Route 66 Texas to Williams AZ/Grand Canyon

Me and some friends are planning a road trip on Route 66 from Texas to the Grand Canyon. We are way ahead of time, as we will be going September or October of *2018*. I have some questions as none of us has ever been on Route 66 or to the GC.
1. Is either of these months less crowded than the other?
2. How likely would the weather be icy/snowy around Williams and the South Rim during these months?
3. Is there likely to be motels/hotels available in and around Williams (or even Flagstaff) when we arrive? Or do we have to book ahead of time? Nothing fancy, we just want a clean place to sleep.
4. We will want a guided tour. I saw great reviews for Marvelous Marv and his tours of the GC on Trip Advisor. Has anybody used them or have suggestions for other reasonably priced van-type tour groups for a guided day trip?
5. What about the train? How far ahead should that be booked?
And last but certainly not least:
6. What are some of the "don't miss" sites along route 66 that we should look for?
Thanks so much!
Tricia

Welcome to RTA!

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1. Is either of these months less crowded than the other?

If you can avoid Labor Day Weekend, you should be okay with either one.

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2. How likely would the weather be icy/snowy around Williams and the South Rim during these months?

Gosh, that's hard to tell, even 2 weeks away from a trip, much less 14-15 months. But history has shown that snow can come down as early as October. The South Rim is at 7000 ft elevation, so it is more vulnerable to cold and snow. I'd be prepared for colder temps and layer your clothing.

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3. Is there likely to be motels/hotels available in and around Williams (or even Flagstaff) when we arrive? Or do we have to book ahead of time? Nothing fancy, we just want a clean place to sleep.

To reserve or not to reserve, that is the question. During the summer and any time of the year on weekends, reservations are a must. Weekdays in September or October is a crapshoot, but if it were me, I'd go with reservations. It's easier to control your price, plus you spend less time jumping from place to place looking for something that you can afford.

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4. We will want a guided tour. I saw great reviews for Marvelous Marv and his tours of the GC on Trip Advisor. Has anybody used them or have suggestions for other reasonably priced van-type tour groups for a guided day trip?

I can't answer this question. But I do have to ask, what are you looking for in a guided day trip?

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5. What about the train? How far ahead should that be booked?

It's popular and fills fast, even on the shoulder seasons.

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6. What are some of the "don't miss" sites along route 66 that we should look for?

A lot of folks love to go into Seligman (just west of Williams on I-40) because it's very nostalgic, or take AZ-66 (the old US-66, which has been decommissioned) into Peach Springs from Seligman. The latter is because of its ties to the movie CARS.

Tucumcari and Albuquerque both have remnants of the old 66. ABQ's are along Central Ave. Tucumcari's are along Busn. 40/Old-66. If you haven't already, go to the Historic Route 66 website. Lots of cool stuff there! Also, the National Park Service (NPS) has a good site regarding old 66, just click here.

Remember, the old road was decommissioned back in 1985. Most of the road is underneath, or next to, the interstates (55, 44, and 40).

Donna

Thanks for the info - we will be traveling 40 mostly, but want to hit some of the historic sites along the way if possible.