Expert: Mindy Mendelsohn - 5/6/2011

Question
Mindy

My wife and I would like to drive from Laughlin NV to the Grand Canyon (never been there) and I'm wondering if it would be worth our while to get off Interstate 40 near Kingman and make the loop north on 66 to Seligman. I like to get off the Interstates when possible but in this instance only if there are some "don't miss" things to see. If it would just add desert time to the drive I wouldn't want to do it.
Also, we would like to know what really is "don't miss" on the trip and what you think might be the best Grand Canyon tour should we decide to do one.
Is there a "best place" to stay in the canyon area for a night?
Upon leaving the canyon area we may head to Phoenix. Is there a "best route" to Phoenix and what should we make sure to see on the way?
Our trip is planned for May 16, 17, 18 of this year, so about a week from now.
Thanks in advance for your insight.

Don

Answer
Hi Don,

Unfortunately I am not familiar with Route 66 in that area, Seligman is a pretty small  town.   As far as the Canyon goes, I am not sure what tours com out of Laughlin itself.   Williams, which might be the place to stay it is about an hour from the canyon, has several.  The on I am most familiar with is the Grand Canyon Railway.  It is a quick train ride, and they even stage some fun events on the way back.

If you don't do a tour I have on big pic of advice: go early!  If you arrive at thee Canyon at 8am parking is pretty good and it is a short walk to the south rim, buses will take you along the west rim.  El Tovar, a restaurant on the south rim is great for lunch.  Since you like to go off of the interstate I would suggest you then drive along the east side of the canyon to the watchtower lookout point.  If you then you can then keep on hwy 64 as it wraps around to 89a and back to Flagstaff ( abundance of inexpensive hotels).  The views of the landscape along this road are spectacular.

I would then take 89A south to Sedona - gorgeous road and gorgeous place ( named the most beautiful in the country in 2004 by USA Today.

Hope this helps and have a great trip.

Mindy