Grand Canyon Scenic Drives and Roads

Grand Canyon Scenic Drives

Taking one of Grand Canyon’s many scenic drives is the best way to cover the most ground and see as many Grand Canyon vistas as possible, especially if you’re short on time. Scenic Drives in Grand Canyon National Park offer something for everyone including an incredible variety of Grand Canyon viewpoints, picnic areas and famous points of interest along the way. They are also the same dramatic roads visitors use to get to trailheads, rafting trips and other amazing Grand Canyon destinations and activities. While some drives are on paved two lane highways, others follow dirt 4x4 roads better suited for jeeps and high clearance vehicles. Whatever road you decide to travel at Grand Canyon National Park, one thing is for sure...you won't be disappointed. Read the guide below to learn more.

South Rim Scenic Drives

Paved Road

Hermit Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This scenic drive starts in historic Grand Canyon Village and takes you to the western end of the South Rim at Hermits Rest. It closely parallels the canyon’s South Rim for seven miles and you can see incredible canyon views along the way, even from inside your car or the park’s free shuttle buses.
Graded Dirt Road

Rowe Well Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This road starts behind the Maswik Lodge and then takes you out of the park and into the Kaibab National Forest.
4x4 Road

Forest Service Rd 328

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This well-graded dirt road connects to either Rowe Well Road to enter Grand Canyon Village or you can head west towards the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Pasture Wash/South Bass Trailhead area of Grand Canyon National Park.
Paved Road

Desert View Drive

Guru Rating

Trip Season

Desert View Drive (also known are HWY 64E) spans the 25 miles between Grand Canyon Village and the Desert View/East entrance station. There are six developed canyon viewpoints, but an additional five unmarked pullouts that offer even more views.
Paved Road

Yaki Point Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

Yaki Point Road is a short, shuttle bus only road at the west end of Desert View Drive.

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FIND GRAND CANYON SCENIC DRIVES FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

North Rim Scenic Drives

4x4 Road

Point Sublime Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This 17.7-mile long road leads to the appropriately named Point Sublime viewpoint on the North Rim of Grand Canyon. Because it is a rugged road, high clearance vehicles are required, and four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.
Paved Road

Cape Royal Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

Certainly, the most popular scenic drive on this side of Grand Canyon, the Cape Royal Road is one of the main draws for those visiting the North Rim.

East Rim Scenic Drives

Paved Road

Highway 89A Scenic Drive

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This scenic drive is a stunning mix of iconic Western desert scenes followed by an uphill drive into the beautiful ponderosa pine forests of the Kaibab Plateau. After you turn onto Highway 89A, you will quickly come to one of the best parts of the drive: Navajo Bridge.

West Rim Scenic Drives

Graded Dirt Road

Toroweap Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

While this scenic drive is not for the casual visitor or the faint of heart, it is one of the best adventures that Grand Canyon has to offer, leading you to an isolated and breathtaking 3,000 ft drop-off view of the Colorado River.
Graded Dirt Road

Diamond Creek Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This is the only scenic drive in Grand Canyon where you can drive a car to the bottom of the canyon, high clearance and four-wheel drive NOT required!
Paved Road

Buck and Doe Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

While this road is heavily travelled, many visitors might not even know that this is the name of the road that they are traveling on to access Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk--Buck and Doe Road is the final section of road before you enter Grand Canyon West and is located on Hualapai Tribal land.

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Grand Canyon Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff

Duration: 11 hours
Rating: 5 out of 5
from $185 on Viator

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45-minute Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Flight

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grand canyon SCENIC DRIVES

Grand Canyon Scenic Drives and Roads