|
|
|
Williams, Arizona
(Continued from above, right.) The town is at the foot of Bill Williams Mountain, a 9,264-foot peak that bears the name of the town’s 19th century namesake, “Old Bill” Williams, who personified the iconic “Mountain Man” lifestyle later adopted by so many other lone-wolf, skin-sporting frontier types. His life was full of storybook-worthy tales of danger, adventure and resiliency. He spent just one winter in the area that is now Williams, but apparently left enough of an impression for the place to take his name.
Williams takes a lot of pride in its history as a frontier outpost for ranchers, miners and other enterprising “Mountian Men,” and the women who loved them (for a price.) During the summer there are nightly “shootouts” in Saloon Row, and even tours of the various spots in town reported to be haunted by the souls of prospectors, prostitutes and the like.
Two paths of historic and cultural significance pass through Williams: the Grand Canyon Railway and Route 66. The railroad that first brought visitors to the Grand Canyon in 1901 still makes its run to the South Rim with beautifully restored vintage passenger cars, and departs daily from the historic Williams Depot. Williams, AZ also marks the final stretch of the legendary Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40. The “Mother Road” is memorialized throughout historic downtown Williams, with retro restaurants, gas stations, and quirky gift shops.
Williams also provides access to some lovely, less-crowded spots on the Colorado Plateau that appeal to hikers, skiers and nature lovers. Nearby aspen groves provide magical picnic spots in the fall when the leaves turn sparkling gold, and Bill Williams Mountain has several wind-building trails that reward you with beautiful views of the plateau in all directions. Williams is also one of only two ways to access the secluded, stunning beauty of Sycamore Canyon, a deep, lush canyon carved into the red sandstone by Sycamore Creek, a kind of miniature version of the big canyon just one hour to the north.
|
|
|
