Phoenix to Flagstaff to Grand Canyon South Rim (Red Feather Lodge)
We are starting and ending this itinerary at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as a point of reference for all. Travel times vary due to traffic and weather conditions.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Flagstaff to Red Feather Lodge is approximately 225 miles (3.5 hours with no stops).
From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 towards Flagstaff for approximately 145 miles (2 hours). Make sure to check traffic in Phoenix and along I-17 before heading north. Business traffic in Phoenix during the week can be busy (Monday thru Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 am and 4:00 – 6:00 pm) and I-17 traffic north is busier during the weekends and holidays.
From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 towards Flagstaff for approximately 145 miles (2 hours). Make sure to check traffic in Phoenix and along I-17 before heading north. Business traffic in Phoenix during the week can be busy (Monday thru Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 am and 4:00 – 6:00 pm) and I-17 traffic north is busier during the weekends and holidays.
As you travel North along I-17 you will enjoy various changes in landscapes and elevations (Arizona is not just desert landscapes). If you need to take a break along the route, there is a well preserved Ancient Indian Cliff Dwelling called Montezuma Castle National Monument (open daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) which is located approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix in the Verde Valley area. Take exit 289 off I-17 and turn right, in about a quarter mile take a left on Montezuma Castle Road. You will need a National Park Pass to get into the Monument. We recommend buying an annual Pass that can get you into all National Parks and Monuments within the US…including Grand Canyon! It is a short easy walk to view the cliff dwelling (plan an extra 45 minutes to 1 hour for this stop).
Get back on I-17 and continue traveling north to Flagstaff for another 45 miles (45 minutes). You will travel from an elevation at 3,000 feet in the Verde Valley area to 7,000 feet and will be among the fragrant Ponderosa Pine Trees and temperatures will be approximately 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Once you get to Flagstaff travel west on I-40 to Williams. Make sure to check the weather in Flagstaff before you leave Phoenix. They do get occasional snow showers in the winter months.
If you want to stop and have a meal or explore a bit of Flagstaff there are plenty of restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining! A local pizza/salad place is DiMarco’s on the right side of the road at the second traffic light when you come into Flagstaff from I-17. Just a mile further up the road on your left is Mike & Ronda’s for a late breakfast. Want to learn more about Flagstaff and the area, take the time to stop in at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Fort Valley Road. You can also get information on Flagstaff at https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/
To continue to the Grand Canyon head back to I-40 and travel west towards Williams, continue for approximately 25 miles (25 minutes) and take exit 165 and travel north on AZ Highway 64. We recommend filling your gas/fuel tank in either Flagstaff or Williams, fuel costs at gas stations on AZ Highway 64 are much higher. Stay on Highway 64 for approximately 55 miles (55 minutes) where you will enter the Town of Tusayan (pronounced Too-Say-An). The Red Feather Lodge is located on your left! Tusayan is located one mile from the South Entrance Gate to Grand Canyon National Park.
There is a lot to see and explore at the Grand Canyon South Rim with over 30 miles of rim views. You can drive your own vehicle into the National Park and park at the various viewpoints or take a helicopter or airplane tour and get a bird’s eye view. Don’t feel like driving or flying, then take a ground tour in a Jeep or Hummer and let the local experts take you to some of the most spectacular viewpoints. See the Grand Canyon-Rivers of Time movie at the IMAX Theater, just a short walking distance from the Red Feather Lodge. Rent an electric bike in Tusayan and ride through the National Forest on the greenway trails to the rim of Grand Canyon. You can also rent bikes inside the National Park at Mather Point. Stop at Yavapai Geology Museum inside the Park and learn more about this World Wonder. And of course, don’t forget to walk the rim or take a hike into the depths of the Canyon to experience the spectacular views. In the evenings take in the amazing dark sky views of the Milky Way and brilliant stars and enjoy dinner at Plaza Bonita (Mexican & American Cuisine) located on the Red Feather Lodge property. Or grab a quick meal at Foodie Club located within a short walking distance of the Hotel. We have everything from fast food to a great steak available in Tusayan or the National Park. We recommend you spend two nights to fully explore and enjoy the Grand Canyon.
Headed back to Phoenix? Take a little longer route through Prescott, Arizona and see the first capital of Arizona.
Red Feather Lodge to Prescott to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is approximately 230 miles (4 hours with no stops).
From the Red Feather Lodge travel back south on AZ Highway 64 towards Williams (55 miles, 55 minutes). At the intersection of AZ 64 and I-40, take I-40 west towards Ash Fork (Prescott/Los Angeles) for approximately 15 miles (15 minutes). Once you get to Ashfork, take exit 146 and travel south on AZ Highway 89 towards Prescott for approximately 60 miles (1 hour).
Head to Downtown Prescott to enjoy the western vibe, unique shops, and Whisky Row! The Sharlot Hall Museum is also located downtown which tells the story of the beginnings of the City of Prescott and it’s time as the first Capitol of the territory of Arizona. It also tells the story of the woman it is named after and how life was over 100 years ago. There is a great variety of restaurants in the downtown Prescott area including the Palace for a fun western flavor or you can get some good BBQ at Colt’s Grill. For more info on the Prescott area go to https://experienceprescott.com/
Your total trip from the Red Feather Lodge to Prescott will be approximately 130 miles (2 hours).
Once you are done in Prescott, get back on AZ Highway 69 and travel southeast for about 35 miles (45 minutes) to Interstate 17. Travel south on I-17 for approximately 65 miles (1 hour) to the Phoenix Metro area and on to your end destination.
Your total trip from Prescott to Phoenix is approximately 100 miles (1 hour 45 minutes).
We look forward to your stay at the Red Feather Lodge and hope this itinerary has helped a little with planning your Grand Canyon Arizona adventure!