Classic Grand Canyon Train Engine
The Grand Canyon Railway is one of those rare experiences that reminds us of what travel was like before cars and airplanes. It first started passenger service to the Grand Canyon in 1901. The train made the Canyon more accessible to visitors with the previous option of visiting being a eight hour stagecoach ride from Flagstaff Arizona. The train ran until 1968 when it closed down because it became more popular to drive. In 1989 train service was restored to the Canyon by entrepreneurs Max & Thelma Biegert who saved the tracks from being salvaged. We are lucky that the Biegert’s had the vision to bring this train back to life so it could be enjoyed by us today.
Grand Canyon
I have been to the Grand Canyon many times but this was the first time that I took the train. Our journey started in Williams Arizona where we boarded one of the restored passenger cars. I do not know how old the car we were in was but the the oldest one dates to the 1920’s. There are five different classes of service ranging from basic Coach Class cars to the Observation Dome cars to the Luxury Parlor Class. Each class level has different amenities. The are all air conditioned so the ride is comfortable during the summer.
Observation Dome Car
The ride starts in the high desert of Arizona and takes you through the prairie up to the pine forest of Northern Arizona. It is a nice ride and much more relaxing than driving.
Prairie with the San Francisco Peaks in the background
During the two hour trip there are musicians and even a train robbery to entertain you. Don’t worry they do not take all your money…just a few tips.
Train Robber on the Grand Canyon Railway
The ride ends at the historic Grand Canyon Depot which is right in the center of the park. Near the Depot is the El Tovar Hotel which has been welcoming visitors since 1905.
Grand Canyon Railway Depot
El Tovar Hotel
Once at the Canyon we had a little over four hours to explore. This is enough time to see part of the south rim from the top but we did not have time to hike down into the Canyon. We spent some time exploring and also had a nice lunch in the El Tovar Hotel restaurant.
Rock Formations in the Grand Canyon
Mule Riders
River Bridge in Grand Canyon
We enjoyed our short stay at the Grand Canyon and will definitely be back. Taking the train is a unique experience that will take you back in time to when the train was the only way to go.
- Visit the Grand Canyon Railway website for more information.
- Fares start at $75 + Tax and Park Admission for adults.
- The train departs from Williams Arizona at 9:30 AM. The return train departs from the Canyon at 3:30 PM.
- Hotels and Train Package are available and can be booked on the website.
- There is a tram service in the park to take you to different sections.
- If you are not going to stay at the Canyon I would recommend staying in Flagstaff Arizona which is about 30 miles from Williams.
Lucy says
April 22, 2013 at 4:46 PMI do love a good train trip so might see if I can fit this in to my Grand Canyon trip next week (have spent enough time in a car road tripping round the Southwest so it’d make a nice change!).
Jeff says
April 22, 2013 at 5:36 PMIt is a nice trip but if you want more time than 4 hours you should drive. If you have time there is also another train ride that is supposed to be really good. The site is http://verdecanyonrr.com. It leave from a town south of Sedona.
Kimmy says
September 10, 2013 at 3:55 PMI had no idea that this was even around! It’s great and something I will for sure consider when visiting the Grand Canyon. I really appreciate when things of the past are restored instead of tossed out ot make way for the new.
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Jeff says
September 11, 2013 at 3:23 PMIt is a different way to get there. It does cost more but how often can you say that you took a train to the Grand Canyon.
JR Riel says
September 12, 2013 at 10:26 AMSadly, I didn’t have as great a time at the Grand Canyon as you guys seemed to have had. I think it may have been the wrong time of day and year that I went. I just remember it being kind of a let down. However, your post makes it look like a place worth going back to. You had fun and it shows!
Jeff says
September 12, 2013 at 11:28 AMI would give it another shot. There are definitely better times to go. We went in late March and the weather was perfect. In the summer it can get hot and very crowded. The winter is supposed to be nice when it is covered in snow but it will be cold.
Vanessa says
September 12, 2013 at 6:58 PMI’ve always wanted to do this! I love the idea of seeing the Grand Canyon with a new twist – and how awesome is the train robber!!
Jeff says
September 13, 2013 at 3:26 PMIt was fun. If you make it back to the Canyon you should try it out.
Jenna says
September 15, 2013 at 12:16 AMThis looks like fun! Makes me excited for our trip there this winter. We will have to look into taking the train!
Jessica says
September 15, 2013 at 7:30 AMWe are just in the beginnings of planning a Grand Canyon trip and this looks like a great way to explore.
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Jeff says
September 15, 2013 at 10:39 AMIt is a fun way to get there. If you want more than four hours at the Canyon I would suggest driving.
Lance says
November 18, 2013 at 11:51 AMI have a coworker who just returned from visiting the Grand Canyon for a second time. I’d love to hike down the Canyon, but my non-outdoorsy wife would not. I think the train trip would be a nice compromise, especially with our 7-year-old son.
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Jeff says
November 18, 2013 at 1:37 PMThe train is great for kids. I am not a hiker either so I was happy just walking around the top.