question, yes it is more scenic than the other exit/entrance.