Did You Know? You Can Ride a Historic Train to the Grand Canyon
Updated: Aug 1
State 1 of 50: Arizona
Did you know there is a train you can ride into the Grand Canyon—with Western musicians, cowboy characters and restored vintage railcars?
Let me take you to the charming Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona. This historic town is home to one of the most unique Grand Canyon experiences, in my opinion: the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel.
Your adventure begins before the train even leaves the Williams Depot. Cowboys put on an Old West showdown, and you may want to keep an eye on those troublemakers—they could return later as the train travels toward the Grand Canyon.
Once everyone is aboard, Western musicians entertain travelers as the restored railcars make their way through northern Arizona. Large viewing windows allow you to watch the landscape change throughout the journey.
Travelers have been making this trip by rail for more than a century. The first passengers traveled from Williams to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim on September 17, 1901—nearly 18 years before the Grand Canyon
officially became a national park.
Back then, the train replaced an eight-hour stagecoach trip from Flagstaff. Today, it gives families a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery and make the journey itself part of their Grand Canyon vacation.
Choose How You Want to Experience It
Make it a day trip
Ride the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon, spend several hours exploring the South Rim or taking a guided tour, and then board the train for the return trip to Williams.
Spend the night inside the Grand Canyon
Travelers who want more time can stay one or two nights at Maswik Lodge, located approximately one-quarter mile from the canyon’s edge.
This gives you more time to explore after the day-trip visitors have begun leaving, enjoy the evening inside the national park and wake up near one of the most famous natural wonders in the world.
Make it a complete Route 66 and Grand Canyon getaway
Begin with a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, located next to the historic Williams Depot and only a few blocks from downtown Williams and Route 66.
Spend time exploring Williams, where the signs, diners and historic buildings may make you feel as though you have stepped back into the 1950s.
The next morning, watch the cowboy show at the depot and board the train for the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the musicians, scenery and entertainment along the way before arriving at the South Rim.
After exploring the canyon, check into Maswik Lodge for one or two nights. When your Grand Canyon stay is complete, board the historic railway for the journey back to Williams.
More than 120 years after its first passengers made the trip, the Grand Canyon Railway still allows travelers to experience the canyon in a way that feels connected to its past.
Would your family rather drive directly to the Grand Canyon—or make the historic train ride part of the vacation?
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