What You Need to Know about the Grand Canyon Train Ride

Don't Bring a Book!

The Train Experience

Easy Boarding

Since we had tickets it was easy to find our assigned car and board the train. We headed back toward the end of the train and entered our luxury parlor car and found our marked seats, complete with little table. A group from Texas sat together on a long couch with a longer table. They were ready to party!

Orientation and Specialty Drinks to Start the Day

The hostess assigned to our car was combination tour guide, safety officer and bar tender. She oriented us to the rules and amenities of riding the Grand Canyon Railway and invited us to indulge in a specialty drink. Several in the car did so and I snapped a photo of their fancy drinks.

As the train pulled out of the station, we quickly left Williams and headed out through the juniper and pine trees toward open prairie. We left the road far behind and it was easy to believe that we were riding the rails in the days of the old west.

Always Something to Experience

I told my friend to bring a book because I was concerned that she would be bored during the two plus hour trip. But as soon as we were ready for a change in the view, something would happen... like a herd of antelope running parallel with the train. Or, a strolling cowboy minstrel entering our car to serenade us. The conversation was lively and we enjoyed meeting new people, some of whom had traveled days to enjoy this experience. At one point, we decided to investigate the other cars. It was a long train... 16 cars, and we found that each car was very different. They were all beautifully restored and true to their eras. I thought the dome car might be a fun way to travel next time.

At the Grand Canyon

The trip seemed brief for a two plus hour journey. We pulled into the historic Grand Canyon Depot. We had been advised on where to go and how long we had at the Canyon. Some had chosen bus tours and others, like us, wanted to experience the beauty of the canyon in a more personal way. For those with mobility limitations, the Grand Canyon Railway provides a lift van to El Tovar Hotel and the accessible Grand Canyon viewpoint.

We had just enough time for some light hiking along the rim trail and shopping in the rim gift shops. It was a fun 3.5 hours and we were ready to relax on the way back to Williams.

No Rest for the Weary

Once back on board, the train headed out of the station and we were, once again, enticed by specialty drinks. "Grand Canyon Sunset," sounded like fun. A couple of people on our car ordered that and munched cheese and crackers from the restocked buffet.

We were serenaded by wandering western minstrels and, when we were almost back to Williams, got the scare of our lives as men on horseback galloped toward the train shooting guns in the air. The train slowed, three robbers boarded and proceeded to rob everyone. Fortunately the Marshall was also on board and captured the robbers. We found out that the "loot" was just the travelers way of tipping the entertainers for a great day. As the sun set on the prairie, we headed back into Williams after a fun day on the rails. We spent another night at the Grand Canyon Hotel as it was dark by the time we returned, had dinner at Max and Thelma's and slept well after our Grand Canyon adventure.

Grand Canyon Railway Trip Basics
Choosing Your Grand Canyon Railway Trip
When You Go