Grand Junction Colorado to South Rim Grand Canyon (Flagstaff, Kingman: hotels, casino)

[mmk1997]

Hi there

During August 2009 my wife and I along with our 3 kids (ages 9, 7, & 5) will be traveling from Grand Junction Colorado to ultimately Disneyland. Along the way we wish to visit some sites - such as 4 corners, South Rim of Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, San Diego, then Disneyland. Any others that we NEED TO SEE?

Questions I need help with are these:

• Is it possible to travel from Grand Junction Colorado to the South Rim in a day and visit the 4 corners region? I use Google maps, so it suggests west on I 70, south on 191, south east on 491 to Cortez Colorado then continue south west on 491 towards the 4 corners region. At Tec Nos Pos take the 160 west to the 89 south then the 64 west into the Grand Canyon. It comes up to about 9 1/2 hours - Doable, but is it worth it?
  • What kind of cheap hotels (2-3 star) are in the Grand Canyon?
  • Would we need to travel to Williams to sleep, then come back the next day?

• Should we break down the trip and travel from Grand Junction to Kayenta or Tuba City, then wake up the next morning and travel to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, visit for the day then continue on towards Williams?
  • What kind of hotels are in these cities (Kayenta & Tuba City)
  • Are they worth the price - just need clean and secure hotels?

Any information would be most appreciative. Unfortunately, we do not have much time to visit everything that the region has to offer.

[drb85650]

Originally Posted by mmk1997

Hi there

During August 2009 my wife and I along with our 3 kids (ages 9, 7, & 5) will be traveling from Grand Junction Colorado to ultimately Disneyland. Along the way we wish to visit some sites - such as 4 corners, South Rim of Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, San Diego, then Disneyland. Any others that we NEED TO SEE?

Questions I need help with are these:

• Is it possible to travel from Grand Junction Colorado to the South Rim in a day and visit the 4 corners region? I use Google maps, so it suggests west on I 70, south on 191, south east on 491 to Cortez Colorado then continue south west on 491 towards the 4 corners region. At Tec Nos Pos take the 160 west to the 89 south then the 64 west into the Grand Canyon. It comes up to about 9 1/2 hours - Doable, but is it worth it?
  • • What kind of cheap hotels (2-3 star) are in the Grand Canyon?
    • Would we need to travel to Williams to sleep, then come back the next day?

nothing cheap at the canyon. Flagstaff or Williams is your best(actually only)bet. Figure $100 and up per night for 2 beds.


Been to 4 corners? Pretty bleak there. You have to pay the tribe to enter the actual "4 corners". Concrete slab surrounded by dirt.

• Should we break down the trip and travel from Grand Junction to Kayenta or Tuba City, then wake up the next morning and travel to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, visit for the day then continue on towards Williams?
  • What kind of hotels are in these cities (Kayenta & Tuba City)
  • Are they worth the price - just need clean and secure hotels?

Strictly personal opinion here, but I'd do everything I could to make it past Tuba or Kayenta. Grand Junction has rock formations as spectacular, the towns themselves are very poor, depressing, can't recall motels, sure there are some but I'd rather keep driving. I'd try to make Flag or Williams(just a few minutes past Flag on the Interstate), rest for the night and go to the Canyon next day. Take water, snacks. It'll be hot in August.
Have you considered taking the train from Williams to the Canyon? Kids would really like that, and you can just sit and rest.


Any information would be most appreciative. Unfortunately, we do not have much time to visit everything that the region has to offer.

You'll be seeing about all that kids would be impressed by, especially if they know Disneyland is at the end of the rainbow, er, road.
One serious note, and not to scare you, but be certain to hang onto your kids at the Canyon. Seems like every summer there is a tragedy involving a little one that slips away from adults and falls over the edge. No, it isn't all fenced! Last year or year before a 3-4 year old girl went over the edge. Your 5 and 7 year old would probably like the Deer Farm Petting Zoo near Williams as much as the canyon, at least mine did! The dam is spectacular, Vegas is neat to see at night especially. San Diego will make you want to move and Disneyland puts a smile on even the grouchiest face. It really is a magical place. have fun!

[mmk1997]

Originally Posted by drb85650

You'll be seeing about all that kids would be impressed by, especially if they know Disneyland is at the end of the rainbow, er, road.
One serious note, and not to scare you, but be certain to hang onto your kids at the Canyon. Seems like every summer there is a tragedy involving a little one that slips away from adults and falls over the edge. No, it isn't all fenced! Last year or year before a 3-4 year old girl went over the edge. Your 5 and 7 year old would probably like the Deer Farm Petting Zoo near Williams as much as the canyon, at least mine did! The dam is spectacular, Vegas is neat to see at night especially. San Diego will make you want to move and Disneyland puts a smile on even the grouchiest face. It really is a magical place. have fun!

Thanks for the info. We'll make sure that we hang onto the kids and let them know that they are not to go close to the edge. In Williams, any good places to eat? I have heard of the train - it seems expensive? Parking at the canyon, I understand that you park then take the trolly to various lookouts. Any ones more worth visiting?

I think we have decided to not visit four corners and head straight to Williams from Grand Junction. We will go through the canyon on our way down and hopefully see sunset. We'll sleep in Williams then head to the canyon the next morning. Once we are done for the day, we'll head westward and stay closer to Vegas - any suggestions - Kingman anyone?

Thanks

[drb85650]

Kingman,,,,pm kdog on here.
If you've the time and desire, take the Seligman exit west of Williams and drive old Route 66 around to Kingman. Not that there's alot to see, but just traveling the origional mother road to the interstates is kinda neat.
Kingman itself, exit on Andy Devine,(or just stay on the hiway from Seligman and Valentine if you go that way) go about 2 miles and down the hill. curves into old downtown Kingman. You'll pick up the road to Vegas after you go under the interstate at the far end of downtown. And that's Kingman.
But honestly, unless you've a real interest in history that isn't visually spectacular, both routes are worth passing. I'm the kind that finds great intrigue in the smallest historic markers....
Vegas itself, you'll of course want to cruise the "strip" and take in a buffet at some casino. The kids will like all the imitation cities and water spectaculars.
Williams eateries....Pine Country Inn, just across the tracks from the Railroad headquarters, used to be terrific. All the other places are just "places".
Not certain what the train cost for a day excursion.
One of the native tribes has a glass bottom walkway at the canyon now, guess it's scary, like walking out on air. But I've also heard it's expensive and some consider it a ripoff. No idea for sure. Just be certain to take your own water, snacks etc to the canyon if you're budget wise at all.