Northern AZ road trip planning

Question

I'm planning a small road trip for December 20 & 21. Going from Gilbert. I have a cabin booked in Williams for the night. Any suggestions for the best route to see the grand canyon, oatman, and lake Havasu? And any other "must see" things along the way?

Answer

Planning a northern Arizona road trip from Gilbert with a cabin booked in Williams is a great way to see some iconic sights in a short time. Given your timeline of December 20–21, you’ll want to maximize daylight hours and account for winter driving conditions, especially near the Grand Canyon.

Here’s a suggested route and highlights for your two-day trip:

Day 1 – Gilbert to Williams via Lake Havasu and Oatman:
- Start early from Gilbert and head west toward Lake Havasu City. This will be roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive. If you want a scenic detour, stop at Parker Dam or the London Bridge in Lake Havasu.
- From Lake Havasu, take AZ-95 north and then cross into Oatman, a historic mining town on Route 66. Enjoy the quirky shops, roaming burros, and classic Route 66 vibe. Allow 1–2 hours here.
- Continue east on AZ-68/US-93 back toward Kingman, then take I-40 east to Williams for your overnight stay. Total driving for the day will be around 6–7 hours excluding stops.
Day 2 – Williams to Grand Canyon and back:
- Leave Williams early to drive north on AZ-64 to the Grand Canyon South Rim (about 1–1.5 hours). This allows you to spend most of the morning and early afternoon at the viewpoints.
- Top viewpoints to visit along the South Rim include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Hopi Point, and Desert View. Walking the Rim Trail between these spots is easy and gives stunning views without strenuous hiking.
- After exploring the Grand Canyon, return to Williams via AZ-64 south and then head back toward Gilbert on I-40 west to I-17 south. The drive back to Gilbert will be around 3.5–4 hours.

Other potential “must-see” stops along the route:

Route 66 towns: Seligman is a classic Route 66 stop between Williams and Kingman with quirky roadside attractions and diners.
Lake Havasu City: Beyond the London Bridge, the lake itself offers views and a short walk along the waterfront.
Hualapai Mountains: If you have time, consider a brief stop near Kingman to enjoy views of the mountains and desert landscapes.
Historic Kingman: Small downtown area with museums and Route 66 history.

Additional tips for your December road trip:

Check weather and road conditions, especially near the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona, as snow or icy roads are possible in winter.
Start early each day to make the most of daylight hours, since the sun sets early in December.
Pack layers and water, and consider light snacks for the drives between attractions.
Some stops like Oatman and Route 66 towns are best experienced with time to stroll and enjoy local shops; don’t rush through.

Following this route lets you experience iconic northern Arizona highlights—Lake Havasu, Oatman, Route 66 towns, and the Grand Canyon—while keeping daily drives manageable and sightseeing rewarding.

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