Is it a scenic drive? How long should it take and also how are the highways and the roads? Thank you

It takes about 4 hours and is not a bad drive. The scenery is nice north of Flagstaf. Highways and roads are in good condition. Sedona is along the way for a good break.

Because I can remember once driving back at night from the canyon to Las vegas and I the highway was so dark and cruving I was worried this might be like that too. THanks

As you drive from Phoneix to Flagstaff, you gain considerable altitude, so the road is constantly uphill. Once you leave Flagstaff, the gradient eases because Flagstaff is at about the same altitude as the South Rim.

My suggestion is to make sure your car is full of coolant!
If the temperature is over 105 and you are steaming uphill at 70 mph, the engine does tend to get rather warm.

I've lived in Arizona for the past 14 years and have taken many guests to the Grand Canyon. Depending upon your budget, here's my recommendation for the best way to get to the Canyon. Head north of Phoenix on I-17 to State Route 69 that leads into Prescott. Prescott is an adorable town that has event and fair almost every weekend at the old-fashioned Courthouse Plaza. From there head north on Highway 89A to I-40. Then go west on I-40 to the old Route 66 town of Williams. Williams is the Depot for the restored vintage Grand Canyon Railway. Take the scenic train ride straight to the Canyon. You can either take a good look at the Canyon and have lunch at one of the Lodge restaurants during the two hours before the train heads back, or stay at the Lodge overnight to really soak it all in and head back the next day on the train. On the way home head back through Flagstaff and Sedona for a full Northern Arizona experience. The train ride is so enjoyable, and makes the visit to the Canyon hassle free. Coach tickets run about $60 per person, Parlor Car tickets (complimentary beverages and hors d'ouvres, comfortable seating) are about $90 per person. Hope this helps a bit!

p.s. I found info and purchased my tickets at www.grandcanyonrailway.com. The Railway also has a Hotel in Williams.

I've never taken the train ride but just wanted to warn you that you DO NOT SEE the canyon from the train ride. You see the same scenery from the car if you take Hwy 64 from Williams. My Aunt took the train and was VERY disappointed in the amount of time they had at the Grand Canyon.

I think the whole drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is scenic. The scenery changes as you go from desert to mountains. You might want to take the short detour to Sedona if you have the time.

Utahtea

The train ride can be a good option if you are with people who just want to see the canyon and drive as little as possible.
I did it the last time I was in AZ. We where there with my inlaws, they don't like to walk, and we were driving almost everyday. We hopped in the train (leaving from Sedona), ride for 3 hours. The scenery wasn't great, but there was prairiedogs to spot and some cowboys where acting around the train.
We spent 3 hours at the canyon. It was more than enough for my inlaws (not for me). The ride back was more fun, badits attacked the train, the sherrifs ran after them trought the cars, later a guy with a guitar stopped by and sang with us...

Overall it wasn't a bad experience, I just need to go back ;-), and I am doing the PHX-CG drive this time.


Celine