Grand Canyon Railway ready for passengers
GRAND CANYON RAILWAY
A Different Point of View
The Grand Canyon Railway offers a unique way to experience the Grand Canyon.
By Maria Lenhart
Want to arrive at the Grand Canyon in much the same way that President Teddy Roosevelt, European royalty and classic Hollywood stars like Clark Gable did in the days before mass automobile transport? Then come onboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway, which takes passengers between the northern Arizona pioneer town of Williams, Arizona, and the canyon’s South Rim on a train ride through Ponderosa pine forests, prairie and high desert. Along the way, families, friends and couples enjoy everything from cowboy songs and Wild West antics to champagne and cocktails served in plush luxury under an observation dome.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel with the train in the foreground
GRAND CANYON RAILWAY HOTEL
Available every day except Christmas, the Grand Canyon Railway experience begins even before the 65-mile, two-plus hour journey on the train. Passengers assemble in the morning at the historic Williams Depot, built in 1908 when the train service was part of the legendary Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, just in time for a rousing Wild West shootout from the Cataract Creek Gang. Before or after the ride, there’s plenty to explore in Williams, with its quaint Route 66 downtown of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and vintage buildings, including the Fray Marcos Hotel, which was located inside the depot and was a popular Williams’ institution in the early 1900s. Today, it holds office space instead of lodging rooms. Across the street, however, lies the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, which was inspired by the Fray Marcos’ architecture and commitment to a high level of customer service. The modern iteration welcomes guests with an impressive lobby adorned with a stone fireplace and Western artwork, 298 guest rooms, and a choice of dining and recreational amenities.
Passengers enjoy a musical performance onboard the Grand Canyon Railway.
Powered by restored diesel locomotives, the train features six types of passenger cars and service levels to choose from, each reflecting the gracious era of early- to mid-20th century train travel. These include seating in streamliner-era coaches, refurbished cars from legendary North American railways like the Empire Builder, luxury dome cars and a parlor car with an open-air observation platform in the rear. Passengers in first and luxury classes can purchase cocktails to go with complimentary pastries, fruit, tea and coffee on the northbound journey and a variety of cheeses, vegetables and soft drinks on the southbound return. Throughout the train, guests can settle back with the “Territorial Times,” the railway’s own newspaper, listen to roaming Western singers and perhaps even witness outlaws attempting to rob the train.
Lobby of the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
After arriving at the Grand Canyon Depot shortly before noon, passengers may either spend a few hours exploring the South Rim with its jaw-dropping views and the Grand Canyon Village Historic District with its landmark rustic hotels and galleries before making the return trip—or stay longer to hike, ride a mule to the bottom of the canyon, go rafting and see the landscape from a helicopter. One of Grand Canyon Railway’s most popular options is Canyon Limited Plus, a package including roundtrip coach-class train travel, an overnight stay in Grand Canyon National Park and two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. For those traveling with children during the winter holidays, the Grand Canyon Railway offers the Polar Express, a 90-minute nighttime excursion out of Williams with hot chocolate, cookies and Santa Claus onboard.
Passengers of Grand Canyon Railway at the Grand Canyon Depot
Xanterra Travel Collection
Plan a trip to Grand Canyon Railway by contacting a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent.
