Come aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a snug practice journey that may wow grandchildren. The journey travels via time between the Outdated West city of Williams, Arizona and the rim of the majestic Grand Canyon. Now in its one hundredth 12 months of thrilling railfans, Engine 4960 has been recommissioned for particular journeys in summer season 2023.
Conductor aboard Grand Canyon Railroad’s sightseeing practice. Picture c. GCR
Till I met my husband, I had by no means heard of anybody driving a practice. I don’t imply driving a practice to get someplace, however driving it for the sheer pleasure. Think about my husband taking a weekend journey to Chicago and by no means going to The Artwork Institute. He by no means acquired off the practice to cease for Chicago-style pizza! Evidently, this got here as fairly a shock to me.
He launched me to the world of Railfans. These are the practice fanatics who run mannequin layouts and acquire memorabilia comparable to timetables and menus. Like many, he pours over historical past and lore in books and magazines, and rides and pictures trains as usually as he can.
When my son was a toddler, he took up the mantle. He sat fortunately on his daddy’s lap pouring over such youngsters’s classics as “Metal Rails to the Dawn.” He, too, cherished explaining all about “cab forwards” (locomotives whose engineer’s cabin is on the excessive entrance) to his very affected person grandmother.
I’m nonetheless unsure I perceive the eagerness, however I do know it’s very actual. Now that my grownup son has moved on to pursuits of his personal, he nonetheless likes to journey a practice, particularly along with his dad, who entertains him with tidbits of esoteric info. Even when your loved ones doesn’t embody “Railfans,” driving behind highly effective, steam-spouting locomotives, listening to signal-blowing horns and feeling the rhythm of the rails holds an amazing attract for many younger youngsters, and lots of of their dads.
In case you’re planning a visit to the Arizona’s Grand Canyon, a journey on the Grand Canyon Railway is a must-do. Along with tasting the nice outdated days of railroading, your loved ones can have the prospect to attach with America’s “Wild West” historical past. Hop aboard to expertise the superior great thing about The Grand Canyon from the consolation of a rail seat.
The practice made its maiden journey from Williams, Arizona to the canyon’s South Rim in 1901. It was one of the best various to the troublesome, eight-hour stagecoach journey from Flagstaff, Arizona to the canyon. It turned a profitable subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Firm. The Grand Canyon Railway ran steam locomotive passenger service till 1953, and it continued operating, utilizing diesel energy till 1968. Throughout that point, friends had been hosted on the well-known Harvey Houses. Take pleasure in plenty of historical past on the remaining eating places and inns constructed by Fred Harvey alongside main American railroad stations.
Over time, the practice hosted many film stars, dignitaries and U.S. Presidents on its route. In 1927, 70,382 passengers traveled the practice to the canyon. Nonetheless, because of the institution of higher roadways and the rise of vehicle journey, this practice made its remaining journey in 1968 with three passengers on board…
Quick ahead to 1989, when 88 years to the day of its first journey, The Grand Canyon Railway was re-inaugurated and reborn.
Extraordinary care has been employed to revive, refurbish and, in some circumstances, utterly rebuild the entire vintage locomotives, vehicles, tracks and depots by a crew of expert mechanics and craftsmen (lots of whom are in all probability Railfans). The railway’s spectacular tools has been rescued from the scrap yards of many former railroads such because the Pennsylvania, the Southern Pacific and the Nice Northern.
Stick ’em up! Cowboy theft on the Grand Canyon Railway. Picture c. Gross sales Xanterra
Search for the traditional practice station near the El Tovar Resort. The Railway now welcomes virtually 200,000 passengers a 12 months on its round-trip service between its depot close to the South Rim of the canyon, and its station within the city of Williams.
The 2½-hour journey covers 65 miles. Look ahead to altering surroundings and wildlife comparable to elk, mule deer and mountain lions outdoors of your window. You possibly can board the practice in both path. Make plans to spend the night time at both finish. The nationwide park’s concessionaire, Xanterra, operates the railroad. They supply a Railway Resort, Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, a Pet Resort and a number of other different lodges for the household.
Select to return to Williams the identical day, and you’ve got greater than three hours to discover the canyon by yourself, or via the add-on Motorcoach Rim Tour. On busy summer season days, a second practice is typically added.
The practice crew, properly versed in native historical past, are glad to reply your questions. Benefit from the leisure whereas on board. A “gee-tar” participant strolls via the vehicles singing songs of the Outdated West, and there’s a staged practice theft and shoot-out. Watch out that your youngster doesn’t hand over his allowance to the “thieves,” as some youngsters have been identified to do!
The practice gives six courses of service. Relying in your curiosity and finances, choose seats from Coach Class to First Class. Choices embody a Deluxe Statement Automotive with an upper-level glass-enclosed dome, a Luxurious Dome Automotive and a Luxurious Parlor Automotive with an open-air rear platform and plush seating. The most recent providing is Pullman Class. It’s your probability to journey in an authentic 1923 Harriman type coach automobile, the place the seats flip so households can face one another.
Snacks rely upon class of service. They vary from smooth drinks to Continental breakfast service, or glowing white wine and appetizers within the afternoons. (Money is now not accepted onboard.)
Automobiles had been pulled by early twentieth century steam engines for a few years. That coverage was discontinued for environmental causes and classic Fifties diesel locomotives pull vehicles 12 months spherical. In actually massive information for railfans, a 1906 and a 1923 steam engine return typically for restricted service.
To the delight of the railfan world and youngsters of all ages, Engine No. 4960 will be a part of the centennial. Guide the historic journey when she pulls the passenger practice from Williams to Grand Canyon on Saturdays, Aug. 5 to 19, 2023. The steam engine may even run on choose days in July and thru October. A particular birthday celebration might be held for the enduring locomotive on August 12 in Williams, AZ. Reservations are strongly advisable as folks will come the world over to see this engine run.
Warn the children! To cut back air polution, one (and shortly each) of them are operating on recycled waste vegetable oil, so the practice would possibly odor of french fries!
The Grand Canyon is magical in winter and Railway excursions are 30% off! photograph c. TheTrain.com
There are many methods to get pleasure from this practice journey. Analysis the one-way fares in addition to a number of well-priced packages that embody round-trip transportation, lodging and meals.
Winter trip packages and quick stays can be found via the Railway. Examine the web schedule (early November to January) of the themed Polar Categorical trains, that are at all times a sell-out. These 60-minute rides, twice on most evenings, mainly observe “The Polar Categorical” guide by Chris Van Allsburg. Count on appearances by elves and others previous to a go to from you-know-who in his crimson hat.
Alongside the route, get pleasure from contemporary baked cookies and sizzling chocolate, storytelling and caroling, and myriad Christmas decorations. It’s very talked-about with grandparents. Make sure to plan forward and guide their resort rooms bundle early.
The historic Williams Depot and former Fray Marcos Resort, an authentic Harvey Home had been constructed by the Achison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and date from 1908. The resort now not homes friends. As an alternative, discover the advanced which homes a ticket counter, the Depot Present Store and snackbar. Outdoor, go to the show of an historic caboose and steam engine.
Close by the Depot, the trendy Grand Canyon Railway Hotel has 298 rooms. Snug doubles sleep as much as two children, plus some models have kitchenettes. Many facilities make for an inexpensive, in a single day keep as a part of the out there packages. Households will recognize the indoor pool, sizzling tub, health heart, children’ sport room and outdoors play space. Your loved ones pet will actually recognize their Pet Resort. The luxurious kennel has 28 spacious rooms for canine and 16 snug custom-made condos for cats.
Williams is also referred to as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Stroll alongside Historic Route 66, which is its principal avenue. Window store in Williams downtown district. Effectively preserved turn-of-the-century buildings home a myriad of eating places, soda fountains and attention-grabbing retailers. Expertise the “Outdated West” taste by strolling within the footsteps of cowboys, miners, lumberjacks and different attention-grabbing characters who drank within the native saloons, shopped within the Basic Retailer and relaxed with a sport of poker. Particular occasions in Williams embody wild rodeos, motorbike rallys and classic vehicle exhibits.
The A,T and SF Railroad constructed the Grand Canyon Depot in 1910. Disembark the practice and uncover yourselves proper close to the sting of the Grand Canyon. A singular constructing, it’s one among three remaining log depots. Plus, it’s the just one at present getting used for its authentic objective. After being closed in 1969, it was re-opened in 1990 and underwent restoration of its platform and varied methods. It gives an intensive cafe.
Keep in a single day on the posh El Tovar or extra value-priced Maswik Lodge contained in the Park. Resort charges are a part of the Railway’s packages. The GCR Firm helps prepare different actions comparable to guided hikes, mule rides, and thrilling helicopter flights.
Climb the staircase positioned a brief stroll from the depot and be nose to nose with an astounding sight. The Grand Canyon, an unlimited chasm minimize via the earth by the stream of the Colorado River, took my breath away.
My phrases can’t do it justice. I urge you to see it for your self and share it together with your little kids. And your railfans, in fact.
Pricey Reader: This web page might comprise affiliate hyperlinks which can earn a fee if you happen to click on via and make a purchase order. Our unbiased journalism just isn’t influenced by any advertiser or industrial initiative until it’s clearly marked as sponsored content material. As journey merchandise change, please make sure you reconfirm all particulars and keep updated with present occasions to make sure a secure and profitable journey.
Conductor aboard Grand Canyon Railroad’s sightseeing practice. Picture c. GCR
Till I met my husband, I had by no means heard of anybody driving a practice. I don’t imply driving a practice to get someplace, however driving it for the sheer pleasure. Think about my husband taking a weekend journey to Chicago and by no means going to The Artwork Institute. He by no means acquired off the practice to cease for Chicago-style pizza! Evidently, this got here as fairly a shock to me.
The Secret World of Railfans
He launched me to the world of Railfans. These are the practice fanatics who run mannequin layouts and acquire memorabilia comparable to timetables and menus. Like many, he pours over historical past and lore in books and magazines, and rides and pictures trains as usually as he can.
When my son was a toddler, he took up the mantle. He sat fortunately on his daddy’s lap pouring over such youngsters’s classics as “Metal Rails to the Dawn.” He, too, cherished explaining all about “cab forwards” (locomotives whose engineer’s cabin is on the excessive entrance) to his very affected person grandmother.
I’m nonetheless unsure I perceive the eagerness, however I do know it’s very actual. Now that my grownup son has moved on to pursuits of his personal, he nonetheless likes to journey a practice, particularly along with his dad, who entertains him with tidbits of esoteric info. Even when your loved ones doesn’t embody “Railfans,” driving behind highly effective, steam-spouting locomotives, listening to signal-blowing horns and feeling the rhythm of the rails holds an amazing attract for many younger youngsters, and lots of of their dads.
In case you’re planning a visit to the Arizona’s Grand Canyon, a journey on the Grand Canyon Railway is a must-do. Along with tasting the nice outdated days of railroading, your loved ones can have the prospect to attach with America’s “Wild West” historical past. Hop aboard to expertise the superior great thing about The Grand Canyon from the consolation of a rail seat.
A Grand Railway is Reborn
The practice made its maiden journey from Williams, Arizona to the canyon’s South Rim in 1901. It was one of the best various to the troublesome, eight-hour stagecoach journey from Flagstaff, Arizona to the canyon. It turned a profitable subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Firm. The Grand Canyon Railway ran steam locomotive passenger service till 1953, and it continued operating, utilizing diesel energy till 1968. Throughout that point, friends had been hosted on the well-known Harvey Houses. Take pleasure in plenty of historical past on the remaining eating places and inns constructed by Fred Harvey alongside main American railroad stations.
Over time, the practice hosted many film stars, dignitaries and U.S. Presidents on its route. In 1927, 70,382 passengers traveled the practice to the canyon. Nonetheless, because of the institution of higher roadways and the rise of vehicle journey, this practice made its remaining journey in 1968 with three passengers on board…
Quick ahead to 1989, when 88 years to the day of its first journey, The Grand Canyon Railway was re-inaugurated and reborn.
Extraordinary care has been employed to revive, refurbish and, in some circumstances, utterly rebuild the entire vintage locomotives, vehicles, tracks and depots by a crew of expert mechanics and craftsmen (lots of whom are in all probability Railfans). The railway’s spectacular tools has been rescued from the scrap yards of many former railroads such because the Pennsylvania, the Southern Pacific and the Nice Northern.
All Aboard the Grand Canyon Railway
Stick ’em up! Cowboy theft on the Grand Canyon Railway. Picture c. Gross sales Xanterra
Search for the traditional practice station near the El Tovar Resort. The Railway now welcomes virtually 200,000 passengers a 12 months on its round-trip service between its depot close to the South Rim of the canyon, and its station within the city of Williams.
The 2½-hour journey covers 65 miles. Look ahead to altering surroundings and wildlife comparable to elk, mule deer and mountain lions outdoors of your window. You possibly can board the practice in both path. Make plans to spend the night time at both finish. The nationwide park’s concessionaire, Xanterra, operates the railroad. They supply a Railway Resort, Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, a Pet Resort and a number of other different lodges for the household.
Select to return to Williams the identical day, and you’ve got greater than three hours to discover the canyon by yourself, or via the add-on Motorcoach Rim Tour. On busy summer season days, a second practice is typically added.
The practice crew, properly versed in native historical past, are glad to reply your questions. Benefit from the leisure whereas on board. A “gee-tar” participant strolls via the vehicles singing songs of the Outdated West, and there’s a staged practice theft and shoot-out. Watch out that your youngster doesn’t hand over his allowance to the “thieves,” as some youngsters have been identified to do!
The Newest Grand Canyon Railway Expertise
The practice gives six courses of service. Relying in your curiosity and finances, choose seats from Coach Class to First Class. Choices embody a Deluxe Statement Automotive with an upper-level glass-enclosed dome, a Luxurious Dome Automotive and a Luxurious Parlor Automotive with an open-air rear platform and plush seating. The most recent providing is Pullman Class. It’s your probability to journey in an authentic 1923 Harriman type coach automobile, the place the seats flip so households can face one another.
Snacks rely upon class of service. They vary from smooth drinks to Continental breakfast service, or glowing white wine and appetizers within the afternoons. (Money is now not accepted onboard.)
Automobiles had been pulled by early twentieth century steam engines for a few years. That coverage was discontinued for environmental causes and classic Fifties diesel locomotives pull vehicles 12 months spherical. In actually massive information for railfans, a 1906 and a 1923 steam engine return typically for restricted service.
To the delight of the railfan world and youngsters of all ages, Engine No. 4960 will be a part of the centennial. Guide the historic journey when she pulls the passenger practice from Williams to Grand Canyon on Saturdays, Aug. 5 to 19, 2023. The steam engine may even run on choose days in July and thru October. A particular birthday celebration might be held for the enduring locomotive on August 12 in Williams, AZ. Reservations are strongly advisable as folks will come the world over to see this engine run.
Warn the children! To cut back air polution, one (and shortly each) of them are operating on recycled waste vegetable oil, so the practice would possibly odor of french fries!
Winter Polar Categorical Excursions
The Grand Canyon is magical in winter and Railway excursions are 30% off! photograph c. TheTrain.com
There are many methods to get pleasure from this practice journey. Analysis the one-way fares in addition to a number of well-priced packages that embody round-trip transportation, lodging and meals.
Winter trip packages and quick stays can be found via the Railway. Examine the web schedule (early November to January) of the themed Polar Categorical trains, that are at all times a sell-out. These 60-minute rides, twice on most evenings, mainly observe “The Polar Categorical” guide by Chris Van Allsburg. Count on appearances by elves and others previous to a go to from you-know-who in his crimson hat.
Alongside the route, get pleasure from contemporary baked cookies and sizzling chocolate, storytelling and caroling, and myriad Christmas decorations. It’s very talked-about with grandparents. Make sure to plan forward and guide their resort rooms bundle early.
Disembarking in Williams, Arizona
The historic Williams Depot and former Fray Marcos Resort, an authentic Harvey Home had been constructed by the Achison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and date from 1908. The resort now not homes friends. As an alternative, discover the advanced which homes a ticket counter, the Depot Present Store and snackbar. Outdoor, go to the show of an historic caboose and steam engine.
Close by the Depot, the trendy Grand Canyon Railway Hotel has 298 rooms. Snug doubles sleep as much as two children, plus some models have kitchenettes. Many facilities make for an inexpensive, in a single day keep as a part of the out there packages. Households will recognize the indoor pool, sizzling tub, health heart, children’ sport room and outdoors play space. Your loved ones pet will actually recognize their Pet Resort. The luxurious kennel has 28 spacious rooms for canine and 16 snug custom-made condos for cats.
Williams is also referred to as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Stroll alongside Historic Route 66, which is its principal avenue. Window store in Williams downtown district. Effectively preserved turn-of-the-century buildings home a myriad of eating places, soda fountains and attention-grabbing retailers. Expertise the “Outdated West” taste by strolling within the footsteps of cowboys, miners, lumberjacks and different attention-grabbing characters who drank within the native saloons, shopped within the Basic Retailer and relaxed with a sport of poker. Particular occasions in Williams embody wild rodeos, motorbike rallys and classic vehicle exhibits.
Disembarking on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
The A,T and SF Railroad constructed the Grand Canyon Depot in 1910. Disembark the practice and uncover yourselves proper close to the sting of the Grand Canyon. A singular constructing, it’s one among three remaining log depots. Plus, it’s the just one at present getting used for its authentic objective. After being closed in 1969, it was re-opened in 1990 and underwent restoration of its platform and varied methods. It gives an intensive cafe.
Keep in a single day on the posh El Tovar or extra value-priced Maswik Lodge contained in the Park. Resort charges are a part of the Railway’s packages. The GCR Firm helps prepare different actions comparable to guided hikes, mule rides, and thrilling helicopter flights.
Climb the staircase positioned a brief stroll from the depot and be nose to nose with an astounding sight. The Grand Canyon, an unlimited chasm minimize via the earth by the stream of the Colorado River, took my breath away.
My phrases can’t do it justice. I urge you to see it for your self and share it together with your little kids. And your railfans, in fact.
Pricey Reader: This web page might comprise affiliate hyperlinks which can earn a fee if you happen to click on via and make a purchase order. Our unbiased journalism just isn’t influenced by any advertiser or industrial initiative until it’s clearly marked as sponsored content material. As journey merchandise change, please make sure you reconfirm all particulars and keep updated with present occasions to make sure a secure and profitable journey.