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-   -   Which is the most scenic route heading from Phoenix to South Rim ? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/which-is-the-most-scenic-route-heading-from-phoenix-to-south-rim-615917/)

coro May 16th, 2006 04:40 AM

Which is the most scenic route heading from Phoenix to South Rim ?
 
What route to choose for driving from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim ?
U.S. route 180 north & route 64 north to Grand Canyon (south entrance) or
U.S. route 89 north & route 64 west to Desert View (east entrance) ?
How long is each of them and how scenic ?
Thanks in advance.

gcmaven May 18th, 2006 01:11 PM

Are you going one way, or will you return to phx? Because then you can circle to do both.

Duane May 23rd, 2006 05:39 PM

When we went from Vegas to Phoenix we picked up 64 in Williams. On the way out of the canyon we took 64 east to 89.

This time we are doing the opposite since we are going from Phoenix to Vegas.

So, as gcmaven said you can always go in a circle. In that case I would recommend going up 180 to 64 and coming back 64 to 89.
enjoy,
Duane

bob_brown May 23rd, 2006 06:40 PM

The entrance from the east is more spectacular. A few days ago I drove out that way after having come in from the south.

The big thing about the east entrance is that you see the canyon soon after you turn and there are a few lookouts as you approach Canyon Village.

That route is longer, but another advantage is that you can detour by Sunset Crater and Waputki National Monuments.

On the way up, if you have time, drop by Montezuma's Castle. It is a second tier National Monument, but a nice break from driving.

Even better, detour by Sedona and drive up the canyon to Flagstaff. Now that is scenic!


starrsville May 23rd, 2006 07:14 PM

Go via Sedona. Trust us. If you want scenic, you have to drive through Red Rocks Country. Better yet, spend the night in Sedona.


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