GRAND CANYON | Southern Rim
4.5 hr drive from Tempe | Take Loop 202 to I-17 N towards Flagstaff. At the I-40 Interchange, go west toward Williams, AZ.
Grand Canyon Railroad + State Park
From its yesteryears of transporting ore through the Wild West to our present-day journeys in the heart of the canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway has enchanted millions of people from around the world since 1901—and now it’s time for you to experience the wonderful romance of a voyage by train. Take an unforgettable ride on one of our lovingly restored cars and hear folklore and tales from a crew (and actors) who are still mesmerized by their spectacular surroundings. Be entertained by authentic characters and musicians who bring the Old West to life — they will serenade you, they will converse with you in Old West prose while you ride up to the Canyon. Then lose yourself in the majesty, the magnificence that is Grand Canyon National Park.
COST: There are multiple packages, but I would recommend THE PULLMAN CAR, but if you feel like SPLURGING, the OBERSAVATION CAR is really nice.
PULLMAN CAR: Ride in an original 1923 Harriman style coach car at a great low rate, fully refurbished by the Grand Canyon Railway. These classic cars, built by the Pullman Company, feature seats that flip so families can face each other, and windows that open to let in that good ol’ country air.
ADULTS (ages 16+): $67.00 | CHILDREN (ages 2-15): $32.00 | CHILDREN UNDER 2: FREEOBSERVATION DOME: Ride high above in a streamliner-era dome. Bar service is available, with complimentary snacks provided in the morning and afternoon.
ADULTS: (ages 16+): $189 | CHILDREN (ages 2-15): $153 | CHILDREN UNDER 2: NOT ALLOWED
In either cases, all of these classic cars feature seats that flip so families can face each other. A Passenger Service Attendant is available to share the train’s history with passengers, and help plan a fantastic Grand Canyon stay. Western entertainers are also on board to serenade passengers along the way to and from the canyon.
DEPARTURE: 9:30am from Williams, AZ, return train at 3:30pm (so I would suggest arriving the night before)
REMEMBER: Bring a water bottle and water — this is higher elevation and the air is even drier than the valley, so you are more likely to dehydrate
DIFFICULTY: Easy to very, very Moderate | There are many paved paths through the park and all walkways to and from the train are wheelchair accessible.
NEARBY: Bearizona Wildlife Park
A drive-thru Wildlife park starring wolves, bears, bison, mountain goats & more. Open: 9:00 a.m. Last Car Admitted: 4:00 p.m. Closes: 2 hours after last posted admittance
ADMISSION: Adult: $25.00 | Children (Ages 4-12): $15.00 | Seniors (62 & Older): $23.00
HOURS: Opens at 9am Last Car Admitted: 4pm