Trailborn Grand Canyon

Adventure awaits in the Grand Canyon – and this boutique hotel in the gateway town of Williams holds the key.

Booking a room at this boutique hotel is the first step to a stress-free trip to Grand Canyon National Park. The Western-inspired lodge is less than an hour’s drive from the South Rim and partners with seasoned guides to offer one-of-a-kind Canyon experiences like behind-the-scenes tours of Kolb Studio and helicopter tours. And when you return from the Seventh Wonder of the World, Trailborn welcomes you with laid-back charms like bocce ball and bingo, live music and Southwestern eats at Miss Kitty’s Steakhouse. $159-$359/night, 642 E. Route 66, Williams, 928-272-7040, trailborn.com/grand-canyon

3 Excursions from Williams, AZ

Grand Canyon Railway

Ditch the car and hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway for your national park visit. The historical train departs Williams for the South Rim daily at 9 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m. From $70/person round trip, thetrain.com 

Colorado River Rafting

The staff at the Williams Visitor Center can help coordinate guided, single-day rafting trips with only one-day advance reservations. experiencewilliams.com/williams-visitor-center

Helicopter Tour

Trailborn partners with Maverick Helicopters to offer guests private, 45-minute aerial tours of epic natural landmarks: Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Kaibab National Forest and Marble Canyon. $2,793 total for up to seven guests; book directly with Trailborn.