Take a scenic ride through the high desert of northern Arizona as we follow State Route 64 south from Valle to the historic mountain town of Williams. This 28-mile journey transitions from the gateway to the Grand Canyon into the heart of the Kaibab National Forest, revealing wide-open desert vistas, old Santa Fe rail lines, and the anticipation of Interstate 40 at journey’s end.
We begin in Valle, also known as Grand Canyon Junction, where State Route 64 intersects with U.S. 180. This tiny outpost, though modest in population, punches above its weight in roadside charm—think gift shops, old-school motels, a gas station or two, and the ever-curious Planes of Fame Air Museum, which showcases vintage aircraft just steps from the highway. The land here is flat and sun-soaked, with sagebrush and juniper dotting the dusty landscape. To the north lies the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a mere 30 miles away, making this stretch of AZ-64 a heavily traveled feeder route for day-trippers heading back to Flagstaff or beyond.
As we head south, the road stretches straight and true across the high plateau, flanked by long fences and distant buttes that shimmer in the afternoon sun. The scenery alternates between wide desert plains and low ridges, with the San Francisco Peaks often visible far off to the east on clear days. The air is dry, and the sky, more often than not, a brilliant turquoise dome above. There’s a sense of space here—a kind of openness that feels distinctly Arizonan. About halfway to Williams, we cross the Coconino County line and notice subtle shifts in terrain: the scrub grows denser, the soil darkens, and ponderosa pines begin to appear in scattered pockets.
Soon, we’re climbing gently toward the Kaibab Plateau, and with that elevation gain comes a transition into Kaibab National Forest. The high desert gives way to tall pine stands, and the road begins to curve slightly, tracing the contours of the land. Wildlife warning signs become more frequent—elk, deer, and even the occasional bear have been known to roam this forest corridor. At this point, the journey becomes noticeably cooler and more fragrant, with the scent of sun-warmed pine sap filtering in through open car windows. We’re now on the cusp of Williams, a town with deep railroad roots and a proud Route 66 legacy.
Arriving in Williams, the road drops into a postcard-perfect mountain setting. Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams still pulses with mid-century roadside culture, boasting neon-lit diners, souvenir shops, and restored motels from the heyday of the Mother Road. As we approach Interstate 40, the landscape transitions once more—this time into the modern hum of cross-country travelers, though Williams itself remains a stronghold of nostalgic Americana. The Grand Canyon Railway, headquartered here, offers daily runs to the canyon’s South Rim, further cementing the town’s role as a hub of Arizona adventure.
This stretch of State Route 64 may be less flashy than the canyon it feeds, but it offers its own quiet rewards. From desert solitude to forested approach, from roadside kitsch to historic charm, the route serves as a reminder of how geography and history shape travel—not just our destination, but the road that brings us there. In the space between Valle and Williams, we travel through more than just miles—we pass through ecosystems, economies, and eras of American travel. It’s a drive best taken slowly, with the windows down and the horizon ahead.
🎵 Music:
Piano March by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
🗺️ Route Map
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