Quick stop at Grand Canyon
 

I know you are going to want to tell me it's not enough time, but it's all I got. I am driving from southern California to Iowa, mostly hard driving. It's about seven hours to the Grand Canyon. I've never seen it and I want to even if it's only for an hour or two. Going to be there Sept 20. Too late to get a hotel there. I think maybe it would work to stay an hour or so further north -on my way so that we can stop and see the Canyon in the afternoon - then drive another hour or so to spend the night...then continue on my journey. Any suggestions where to stay? Oh and I'd rather not pay more than $100 - thanks!

Tusayan best place to stay or Williams closer to the interstate

www.priceline.com has good deals The Grand is one of my favs

in Tusayan a 3 star well rated usually can snag it from $40

bidding priceline but lots of options...

classic.mapquest.com good info drive a little futher for

www.visitsedona.com amazing red rock country if time...

or pick it up the next day a do not miss on your way for me.

why do you say it is too late to get a hotel? they have cancellations every single day all during the day ( I learned that here and insisted in very high season and finally got a room)since there is no penalty for canceling up to several days in advance. You may be surprised. you need to call them a couple times a day on their free number.

splurge and sleep in the park and enjoy the sunrise. A once in a lifetime experience.

Yea I couldn't find anything on under $200 in Tusayan even on discount sites. Was planning on Williams but that would require some back tracking because I would get there before the Canyon. driving 8-12 hours a day you try not to back track.

Thanks lincasanova...will try that. Would be nice to stay right there, especially since we don't have much time to spend.

http://www.camerontradingpost.com/lodge.html

Stay at the Cameron Trading Post. GREAT place to stay.
They have availability for $109 (2 adults, 2 kids).
See the Canyon, enjoy the park and go spend the night there - just on the east side of the park.
Eat at their restaurant in the morning. GREAT breakfasts, especially their Indian Fry Bread.

I once saw a survey taken by Park officials that said the average visit to the south rim was just over 3 hours, with something like 1 hour spent driving or on the bus, 1.5 hours spent shopping or eating or milling around at the visitor centers, and 30 minutes standing at the overlooks actually looking at the canyon.

So you are not alone. Unfortunately.

Anyway, coming from southern California on I-40 get off at Williams and drive up to the canyon and hit the main visitor center area, then take the east rim drive and stop at a couple of the 7 or 8 overlooks towards Desert View, then take 89 south to Flagstaff, where you can find hotel rooms under $100. The closer to the train tracks the cheaper the rooms.

Then back on I-40 the next morning.

Didn't you say you are headed north from GC? If so, Willams and Flagstaff would be out of your way. Are you taking I 80 to Iowa? I have stayed at Cameron and liked it. Other possiibilities are Tuba City and Kayenta. Check comments on Trip Advisor.

Yes i'm headed for 80 to Iowa. Appreciate all the suggestions and the best way to spend the little time I have.

Cameron Trading Post sounds really cool. Think I will go with that.

I think you'll really enjoy it. When I checked your date, they had LOTS of rooms available. We were given one in the back and were happy to wake up to a beautiful "bridge and canyon view". I don't know much about the other views, but really liked our room.

The gift shop is huge with some really nice stuff - jewelry, rugs, etc. I bought a great CD by Mary Youngblood - Native American flute music - that became the soundtrack for our trip. "Beneath the Raven Moon".

Just a nice simple place to stay, eat, and shop - and will work well for your route, I believe.