Need a great escape? Let Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel take you on a historical journey

You’ve got to step away from the glittering lights of the Neon City to see the beauty of the American Southwest while you’re in the area. Few landscapes compare to the picturesque desert that surrounds the valley, with rich red sandstone formations and unique plant life. Keep driving through this terrain and you can find one of the true marvels of the Mojave: The Grand Canyon. 

There are many ways to explore this natural wonder; it’s huge, after all. But one of the most scenic areas is the South Rim of the canyon, which contains the iconic Bright Angel Trail, various lookout studios and fantastic shopping. And what better way to get to this distant destination than on the Grand Canyon Railway, an experiential mode of travel that takes you through the ecologically diverse Arizona wilderness in a relatively sustainable fashion.

The train departs bright and early from Williams, Ariz., a quaint town just west of Flagstaff, where you’ll find the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. With warm woods, wrought iron light fixtures and gorgeous art depicting the surrounding sights, this cozy abode makes the perfect place to stay before or after your day in the park. Visitors who stay at the hotel are not only eligible for discounted train tickets, but also get access to some pretty convenient amenities. Plus, this charming lodge sits within walking distance of the main drag of Williams, where a number of breweries, gift shops and unique attractions await. 

Making the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel experience exceptionally neat, the entire property is studded with little informational tidbits about the history of the railway and surrounding infrastructure. Stop in for a sip at Spenser’s Pub, where you’ll learn about the hot spot’s namesake, George O. Spenser, who handcrafted the bar top on the promise that he’d drink free for the rest of his days. Catch lunch or dinner buffet service in the Fred Harvey Restaurant, named after the clever entrepreneur who dedicated his efforts to creating high-quality accommodations for railroad passengers in the west in the late 1800s. Roam the hotel and train depot grounds to find all sorts of informational signage that will have your fun fact quota filled to the absolute max even before you board the train.

Speaking of super-cool things that happen before you board the train, make sure you get to the train depot with about 20 minutes to spare so that you don’t miss the preboarding Wild West-style showdown. Appropriate for the whole family, this super short skit sets the tone for a day filled with fun and unexpected encounters; and trust, there will be plenty of surprises.

After pictures with the cowboys and their horses, it’ll be time to board the train, which is made easy thanks to the incredibly helpful attendants at every railcar. And yes, every carriage has its own bit of history that guests will learn about. Book a Pullman Class ticket for an economic option and you will ride in a 1923 Harriman-style car with bench-style seating, or splurge on first-class tickets for oversized reclining seats. 

While all cars have great big windows, find an unbeatable view in the Observation Dome, a streamliner-era car with a second-story, glass-enclosed seating area that offers an entirely different vantage point for spotting wildlife or soaking in the sun. For travelers 16 and older, consider booking the Luxury Dome for access to a private bar and a spacious ground-level lounge. Riders who’d prefer plush seating should consider booking the Luxury Parlor, which has its own private bar and couch-style seating. What’s the best part of the upgraded seating options, you ask? They have morning and afternoon snacks! 

Once you’ve settled into your seat, sit back and listen to your incredibly knowledgeable guide who will share an abundance of information, like what kinds of flora and fauna to be on the lookout for, how the train operates and ways to stay safe once you’re inside the park. (And if your attendant is anything like mine, they’ll have jokes on jokes on jokes.) Roaming musicians also make their way through the train playing acoustic renditions of classic tunes, like John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” and Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel,” and boy, are they talented! 

Before you know it, it will be time to disembark and see what you came here for in the first place, the Grand Canyon! If you worked up an appetite on your journey, stop into any of the various gift shops for some grab-and-go eats and have a picnic along the rim walk, or for a finer dining option, stop into El Tovar Hotel for unique dishes like elk Bolognese with fresh mozzarella and basil. With a full belly, you’re ready to shop and hike all around the South Rim. Wherever you decide to dine, don’t feed the squirrels! Seriously, nobody wants to spend their souvenir money on a rabies shot.

Speaking of souvenirs, wander into the Hopi House to shop for authentic goods made by native artisans from the surrounding tribe. Built entirely out of clay, the dwelling resembles pueblo-style structures found in Oriabi, Ariz., and contains plenty of impressive art to peruse. 

If you prefer to soak up the scenery, head to the lookout studio, which not only has its own shopping element, but has multiple incredible vantage points for birdwatching, photography and more!

With a keen eye, you may spot jays, falcons or crows in the canyon skies. With incredible luck, birders might spot one of the rarest flying friends in the world, the California condor. This critically endangered species is North America’s largest bird and lives in and around the Grand Canyon.

Other wildlife to watch out for include mule deer and bighorn sheep. Elk also make appearances from time to time, which are magical to see in person ... from a safe distance. Remember: you’re in the great outdoors, not a petting zoo.

For a more physical activity, consider the 1.5-mile rim walk, which is relatively flat and perfect for small children and people with limited mobility. More daring explorers may want to try a mile or two of the steep Bright Angel Trail that descends into the canyon. You won’t be able to hike the entire route before the returning train departs, so make sure you keep an eye on the time.

Also, save a few dollars for the ride back. No spoilers here, but you never know when you’ll need something to offer a squad of cowboys committing a train robbery. (Wink, wink.) 

Holiday Magic

Get into the spirit of the season with a nighttime ride on the Polar Express (inspired by the classic children’s book), which transports visitors straight to the North Pole, where they’ll find Santa Claus and his reindeer waiting with gifts for everybody on the “nice” list. Enjoy chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa while performers and the nighttime wilderness provide plenty of entertainment. This 90-minute round-trip adventure is perfect for families with small kids and anyone who loves a bit of Christmas magic.

By the Numbers

65 miles of track make up the railway to the canyon.

91 species of mammals call the Grand Canyon home, while more than 300 species of birds soar above.

4.7 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually. (And the number continues to grow!)

Fun Facts

• Grand Canyon National Park is the second most-visited national park.

• The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel is the largest employer in Williams, Ariz.

Canyon Care

• The Grand Canyon Railway keeps approximately 60,000 cars out of the park each year, reducing emissions and helping keep the air clean.

• On Steam Saturdays, the railway runs its “French Fry Express,” a restored 1920s steam locomotive that runs recycled waste vegetable oil. A single round trip uses 1,200 gallons of oil in place of coal or diesel fuel.

• Each trip to the South Rim requires 12,000-15,000 gallons of water, and to counteract that, the company uses a million-gallon water retention pond to collect rainwater and snow, which reduces potable water use. 

• Purple pipes may seem like an eyesore, but these colorful conduits carry reclaimed water from the Grand Canyon Reclamation Plant.

• In 2019, the International Dark-Sky Association recognized the Grand Canyon as the International Dark Sky Place of the Year after intensive light-pollution reduction efforts. Dark skies are vital to ensuring wildlife survival and maintaining the overall rhythm of ecosystems.

233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, Ariz. 928.635.4010. thetrain.com

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