KidPaths

Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Drive With Kids

The drive climbs from the desert to the pines. Plan one stop near Camp Verde or Flagstaff so the kids arrive ready to look over the rim.

The drive

Distance
231 miles
Typical drive time
Approximately a four-hour drive

Measured from Phoenix, as stated by the official source listed at the bottom of this page. Traffic, weather and stops with kids add time, so plan for a longer day than the map shows.

Kid-friendly stops on the way

Each stop was checked on its own official site. Open it before you go for current hours, prices and any closures.

  1. Montezuma Castle National Monument

    Camp Verde, AZ

    Ancient cliff dwellings seen from a short paved loop trail just off I-17.

    Official site

  2. Lowell Observatory

    Flagstaff, AZ

    A historic observatory, home of Pluto's discovery, with hands-on exhibits and telescope viewing.

    Official site

  3. Grand Canyon Visitor Center

    Grand Canyon Village, AZ

    The main South Rim visitor center, with outdoor exhibits for trip planning and Junior Ranger books at the park store across the plaza.

    Official site

Need more ideas before you leave? Browse things to do with kids in Phoenix or plan a different route.

Free road-trip stop checklist

Stop before everyone runs out of patience: how to plan a real break to burn energy, pick an indoor backup in case it rains, and add up the family total before you pay. One page, emailed now. Then The Weekend Scout once a week: one family outing idea for the weekend. Free. Unsubscribe from any email.

Three things to plan before you leave

  • During winter storms, expect winter driving conditions near the South Rim, and some roads may close for a while as snow is cleared.
  • Pack layers, because the rim is much cooler than Phoenix.
  • Plan a fuel and restroom stop in Flagstaff or Williams.

Checked against: NPS: how do I travel to the South Rim?, NPS: Grand Canyon directions, NPS: weather and road conditions (checked )

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Plan the Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim family drive with Montezuma Castle, Lowell Observatory and the South Rim visitor center.

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