Forum Discussion

lkasinoff's avatar
lkasinoff
Explorer
Mar 05, 2018

Travel Route to Grand Canyon

I am planning a trip in my 4 cylinder custom RV from Tennessee to the Grand Canyon traveling on Route 40. The RV has trouble climbing any steep elevations. I know the elevation at the canyon is 7000. Is the route along the way very steep? I know it is a 1700 mile trip and I assume it will be gradual, but I was just wondering if it is steep anywhere along the way? Any reply will be helpful.
Thanks
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Mar 05, 2018
    The only area noted in mountain directory west is about 10 miles east of Ash Fork. You won't be going that far west if you take 180 up to the Grand Canyon. If you are driving elsewhere I would suggest that you purchase Mountain Directory West either for electronic use, or the paper book. According to that, you should not have any steep climbs or descents.
  • Janss's avatar
    Janss
    Explorer II
    Mar 05, 2018
    This website might help you:
    Flattest Route

    Look under the resulting map. Pass your mouse pointer over the graphs and it will pinpoint the locations on the map.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2018
    Before you take off did you know that the average length of time spent at the South Rim is less than 3 hours?
    You might drive to Williams, AZ and take the train to the South Rim and back.
  • eubank's avatar
    eubank
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2018
    The three-hour figure includes the hordes of tour bus travelers, who arrive, step out of the bus, look over the edge behind the Bright Angel Lodge, and then get herded back to the bus by the tour operator to travel to the next stop. You can recognize them in an instant; you'll see them at no other place.

    :(
    Lynn


    Dick_B wrote:
    Before you take off did you know that the average length of time spent at the South Rim is less than 3 hours?
    You might drive to Williams, AZ and take the train to the South Rim and back.
  • Janss's avatar
    Janss
    Explorer II
    Mar 05, 2018
    A person who is willing to travel 1700 miles to the Grand Canyon is probably above average :)

    Get yourself reservations at the campground inside the GCNP and have a great experience! Sunrise and sunset are beautiful times.
  • dwayneb236's avatar
    dwayneb236
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2018
    We'll be going to GC in May. will be spending several days in the area biking and hiking and just touring. We stopped in once before coming back from our California trip. We probably spent a little longer than 3 hours there and it just made us want to stay much longer. Can't wait. Just to get away from here is good enough for me.

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