Journey to the Canyon
In the fall of 2022, my wife and I took a trip to Arizona. While there, we decided to visit the Grand Canyon by way of train. The Grand Canyon Railway provided an outstanding way to reach the canyon. Our visit started with a wild west gunfight in the town of Williams before preparing to board the train. We chose seating in the observation car on the way there but coach on the way back. This was a money-saving decision, and we didn’t feel like we missed anything on the way back. The observation car was clean, comfortable, and luxurious. Drinks and snacks were available to us and included with our ticket. There was also a singing cowboy who made his way through the train, providing live entertainment for all. We went down to the lounge area, which was directly below the observation area. The lounge was plush with period couches and a buffet of snacks, again included with our fare. We then walked back to the end of the train. There was no caboose, as you might expect, but the last car had an observation area on the back.
Williams Station
Arriving at the Canyon Village
As we slowed and made our way toward the canyon village, we passed through a crossing gate. In the distance, we got our first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. This was my first time at the Canyon. I was told by many who had been there, that it was so hard to describe the magnitude of the Grand Canyon. I am now in agreement with that statement. Words seem to be inadequate when trying to describe seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. I was in awe. The train ride ends at the Grand Canyon Village. You could tour the area by foot to see the main part of the canyon. We chose to take a short bus ride to see as much as time would allow. This proved to be a worthwhile addition to our train trip. The tour was about ninety minutes, which left us plenty of time to explore the heart of the village. We snapped the obligatory photos and made our way back to the train after taking it all in.
- First Glimpse of the Grand Canyon
More Entertainment on The Grand Canyon Railway
We found our seats in coach and prepared to take in the sunset on the trip back to the station. Much to our surprise, the entertainment wasn’t finished yet. Shortly after the train started on its return, the singing cowboy made another pass with new songs for the trip. Not long after that, the train began to slow, and we noticed someone on horseback passing us. We then came to a stop in the middle of nowhere. There was nothing around except for sagebrush. Looking out the window again, we noticed a masked bandit holding a pistol and guarding other empty horses. Just as we started to process what was happening, two masked bandits burst into our car and instructed us to put our hands in the air. It was a holdup (staged, of course). It was part of our entertainment package. We were then told that it was appropriate to tip the performers by giving them a few bucks for real. This was a robbery! It was all in good fun. On the way back, we passed a miniature Santa’s Village that the railroad uses for their Polar Express train ride during the holiday season. Upon our arrival, we selected the local brewery for dinner and topped off a day full of adventure and unforgettable sights.
Tim by Train, Founder of Travel by Train – email: timbytrains@gmail.com