All Aboard the Grand Canyon Railway

Posted on Saturday, April 09, 2011

The Grand Canyon Railway is a railroad that runs between Williams, Arizona and the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. In 1901, the Santa Fe Railway finished constructing the branch line that ran 64 miles in distance. The railway is specifically used for transporting passengers. The first train to run on the railway was scheduled to depart on September 17, 1901. Due to competition with the growing use of automobiles, Santa Fe was forced to discontinue using the Grand Canyon Railway in July of 1968, but continued to use it for freight until 1974, hen it was abandoned.

In 1988, Max And Thelma Biegert, a couple from Phoenix, Arizona, bought the line and had it restored. It began operating in 1989 as a separate company from the Santa Fe. The first official run of the renewed railway was on September 17, 1989, in remembrance of the original debut date of the line. Now, on average, there is a grand total of about 240,000 passengers annually. The railroad uses diesel locomotives from the 1970s that have been renovated, and passengers ride in climate-controlled coaches from the 1950s. To add to the Old West feel, the railroad has hired actors that are dressed as bandits orchestrate a fake train robbery as the train returns Williams from the Grand Canyon.

In 2006, Xanterra Parks and Resorts bought the railway, and is the current operator of the GCNP’s restaurant, store concessions, and hotel. Xanterra is actually the corporate name for what was once known as the Fred Harvey Company. In 2008, Philip Anschutz bought Xanterra, and therefore gained ownership of the Grand Canyon Railway.

The ride on the train seems to take you back in time as you wind through the trees in the forest, along the plains, and look at the beautiful mountain views. There’s even a chance that you might see some native wildlife, including elk, deer, Pronghorn (which look quite similar to antelope), and maybe even some prairie dogs! Towards the middle part of your journey on the train, you will be able to see beautiful plants and trees like Pinyon-Juniper woodlands, grama grass, mountain ash, and live oak. There are a few different cars that you can take, including the Observation Dome, which I highly recommend. It has larger windows, and a better chance for more amazing views. The trip from Williams, AR to the Grand Canyon takes about two hours one way, and then you have about three hours to explore the canyon and shop before boarding the train again for the return trip.

The Grand Canyon Railway has one daily round trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon, and runs every day except December 25th. The train leaves the station in Williams at 9:30 am, and arrives at the Grand Canyon at 11:45 am. It will then depart again from the Grand Canyon at 3:30 pm, and arrive once again at Williams at 5:45 pm. The train does not offer one-way trips.

For a trip in Coach Class, it costs $70 per adult. For a trip in First Class, it costs $140 per adult. For a trip in the Observation Dome, it is $170. For a trip in the Luxury Parlor, it’s $190. Prices vary for children riding in coach or first class. Children are not allowed in the Observation Dome or the Luxury Parlor.

Grand Canyon Tour Vacation

Posted on Friday, July 10, 2009

The Grand Canyon is a place of magnificent beauty. It draws visitors from all over the world to take in the spectacular view. The canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world and is widely regarded as a "must see" at least once.

It is estimated that about 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon each year. Most visit the South Rim. The South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level. The Canyon is home to several major ecosystems, five of the world's seven life zones, 3 of North America's four types of dessert and several rare and protected plant and animal species.

There are no luxury resorts to stay in the Grand Canyon area. All are air conditioned except the Bryce Canyon Lodge, however it is at a high elevation the temperatures are more moderate.

The weather ranges from hot and dry, to cool and dry at higher elevations. Dress comfortably and make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes. Wear sun screen and take a water bottle along.

We offer a great selection of Grand Canyon trips including train, flightseeing and river rafting trips. Depending on the company, excursions can be offered as optionals, or others included them in the price. Speak to a tour specialist to help you find the right trip.