Experiencing the Grand Canyon Via Vintage Rail

 

Rolling up to one of the 7 Wonders of the World aboard the Grand Canyon Railway isn’t the only notable element that makes this experience different from other train style trips across the world. Sure, that’s the main draw, but Western style entertainment adds even more old- fashioned fun. Before the train departs Williams, Arizona, (just a few blocks from Route 66) the seedy Cataract Creek Gang have a Wild West shootout and those same rugged bandits hop aboard to (jokingly) rob passengers on the reverse route back into town. Costumed musician’s head from train car to train car to play energetically for passengers as the steam powered locomotive surges past pine forests and wide-open prairies on the 65-mile journey to the Grand Canyon.

The Train & History

The vintage train car offers six classes of service. The most affordable Pullman class ($65 per person) is in a restored original 1923 coach car.  On the highest end, travelers will find the Luxury dome class, ($215 per person) which features second story seating and access to the Victorian style lounge.

The history of the Grand Canyon Railway begins in 1901 when the first train headed west to drop off passengers eager to see some of the most talked about landscapes in the nation. Train traffic helped evolve the South Rim into a spot with restaurants, lodging, museums and shops that is known as the Grand Canyon Village. Since, the train has carried passengers including Theodore Roosevelt, Clark Gable, John Muir, and President FDR. They too experienced on-point service that riders are still treated to today that was the vision of entrepreneur and businessman, Fred Harvey. He moved from London and set high standards for elegant dining and friendly service offered by young women he hired, known best as the Harvey Girls.

But in 1968, the train derailed as demand dropped with more and more people opting to drive. A couple later invested over a million dollars to revive rusted tracks, helping restore train operations by 1989. Xanterra Parks and Resorts later purchased the operation.

Video: We talk about with Bruce Brossman, director of sales and marketing for Xanterra Parks & Resorts about the Rail Experience.

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And also about the Grand Canyon

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Mule Rides

Tourists first started coming to the Grand Canyon to ride mules in 1891. And still today, people come from across the globe to saddle up as mules keep pace just feet from the edge of the canyon and through the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in North America. Why mules? They are incredibly sure footed (mega comfort factor when you are so close to the rim) and they can handle the high intensity heat of the Grand Canyon.

 

 

To Book: Canyon Vistas Mule Ride

Cost: $120.75

Notes: Riders must weight less than 225 pounds fully dressed and be at least 4 feet seven inches tall.

Video: We interview a wrangler who tells us more about the mule riding tradition.

 

Hiking. 

Two of the most popular hiking trails are the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Both lead to the floor of the canyon but tackling this can mean a roundtrip hike of more than 18 miles on the Bright Angel Trail and more than 14 miles on the South Kaibab Trail. However, hiking to points along these trails is still an incredible way to break bounds beyond the rim. Find yourself surrounded by a canyon that runs 277 river miles, is 10 miles wide and nearly a mile deep. For a 3-mile roundtrip hike that switchbacks along several rock layers along the Bright Angel Trail, head to the 1-½ mile rest stop. The South Kaibab Trail is steeper, dropping 5,000 feet in just 6 miles. The trail follows a ridge that passes ooh-Ah-Point about a mile into the canyon. For more trail time, keep on to Skelton Point for a 6-mile roundtrip hike. Both options are well-maintained trails that allow you to spot the Colorado River, the lifeline of the Canyon.

Other Activites:

The Grand Canyon offers free shuttle bus service that runs frequently to connect several points along the South Rim. Here are a few spots worth a stop.

Kolb Studio: This was the home and studio of photographers and brothers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. The two gained a following after documenting a boat trip down the Colorado River with a movie camera. They continued to photograph the Grand Canyon for years to come and some of the work can be seen on display inside.

Hopi House: Mary Jane Colter, who is also the eye behind Lookout Studio and Hermits Rest, designed this Pueblo Style building. She was famous for building structures that incorporated the culture and landscapes of the area. Inside, find a store selling a collection of Native American handicrafts, pottery, rugs, and jewelry.

Bright Angel History Room: This exhibit is inside the Bright Angel lodge and highlights the legacy of Fred Harvey, Mary Jane Colter and the Sante Fe Railway by showcasing original and reproduced artifacts.

 

Dining & Healthy Food Options:

Eating healthy here is easy to navigate with menus noting sustainable and organic meals. One of the most casual spots in the park can be found at the Bright Angel Lodge where the menu has plenty of variety. The classiest spot in the park can be found at El Tovar, which was designed after a Swiss Hunting Lodge using native boulders and pine. Servers here are quick to suggest the Navajo Taco served on homemade fry bread that can be topped with beef or vegetarian chili. Or, Head to the Arizona Room (closed November-mid Feb) for southwest inspired hand cut steaks, chicken and fish and a strong margarita.

Insider Tip: For healthy snacks to pack on the go, head to Canyon Village Marketplace where a small section is dedicated to organic and healthy options.

 

Where to Stay:

In Williams: The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel offers package deals that include meals and the train ride. There are two onsite dining options. For beer on tap, apps and served entrees check out Spenser’s pub. Or, check out the Grand Depot Café for a buffet and nightly live music.

The rail departs from Williams 9:30 a.m. arriving to the South Rim at 11:45 a.m. The rail leaves the Grand Canyon to return to Williams at 3:30 p.m. to arrive back at 5:45 p.m. The ride is just over two hours giving passengers an afternoon at the National Park.

In Grand Canyon National Park:

Lodging options in the park include a classy suite at El Tovar ($401-$489) to the more economical Maswick Lodge for ($102).