The Grand Canyon is on the bucket list of many travellers. But along the way to the Grand Canyon, you can also find incredible cities and sites to explore. If you are heading to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix, expect to drive 229 miles, or four hours nonstop with no traffic.

We recommend taking your time, though, and enjoying some of the great stops along the way. Below, we outline three of the best stops and what to do at each stop.

a man stands on a peak looking out on the vast grand canyon, with lots of rocky surfaces and crevasses against a blue cloudy sky

The Best Way to Travel with a Group from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

GOGO Charters offers modern, comfortable charter buses equipped with road trip necessities such as Wi-Fi, outlets, reclining seats, and even a restroom on board. The highly-rated buses we charter can comfortably fit anywhere from 36-56 people, making it a great option for corporate events, wedding parties, and other groups for any occasion.

Smaller groups can opt for a mini charter bus, which can seat between 18 to 28 people depending on the size you rent. Our prices are some of the best in the country, and we offer top-notch customer support and care to make sure your group has everything they need.

Without further ado, let’s check out three great stops along the way from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon that you won’t want to miss. In each stop, we highlight our four picks for the best activities in each town.

 

Stop One: Jerome

a wooden house with old metalworking project sitting in the front among the tall grass

Jerome is a small town, but worth a stop if you and your group enjoy history, ghost towns, and wineries. You can easily see all of the best sites within two hours, making it a great stop along the way to the Grand Canyon.

Gold King Mine & Ghost Town: Perkinsville Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331

By far the biggest attraction in Jerome is the ghost town. Visitors can explore abandoned and dilapidated buildings, an old mine, and even a collection of vintage trucks and other vehicles.

Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room: 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331

The Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room is a local wine bar set in a stylish space of brick-lined walls, and features locally produced wine and espresso drinks. You can also shop for their wine to bring home, and the wine bar has a gift shop.

Jerome’s Sliding Jail: Jerome, AZ 86331

The abandoned sliding jail in Jerome is easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it, but definitely something you will want to see while you’re there. This jail slid 225 feet downhill due to “land slippage” from mining activity in the area. It can be accessed right off Main Street, near a parking lot.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park: 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

A short ten-mile drive out of Jerome is Dead Horse Ranch State Park. A dog-friendly park featuring three beautiful lagoons, horseback riding, fishing, and other outdoor activities, it’s worth a visit, especially for those with furry friends.

 

Stop Two: Sedona

the red, rocky hillsides of sedona, arizona against a blue sky

One of the most popular stops along the way from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is Sedona due to its iconic red rocks, shops to explore, and amazing food. Here are some of our top picks for places to see while you’re there:

Elote Cafe: 350 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

Foodies looking for authentic, gourmet Mexican food need look no further than Sedona, specifically the Elote Cafe. Diners rave about the tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb adobo, the fried goat cheese balls, and the unique margaritas. You can also order an Elote Cafe cookbook to bring a taste of Sedona home with you.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: 336 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336

Often called the “Art and Soul” of Sedona, you won’t want to miss the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, which has jewelry, specialty shops, art galleries, clothing, and more. The village also hosts special events often, including a Dia de Los Muertos festival and other holiday events. The village makes a gorgeous venue for weddings, as well.

Chapel of the Holy Cross: 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a unique Roman Catholic chapel that is actually built into the buttes of Sedona. The result is stunning architecture among the bright red rocks, a must-see for all, not just the religious.

Airport Mesa: 483 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

Sedona, with its gorgeous red rocks, is no stranger to scenic hiking spots. The one we recommend is the Airport Mesa hiking loop, about a 2.5-hour round trip hike. During the hike, you can pass through basalt boulders and see some of Sedona’s most iconic panoramic views. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen, as the hike isn’t very shaded.

 

Stop 3: Flagstaff

a skiier leans into a turn while traveling down a snowy hillside

Located along the historic Route 66, and a bustling college town, Flagstaff offers many opportunities for those who love the outdoors, history, and even skiing. Here’s some of the sites you and your group can check out:

The Arizona Snowbowl Ski Lodge: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Flagstaff is different from other parts of Arizona in the sense that, if you visit during the winter months, you will find plenty of snow. Nicknamed “The Alpine City,” Flagstaff has its own ski resort, complete with cabins, Wi-Fi, and free breakfast.

Sunset Crater: 6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Since you and your group are on your way to the Grand Canyon, it’s safe to say you enjoy the great outdoors. Flagstaff offers a few unique outdoor views, starting with the Sunset Crater. The crater, an inactive cinder cone volcano, is considered a hidden gem and is located right outside the Flagstaff city limits.

Lowell Observatory: 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

You and your group have a chance to see the beautiful starry skies of Arizona at the Lowell Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in the United States. The observatory was founded in 1894, and was named one of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places” by TIME Magazine in 2011.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff: 4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Featuring 750 species of native plants across 200 acres, plus a butterfly garden, the arboretum at Flagstaff is a great stop for nature lovers. In addition to the plants and butterfly garden, the arboretum also features a summer concert series, classes, a summer garden party, and more events.

Seeing as Flagstaff is only about an hour and a half away from the Grand Canyon, your group can opt to stay in Flagstaff instead of onsite at the Grand Canyon. This can give your group more time to enjoy what Flagstaff has to offer.

two cacti stand in the desert against a blue, purple, and gold dusk sky

Make the most out of your road trip with GOGO Charters

Ready to get your road trip to the Grand Canyon going? Let us help! Call us any time, toll-free, at 404-425-9570. Our experienced and friendly agents can provide you with a free quote, so you can spend less time wondering and more time getting the most out of your road trip to the Grand Canyon. Call now and let us help you plan group transportation for the vacation of your dreams.