Camping/Off-roading Near Grand Canyon Railway

[AssBurns]

So my wife wants to take our 3 year old daughter and 6 month old son to the Polar Express Train Ride at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel this December before Christmas. I was thinking if I am driving all the way up there I might as well make a trip out of it. It's located in Williams, AZ about 45 min west of Flagstaff. Since we will have our 6 month old with us in December, it's gotta be a relatively easy trails and preferably less cold spots to camp, if that's an option. We will be coming up from SoCal on the I-40. Is there any cool spots along the way to do some destination off-roading and camping? I know December is going to be pretty chilly in northern AZ so a somewhat warmer spot would be preferable. Trying to make a fun multi day trip out of it. Thanks!

 

[GG Beast]

Hi! I haven’t actually done the Grand Canyon Polar Express Railway (even though I’m an AZ Native!). However it’s a great time of year to be up in Northern AZ. I think you’ll definitely encounter overnight temps in the 20s-30s easily, however, you’re not that far from some lower elevations. There’s Sedona which is known for the trails. There are trails for every comfort level in that area. Another area that you could visit is the Jerome, Perkinsville, Clarkdale area. TONS of Forest Service roads to explore, and I believe you could travel between Williams and Perkinsville via all dirt roads if you want. (someone correct me if I’m wrong!). There’s another train that runs 4 hour trips (No idea if they do themed holiday tours or not) but it is worth doing for the scenery. It’s the Verde Canyon Railway and I believe it’s 4 hour round trip. Jerome is a fantastic mountainside town to visit for a day, but be warned, it’s swarming with tourists in fall and winter. Down the hill from Jerome is Cottonwood which has a very nice main street with some good restaurants. All in all, you could easily spend several days in this area as a whole, and see lots of great things. Camping though… brrr! Even at the lower elevations you might get overnight frost. I believe the Polar Express opens in November, and overnight temps in November will likely be a lot more tolerable for camping. Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[AssBurns]

[MENTION=55322]GG Beast[/MENTION] Thanks for all the info! It might be a little too cold for the new little kiddo. Might just try to do a couple day run exploring while we are there and on the way back home. I’ll definitely look into the places you mentioned. I’ve always wanted to explore more or northern AZ.


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[*AZ4Runner*]

We’ve done the polar express twice, it’s fun for the kids. The hotel up there is fun. I’m s way too cold to camp out in December up there with kids that young. It gets cold at night up there.


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[*AZ4Runner*]

Sedona is great for off-roading but it’s a hit of a drive from where you’ll be.


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[*AZ4Runner*]

There are lots of forest service roads up in flagstaff area that would be easily doable with youngsters


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[AssBurns]

Thanks! [MENTION=171765]*AZ4Runner*[/MENTION] I’m thinking it will be too cold to camp as well. Might just do some hotels and cruise around some local trails during the day to explore the area some more.


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[AZBub]

Check out Dead horse ranch state park in Arizona, it's up in camp verde. You can camp there year round plus there are cabins. And not too far a drive to Williams.


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[AssBurns]

Check out Dead horse ranch state park in Arizona, it's up in camp verde. You can camp there year round plus there are cabins. And not too far a drive to Williams.


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Thanks [MENTION=122900]AZBub[/MENTION]

How is the weather there during that time of year? Trying to avoid snow if possible.


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[AZBub]

December in that area (camp verde) it's highly unlikely. It will be cold at night but doable with a little buddy heater. or the cabins I believe have heat.


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[AZBub]

Also if you have time go check out Bearizona.


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[AssBurns]

Thanks! I’ll check that area out. I wouldn’t mind getting a cabin for the night either.


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[Kyotea]

I'm from flag born in cottonwood and I would def recommend a hotel or cabin just too cold for a little one.