If you have been following me for a while you know that I am not a fan of one day trips to National Parks, unless it is a small park (ex. Pinnacles National Park) or a special arrangement is needed (ex. boat trip to Channel Islands). A national park deserves more of your attention than just a few hours, especially a park like Grand Canyon.
So why I put Grand Canyon Railway trip to the National Park on my list of things to do in Williams AZ? Because we have already spent several days in Grand Canyon during our previous time in Arizona and we were embarking on this journey not so much for the Canyon but for the train ride itself.
If you approach Grand Canyon Railway with this mentality then you will have a great time. Grand Canyon Railway experience is more than just a scenic train ride, it is a show, an entertainment program, a historical experience – all in one.
On top it all, Grand Canyon Railway also represents comfort and convenience. We didn’t have to get up super early or queue for a long time in the car to get into the park.
What You Need To Know About the Grand Canyon Railway Experience
Grand Canyon Railway Tip #1 – Arrive Early
You don’t want to miss a pre-show which starts 30 min before your departure. If you miss it then the rest of it, later, will not make sense. Also there is a lot to see around the train station in terms of historic exhibits.
Grand Canyon Railway Tip #2 – What Class To Book
Book 1st class tickets if your budget allows. There is a lot of “oomph” for the extra money. In first class cars there are free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on your way to the Park and back. And there is also a bar in your car to purchase alcoholic drinks as well.
I don’t think the observation dome was worth the extra money. You don’t see the Grand Canyon in your windows. You will see some forest and vast open prairies. The windows in the 1st class are very big to enjoy the view.
It is also important to mention that 1st class seats are very comfy and for a party of 4 you can be facing each other.
Grand Canyon Railway Tip #3 – What To Do Once You Are In the Park
You will have about 4 hours in the Park while you are waiting for your train back so here are my pro suggestions on what to do and what to skip:
1.Hike 2 trails:
a) The Trail of Time (part of the Rim Trail between, roughly, Hopi House and the Geology Museum) – this trail showcases up-close the beautiful colorful rocks that make Grand Canyon, with the view of the Canyon on the background and educational stands along the trail. Just gorgeous!
b) Bright Angel Trail – this trail goes into the canyon, all the way to the bottom. It is long and strenuous so you won’t be able to complete all if in the time you will have but hike at least 0.5 miles of it to experience Grand Canyon from a different perspective, from inside, so to speak.
2. Do not waste your time waiting for a shuttle, just explore in the area where the train drops you off. 4 hours is not much time at all so spend every minute wisely.
3. Avoid tourist traps! There are lots of buildings in the area which you can skip completely, even the Visitor Center. This is not the main one, it is small and not worth your time. The only 2 buildings that are worth exploring are: Kolb Studio and Hopi House.
We loved Kolb Studio because it has an art gallery of sorts in the building and we enjoyed seeing Grand Canyon through the eyes of different painters. All art works here are for sale, if you have the money.
I treat Hopi House as a museum of Native American art each time I go there. In reality it is a gift store but I cannot afford buying anything there however just looking at different forms of art is absolutely fascinating. You can find everything here, from rugs to jewelry and everything in between.
4. Have a meal in El Tovar. Yes, it will “eat” at least an hour of your time at the Canyon but it is an amazing experience in itself and you will have to have lunch anyway. This hotel is a historical gem. If nothing else, stop by to warm up near their fireplace and gawk at Teddy Roosevelt’s stuffed animals’ heads collection (yes, I mean the former President Roosevelt) During the winter holidays the hotel is beautiful decorated for the season.
The food at the restaurant is great and the views are stunning. Please, note that reservations are required at El Tovar’s main dining room.
Grand Canyon Railway Tip #4 – Best Time To Visit
Every time we go to Grand Canyon we do it in winter. There is something special about these gorgeous rocks covered with a dusting of snow. The bright sun and the crispy fresh air are invigorating. And the crowds are definitely smaller compared to late May – early September which is the peak visiting season.
Overall, I cannot imagine visiting Grand Canyon National Park any other time. Especially not during the heat of the summer with the potential of dangerous thunderstorms.
Grand Canyon Railway Tip #5 – What To Take With You
You can take as much or as little as you want with you. If you return the same day you will be riding back in the same seats as going to Grand Canyon so you can leave some of the stuff in the rail car. The cars will be locked. We left an extra sweater a book and a board game in the train car and when we came back everything was exactly where we left it.
And if you forget something essential it will be easy (though not too cheap) to buy what you need at the Park, such as hats, sunglasses, water, etc.
Conclusion
Is Grand Canyon Railway experience worth it? It definitely is. would I do it again? One time is enough. But I would try Polar Express experience next time. Polar Express does not go to the Grand Canyon, it is a much shorter trip, but it has its charms.
If you found this Grand Canyon Railway review useful please, share it with others as it may help them with their travel plans too.
If you plan to explore Arizona further, you will find these articles from our blog helpful:
Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park
Things to do in Flagstaff with kids
Things to do in Oatman, Arizona
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