Grand Canyon Railway made its first journey to the South Rim in 1901, long before Arizona was dubbed the "Grand Canyon State." With the arrival of the train, people could get to the legendary canyon with ease and comfort. Today, you can travel to Grand Canyon National Park aboard Grand Canyon Railway and take a trip not only to America's most recognized spectacle, but a trip back in time.
The Original Grand Canyon Tour
The Grand Canyon Railway brought interested travelers from all over the world to stand on the rim and ponder the feeling that touches all of humanity in a similar manner when they gaze upon the spectacle.
Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona, about 30 miles west of Flagstaff just off Interstate 40. The train travels almost due north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The trip measures 65 miles and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes each way, 45 minutes faster than in 1901 when the train made its first trip.
Grand Canyon Train
The train was the lifeline to Grand Canyon National Park in the early 20th century. It was the railroad, along with the Fred Harvey Company, that commissioned and built most of the historic structures that still exist along the South Rim. The historic train almost faded into history itself when passenger service to Grand Canyon National Park stopped in 1968 as train travel gave way to the popularity of automobile travel. But like any legend it refused to die. As fate would have it, Grand Canyon Railway was reborn in 1989 when entrepreneurs brought the Grand Canyon's train back to life. Today, the Railway carries well over 200,000 people by rail to the canyon each year.
The Region
Grand Canyon Country is located in northern Arizona on what's called the Colorado Plateau. Most of the plateau is set at 5,000 feet elevation. However, the plateau includes Williams and the Grand Canyon, both at about 7,000 feet elevation, and the San Francisco Peaks, the highest point in Arizona at over 12,600 feet elevation. What this means is out your window you'll pass through different landscapes, from Ponderosa pine forests down to the open and dry high desert, and then the train rises back into the forest as it gets close to the canyon. There is a 1,500 foot vertical drop along the way. This can be very challenging to engineers. In fact, for years, the Santa Fe brought out engineers-in-training to teach them how to operate steam locomotives on the Grand Canyon line.
Many Native American reservations are in and around Grand Canyon National Park and Northern Arizona. This includes the Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai and Paiute. Their culture and way of life have made an indellible impression on the region.
It's not uncommon to spot some of the region's natives. Keep your eyes out for elk, mountain lions, mule-deer, squirrels and even skunks while in the forests. In the high desert, it's common to see pronghorn, which look like antelope. You'll notice a variety of birds, from bald eagles to horned owls to ravens to California condors.
Along the way, you'll see a variety of plants and trees as you change in elevation. In the first part of the trip leaving Williams and as you approach the Grand Canyon, you'll be at over 6,000 feet elevation where you'll be surrounded by forests of Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen. In the middle part of the journey, the Upper Sonoran Zone, you'll see Pinyon-Juniper woodlands, sagebrush, grama grass, and a variety of brush like live oak, salt bush and mountain ash.
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Grand Canyon
Colossus of canyons - the Grand Canyon is the most recognized canyon in the world. It is one of planet earth's greatest landmarks and the only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World to be located in North America. More than 4 million people visit the canyon each year making it the most visited national park in the United States. People of all races and countries from around the world come to see the canyon, yet it's grandeur and magnificence seem to affect all of humanity in a similar manner, binding us together with a recognition of its timelessness and our short existence.
Railway History
Grand Canyon country was a far-off distant land in the late 1800s. Only the most adventurous of explorers could rough the elements to see it with its remote location in northern Arizona, still a territory at the time. But Americans were on the move and going west. American ingenuity was hard at work in the form of the railroads, being built and tying the nation together. The main line west was built from Chicago to Los Angeles and it passed through Williams, Arizona. Grand Canyon Railway made its first journey to the Grand Canyon on September 17, 1901. Notable passengers to ride the Grand Canyon Railway include Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, William Howard Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante, Doris Day, Warren Buffet, and Bill Gates.
Ride to the Canyon in One of Four Classes of Service
Coach Class
Streamliner-era coaches that get you to the canyon and back with style and grace. Enjoy comfortable bench-style seating in these classic air-conditioned 1950s era passenger cars. Strolling musicians roam the cars playing the tunes of yesteryear while your passenger service attendant will be there to add insight and answer questions.
First Class
Ride in First Class style, boasting oversized, reclining seats with plenty of leg room and grand picture windows that enhance the scenic journey. Comfort abounds as fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice are provided during the morning. Snacks, soft drinks and fine spirits are available on the return trip in these air-conditioned streamliner cars.
Observation Dome
Room With a View - An unforgettable experience, thanks to a glass-enclosed streamliner that offers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Glide through the changing landscape in the comfort of padded high-back chairs from high above the train. Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice are provided during the morning, while snacks are available on the way back with a champagne toast.
Luxury Parlor Class
The Most Exclusive Seat on the Train - Inside our Luxury Parlor Car is a grand tradition of elegance and extraordinary comforts. An elegant rail baron experience preserved for those who enjoy the finer things, thanks to lounge-style comforts including a private bar and access to the open-air rear platform. Exclusive service provides fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice during the morning, while snacks are available on the return trip along with a champagne toast.
