grand canyon railway

When it comes to American vacation destinations, the Grand Canyon turns up on most "top tens." And the best way to get there is aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. A century ago, the train was the only way to reach the South Rim. These days, its more ecologically responsible to leave the car behind. .. and more fun! The railway follows a 60-mi/96-km route through the Kaibab National Forest to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

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Grand Canyon Railway trains depart Williams, Arizona, so-called "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." Williams lies along a transcontinental train route once served by the legendary Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. Today, Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops daily as do a number of motor coaches. Native Americans, ranchers and cowhands mingle with tourists along the main road through Williams. The town's authentic "Wild West main street" is the famous -- and infamous -- US-66.
 
Trains depart Williams each morning at ten and return just before six in the evening. That leaves one-day Canyon-goers with about three hours to explore Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim. Long enough for a snapshot, but little more. And there's lots more! The Canyon's rim is 7,000 feet above sea level; its' area exceeds 1,900 square miles and it plummets a mile down; flora and fauna abound and the Colorado River drains over 10% of the country.
 
Canyon area visitors may experience native American tribal culture, golf amid the world's largest stand of Ponderosa Pines, see true-life cowboys compete in a rodeo and shop for Route 66 schotskes. Northern Arizona enjoys four temperate seasons with climates ranging from high desert plains to alpine peaks. There are mountains to ski, canyons to hike and lakes to fish. Among numerous accomodations and eateries are the Grand Canyon Railway's own Fray Marcos Hotel and Max & Thelma's Restaurant.
 
The Grand Canyon Railway has assembled a surprising range of tour options... overnight at the rim, kid-friendly family packages, Vegas combos and more including Amtrak vacations from Los Angeles, Chicago and other departure cities. Five classes of train service are available - from the 1923 Pullman Coach to the glass-enclosed Observation Dome Car; most with entertainment, onboard attendents, cafe/bar services and more. Vintage steam engines operate Memorial Day weekend through September; 50s diesel locomotives run the remainder of the year. Grand Canyon Depot is a short walk (or free shuttle ride) from the rim. Three optional motorcoach rim tours are also offered.