Grand Canyon Railroad Trips: The Secret Vacation

One of lesser known ways to see the Grand Canyon is by rail, but many visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park choose to ride the rails in comfort and security while seeing the countryside around the Park. Combining a railway trip to the Grand Canyon National Park with one of the fabled mule trips through the Canyon is perhaps the most historic ways to see the Park as early travelers once saw it.

The Grand Canyon has a long history with railroads. In 1901, long before Arizona was named the Grand Canyon State, the Grand Canyon Railway was established to transport visitors to the Grand Canyon in comfort and safety. The rail line to the Grand Canyon began as a branch line of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, running from Williams to Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim. The El Tovar Lodge at the Grand Canyon National Park was built to accommodate these travelers and was opened in 1905. The historic train almost faded into history in the 1960's when automobile travel dominated the travel landscape. But today, the railway is a vibrant and popular option for Grand Canyon National Park visitors. Over 225,000 visitors travel the rails of the Grand Canyon Railway enjoying the trip to the Grand Canyon in turn of the century style.

There are a number of tours operated by the Grand Canyon Railway and they over 5 classes of service:

An Overnight Tour from Las Vegas - Authentic, restored coach cars driven by steam locomotive or vantage 1950's diesel run from Las Vegas to the Canyon and back to Las Vegas

The Day Trip from Williams, Arizona - offers travel in a restored 1923 Harriman coach. Seating is reversible so guests can face each other. The tour runs from 9:30 am to 5:45 pm.

Combined Rail and Motorcoach Rim Tours are also available, and allow you the maximum viewing of the Canyon's best vistas. You will stop for lunch at the Grand Canyon Plaza.

For additional information or a free Insider's Guide to the Grand Canyon visit: www.FreeGrandCanyonGuide.com