We will be honeymooning in Scottdale Christmas week. We would like to drive down to the Grand Canyon to have dinner one night. Is there a nice (moderate priced) place to have dinner and be close to the canyon?

Hi,

Do you realize that it takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours to drive from Scottsdale to the GC? I guess that could be a day trip, but seems a little far to me.

Do you intend to have dinner after spending a day in the park? Or are you trying to have a view? I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish by "driving down to the GC for dinner". You can eat in the park - there are several restaurants along the South Rim. See www.nps.gov for details. Otherwise, you'd have to eat outside the park in Williams or something, and you wouldn't see any of the canyon from there.

Karen

Also keep in mind that sunset is going to be around 5:20 P.M. the last week in December. I doubt you will see much even with a view after 6:00 P.M.

Utahtea

Unless you can spend at least one night at the Grand Canyon, I wouldn't go. If you do spend the night, you might be able to eat at the steakhouse on the south rim (Arizona?) and get out for less than $20 each.

Oh dear, I hate to pile on, but here's another thing: none of the restaurants at the canyon have very good food. The inexpensive cafeteria-style ones are OK for the price, the steakhouse and the fancy lodge restaurant (name escapes me) are lousy for the price. The view from the fancy place is the only reason to go, but you'll have such a long drive back after dinner...sorry to be another party pooper!