Williams (Arizona)

Williams is a town in Northern Arizona, 35 miles west of Flagstaff. In 1984, it was the last Route 66 town to be bypassed by freeway.

Understand

Bill Williams statue

The city's location is on Interstate 40, as well as its position on the old Route 66, make it a frequent stop for travelers passing through on their way to more exotic destinations. The city is also a major gateway to the Grand Canyon.

Tourist information

Climate

Williams (Arizona)
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
2.2
 
 
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0.4
 
 
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches
   Data from NOAA (1981-2010)
Metric conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
56
 
 
8
−5
 
 
 
64
 
 
9
−4
 
 
 
56
 
 
12
−2
 
 
 
28
 
 
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28
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86
 
 
27
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46
 
 
24
9
 
 
 
41
 
 
18
3
 
 
 
43
 
 
12
−2
 
 
 
53
 
 
8
−5
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm

Get in

Located 35 miles west of Flagstaff on I-40 and 1 hour south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

  • Amtrak, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Amtrak trains no longer stop at Williams. The daily Southwest Chief Chicago-Los Angeles line stops in Flagstaff. (updated Jun 2025)
  • Silver Spur Tours, ☏ +1 928-226-7212, toll-free: +1-800-600-4006. Shuttle service to and from Flagstaff, Williams, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Elephant Rock Golf Course in Sprinter Vans. Luxury, comfort and extra large viewing windows. Water, soda and snacks always included. Guided tours to Grand Canyon, Sedona, Indian Ruins, wine tastings in the Verde Valley. 

Get around

There is no public transportation, but the historic core of Williams is easily explored on foot.

See

Williams with parade in town

The Mother Road (Route 66) runs through the downtown area of Williams.

  • 🌍 Bearizona Wildlife Park, 1500 E Rte 66 (I-40 Exit 165), ☏ +1 968-635-2289. Daily 8AM-6PM. A private wildlife refuge open to the public, with bears, wolves, and also a petting zoo. $20 (adults), $18 (seniors), $10 (children 4-12). 
  • 🌍 Bill Williams Statue, Bill Williams Monument Park. An 8-ft-tall bronze sculpture by BR Pettit depicting "Old Bill" Williams, after whom the town is named. 
  • 🌍 Planes of Fame Air Museum, 755 Mustang Way (intersection of Hwy 180 and Hwy 64), ☏ +1 928-635-1000. Daily 9AM-5PM. A branch of the air museum headquartered in Chino, CA. Most of the planes on display are flyable. $10 (adults), $5 (children under 12), free (children under 2). 

Do

Grand Canyon Railway
  • 🌍 Grand Canyon Railway, 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, ☏ +1 928-635-4010, toll-free: +1-800-843-8724, . Round-trip train ride of 65 miles, taking approximately 2 hr 15 min each way. Leaves Williams at 9:30AM; passengers are at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from about 11:45AM until the train begins its return trip at 3:30PM, arriving in Williams at 5:45PM. In Nov and Dec, all scheduled times are one hour earlier. Adult $35-120 each way, child $18-95 each way,depending on class of coach. (updated Jun 2025)
  • The historic city walk. Get the historic city walk brochure from the Visitor Center (200 W Railroad Ave) - it takes about 40 minutes to complete the self-guided tour. Free. 
  • 🌍 Wild West Junction, 321 E Route 66, ☏ +1 928-635-4512, . Authentic-looking wild west village with museum, restaurants, hotels, shops and entertainment. 
  • 🌍 Williams Labor Day Rodeo, E Rodeo Rd (Williams Rodeo Grounds). Labor Day Weekend. Held annually since 1941. Events include barrel racing, saddle bronc, bull riding, roping, and kid’s calf scramble. $10 (adults), $5 (children under 12). 

Buy

Eat

Pie at Pine Country Restaurant

Groceries

  • 🌍 Safeway, 637 W Rte 66, ☏ +1 928-635-0500. Daily 5AM-midnight. Has a full hot and cold deli, as well as an onsite pharmacy. 

Drink

Sleep

The historic Grand Canyon Hotel
The historic Red Garter Bed and Bakery

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Camping

Kaibab Lake Campground

Go next

Routes through Williams
Los Angeles ← Kingman ←  W  E  → Flagstaff → Albuquerque
Kingman ← Ash Fork ←  W  E  → Flagstaff → Gallup
Kingman ← Ash Fork ←  W  E  → Flagstaff → Gallup
Grand Canyon ← Tusayan ←  N  S  → END


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