In 1901– seven years prior to the Grand Canyon came to be a national monument– trains began moving travelers from Williams, Arizona, to the South Edge of the canyon. The trains shuttled visitors along the beautiful path up until the late 1960s when the depot closed.
Today, the Grand Canyon Train’s recovered locomotives down travelers aboard classic railcars to the Grand Canyon’s southern edge. The tours start and also finish at brought back depots, both constructed in the very early 20th century, plus, a lengthy quit at the Grand Canyon for expedition.
Year-round, the 65-mile journey includes remarkable fun such as a Wild West shootout to begin the tour and also a surprise boarding that will have you wary of your properties. Overnight bundles use the alternative of adding on a stay at a brought back lodge in Williams or at the Grand Canyon– and, they’ll watch your animals, also.
Find out more regarding the Grand Canyon Train’s history, consisting of famous guests as well as presidents that’ve ridden its rails, and both years when it was deserted.
Seasonal trips on the Grand Canyon Train
December: Every year, family members prepare for the seasonal Polar Express-themed train, based on the preferred publication by Chris Van Allsburg. Nibble on cookies, sip warm delicious chocolate and also experience the tale of bells and believing as the train makes a magical nighttime journey to the North Post. Meet Santa’s reindeer prior to the large man comes aboard to hear dreams as well as present each kid with an unique gift. The Polar Express fills out quickly, so make sure to book bookings early.
CLARKDALE, ARIZONA
Al fresco train rides on the Verde Canyon Railway
Appreciate fresh air and also scenic views of the magnificent Verde Canyon from this picturesque train’s preferred open-air automobiles. The Verde Canyon Railroad passes colorful as well as wayward rock developments, sycamore as well as other riparian flora, old and also leader ruins, as well as wild animals such as hairless eagles.
The leisurely four-hour roundtrip in between Clarkdale (25 miles southwest of Sedona) and also the Perkinsville ghost town is fully narrated. The 1940s-era indoor coaches have pleasant attendants that address inquiries while dishing out drinks.
Themed trips on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Dozens of themed occasions improve the Verde Canyon Railway journey– from memorable day evenings to family tours that kids will rave around. Here are some of the a lot more preferred occasions.
Year-Round: Owls as well as wild raptors with Liberty Wildlife
Spring: Bunnies, eaglets and also wildflowers
Easter: Easter Bunny Express
Summertime: Starlight as well as moonlight trips
Summer season, Loss: Grape Train Getaway– wine-themed flights
Loss: Ales on Bed rails
October: Haunted Phantom Train
Winter Season: Eagle Watch and also Magical Xmas Trip
YUMA, ARIZONA
Interactive fun at Pivot Point Interpretive Plaza
Pivot Factor Interpretive Plaza is an outside exhibition in Yuma that artistically takes site visitors back in time to when the very first railway train went into Arizona, in 1877. Enjoyable reality: Pivot Factor describes the concrete pivot on which the rail bridge was swung to allow watercrafts hand down the Colorado River.
Below, a brought back 1907 Baldwin steam locomotive sets the scene while expository panels detail Pivot Point and also Yuma’s background as well as the surround-sound audio experience intelligently assists you submerse on your own because time.
Close your eyes as well as experience the “ghost train,” a contemporary sensory system that replicates appears heard upon the arrival of a heavy steam locomotive at the old Southern Pacific Resort in 1877. You’ll listen to a boat layering the Colorado River, the whine of the swing-span rail bridge cranking open as well as the whistle of a train that’s reached its location. All the excellent highlights of a historical train’s arrival, improved.
TRAINS WITHOUT THE TRAVELING
Museums, mini trains, and also much more for railfans
Have a child who’s train stressed? Or probably you enjoy locomotives yourself. Excellent information: These train experiences throughout Arizona are best for enthusiasts of every ages.
Tucson Historic Depot: Below you’ll discover the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, which showcases Southern Pacific # 1673– choo choo-ing celebrity of Oklahoma– all while cargo trains whoosh and also rumble by. (It’s still quite an energetic depot, serving as a stop for Amtrak passenger trains.) Learn about the railway and the depot’s essential function in the Southwest’s history, including a popular run-in with Doc Holliday and also Wyatt Earp.
Admire trains both large and also very tiny at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. At the Scottsdale Railway Gallery, several engines include Arizona’s “Merci Vehicle”– one of 49 trains talented to each state and also Washington, D.C. as a thank you to Americans for their support throughout The second world war. Don’t miss out on the complex, 10,000-square-foot design railroad structure with miniature train scenes and shows that are designed for hands-on communication.
Part visitor center, part train depot, the Benson Visitor Center details the city’s history as a quiting factor for the Butterfield Overland Stage mail shipment course. Youngsters of any ages can hop onto the train simulator to play engineer and gain a Souvenir Benson Train Engineer Certification.
NOW BOARDING AT PLATFORM 18
Still yearning for train traveling without the, uh, travel? Those 21-and-up can schedule a trip (book) for a night of alcoholic drinks and intimate conversation at System 18 in Century Grand in Phoenix Metro.
Influenced by deluxe train trips of the 1920s, Platform 18 is made as a Presidential Pullman train automobile, complete with dark timber paneling, natural leather seats as well as windows that show the relocating surroundings “outdoors.”.
The 90-minute “train ride” accommodates just 36 visitors each time, and also features a menu of greater than 45 mixed drinks affected by timeless Prohibition-era beverages and a tale chronicling the background of their unseen host, a railroad magnate as well as bootlegger.
