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Raptor Ranch and Bedrock City: A Fun Side Trip from Grand Canyon
May 25, 2021
If you’re looking for cool and unique things to do near Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Raptor Ranch is a fun mix of wildlife and throwback cartoon nostalgia that is well worth the side trip. Raptor Ranch also features one of the closest campgrounds to the Grand Canyon that is not within the park boundaries.
What was Flintstone Park?
Bedrock City opened in 1972 as an amusement park based on the popular cartoon series, The Flintstones, which aired on primetime television from 1960-1966. Reruns of the hit show continued for decades and are still played on some networks today. One previous location near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota opened in 1966 and closed in 2015.
Is Bedrock City Still Open?
Unlike its predecessor, visitors can still visit Bedrock City in Arizona. In South Dakota, all of the Flintstones buildings and characters were razed in 2019, making the Arizona location the only place to walk amongst the original characters and story that inspired the Flintstones parks. Much of the interiors have been vandalized with graffiti (sad), which ups its weird and curious factor, to be sure.
Bedrock City becomes Raptor Ranch
The owners of Raptor Ranch bought the property in 2019 with plans to tear down the Flintstones Park to expand their Birds of Prey operation but have since decided to keep Bedrock City open indefinitely. Now guests can tour the famous Bedrock City while also learning about raptors, wildlife conservation, and also experience flight demonstrations.
How Far is Raptor Ranch from the Grand Canyon?
Located just 24 miles from the South Rim Entrance, Raptor Ranch and Bedrock City is one of the coolest things to do near this side of Grand Canyon National Park. Did we mention it’s only $5 to enter? Swing by and support this historic and fun roadside attraction on your next trip to Williams or the Grand Canyon.
More unique things to do nearby
Fun and Unique Things to do in Williams
Known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, check out what there is to do in the cool and quirky town of Williams, Arizona.
Sycamore Falls
Check out this amazing hidden waterfall in Arizona near Williams, Arizona that makes a great side trip from Grand Canyon National Park.
cool and unique places at grand canyon
Headed to the Grand Canyon? Check out our guide on the best hikes, the coolest places to stay, and unique things to do at Grand Canyon National Park
our favorite travel tech
Nomad Goods makes smart, rugged tech for travel and everyday life, including their Base Station Pro. This brilliant charging station allows you to power up to three devices at once. Check out more of our favorites below. Photos courtesy of Nomad Goods.
MagSafe Mount
Air Tag Loop Rustic Brown
Steel Band Graphite
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Image Credits:
Bedrock City images - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Williams - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Sycamore Falls - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Grand Canyon - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Nomad Goods product images courtesy of Nomad Goods; Trail Ridge Road - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; for Pin image credits, please click on the Pin.