AmericaJR’s Jason Rzucidlo recently visited the small town of Williams, Arizona on the way to the Grand Canyon. Also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, Williams was the last city on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40. The community, bypassed on October 13, 1984, continues to thrive on tourism. Boasting seven fishing lakes in the area, hiking trails up Bill Williams Mountain and into Sycamore Canyon, an alpine ski area and cross country ski trails, four-seasons weather and an abundance of wildlife, Williams offers unlimited recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Exiting Interstate 40 to Route 66 
Entering the small town of Williams, Arizona 
My car in front of a Route 66 map 
Route 66 & Grand Canyon gift shop 
Antique car with old fueling pumps 
Antique Chevrolet with large fuel tank 
Cruiser’s Cafe 66 
Cruise’n on Route 66 
“Get Your Gifts on 66” gift shop 
Williams was the last town bypassed by I-40 on Route 66 
Santa Fe box car 
Williams is home to Flintstones’ Bedrock City. It is a 30-mile drive north from downtown Williams on State Route 64.
Visit Historic Williams, Arizona…It is 33 miles west of Flagstaff, Arizona and about 175 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona. You can get there from exits 161 and 165 on Interstate 40.