Riding the Grand Canyon Railway in Winter - Williams, AZ to The Grand Canyon
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- Опубликовано: 3 июн 2024
- Recently we were in Williams, AZ and traveled to Grand Canyon National Park on the Grand Canyon Railway. The Grand Canyon Railway first began passenger service to the Grand Canyon in 1901. Now days it is the biggest tourist attraction in Williams, AZ. On this trip we checked out coach class on the way to the Grand Canyon and sat in the observation dome class on the way back to get a look at two different classes on the train and compare them. This was also our first time visiting the Grand Canyon in winter. We also take a look at the railroad's history, the historic Grand Canyon Depot, and of course the Grand Canyon itself.
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The first coach you rode in was manufactured as a rail diesel car by the Edward G. Budd Company in the late-1940s to early 1950s for use on the Boston & Maine Railroad (later, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). It was a self-propelled car using Detroit Diesel engines beneath the car and exhaust vents atop the car. You can still see evidence of the vents on the roof. At some point, it was sent to Morrison-Knudsen in Boise, Idaho, to have the engines and vents removed and the seating reconfigured to traditional seating with "school bus" seats. Thus, it became known as a Boise Budd. In the early 1990s, a number of the Boise Budds were bought by the Virginia Railway Express, a commuter line that was just starting service. They served for about ten years before being sold to the Grand Canyon Railway, Metro North, and a commuter rail service in San Francisco. The latter later sold theirs to the Grand Canyon Railway, as well. I rode on these cars when I worked in DC and dearly love them. One truly can hear the clickety clack on the railroad track, a sound that has been diminishing with insulated coaches and continuous welded tracks. So, I'm glad you were able to ride on one of the Boise Budds. They aren't as luxurious as the Budd Vista Dome cars, but they are mighty special.
Cool!
We took the train for our first visit to the Grand Canyon last May and loved it. It wasn’t just a way to get there, the “robbers”, musicians and guides added to the whole experience.
i lived in Williams for nine months , i never took the train al tho i saw it pass my house daily
Must have been running short on robbers that day.
Our family took the train to the Grand Canyon about 4 years ago. We took the Luxury coach car , which was quite a treat. There are only a limited number of passengers/ must be at least age 16 , with really nice snacks and drinks. You are allowed to go outside and stand on the platform that is at the end of the train. We chose this because our young adult son is on the Autism Spectrum, not so crowded, and were allowed to walk through the train to all other coaches, including the observation car. (FYI it gets really hot in there in the summer months) Most of the time the train cars are pulled by a diesel engine, but occasionally by a steam engine. We scheduled it so we went to the GC by diesel & back by steam so we could see the steam engine come into the station. We stayed 2 nights at one of less expensive/not on the rim hotels, and had a great time. The train experience is what you are paying for on this trip, not the views, and you explained so well. The entertainers are a lot of fun.
May I suggest that if you want to see wildlife and beautiful scenery in Arizona, Take the Verde Valley Train, that is spectacular and a lot of fun too.
I didn't even see the option for the luxury car when we booked the tickets, probably because we were buying a child ticket too. I had wished we stayed at the Grand Canyon as well, but because we were trying to plan with the weather we booked everything about a week out so the rooms at the canyon were long gone.
Enjoyed your video report. Took this ride a couple months ago in 2023. My Father, who worked nearly 40 years for AT&SF, and I took this trip in 1947 when the route was owned and operated by Santa Fe.
It’s fascinating and fortunate to me that there are people/groups/agencies that step in and preserve and maintain these things that would have otherwise gone the way of the dodo. Love the videos.
Love your comment. The Steam Train Ride was Amazing, we had the old school Steam Locomotive.
That was so cool! The train robber was hilarious! I think it's great that they provide the entertainment, the tour guide, so you get an overall great experience! Great way to spend the day!
Yes, we had a lot of fun. It was nice letting someone else do the driving too!
We were there in Febuary of this year.
We did the First Class. Better seats than Coach, not as expensive as the Observation
One of the truly beautiful rides in the Southwest!
Great memories of taking this train with my late Grandfather
The iron horse the first trains got that nick name,,there are some very old trains in Perris California,, my very first trains ride was in 1956 when my mom and my brother and I got tired of living in Kansas ,,we had survived a huge tornado and I fell down some steps into a cellar and busted my chin open ,, after the tornado was gone ,,so was the chicken house and the clothes on the clothes line and momma said ,,, That's it ,,I am outta here ,,back to Grandma's in California ,,as the song goes ,, California here I come ,,, still enjoying your videos Steve and family and God bless you all
If they still offer it, and you have kids, you have to take "the polar express" between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The kids will love it.
Yes, we saw a lot of people waiting for the Polar Express as we returned. Hopefully we can do that this year.
Never considered the train there. I just used to love seeing it pull by when we stayed there at a nearby hotel. Driving is always better since you have more control but trains let you see places you don't normally get to see.
Yes, you can certainly see a lot more by car.
@@SidetrackAdventures do you have to watch the gun fight or not? I really don’t like guns.
@@alexweinstein6417 You don't have to watch the gun fight.
it is expensive in the Dome, but if you're going to ride in the Dome, I suggest doing it on the way up and in the morning. They had a lot better food like fresh muffins, hot coffee and other items. We had an awesome tour guide, a great musician and many of the residents along the train route come out to wave at the people on the train. We went back in the coach section, which was fine also. We had the musician and train robbers on the way back. We went last July and It was great.
Thanks for the tip on the dome in the morning. That does sound like better snacks for sure.
@@SidetrackAdventures you're welcome!
@9:55 the mountains are Mt Floyd on the left and Round Mountain on the right. I live on 40 ac 1 mi from Round Mountain.
My wife and I did this trip back in October. She has never been. We got the observation dome both ways. We had more freedom to go from different cars, and were able to go outside on the deck on the last car.
Going outside on the last car would have been great even if it was a little cold. I'm not sure if that was an option for us, it was never said and our car was towards the middle.
@@SidetrackAdventures oh i see. I'm surprised the one handing the drinks and announcements didn't mention that.
You i know what? I remember now. They did the announcements at williams. If you would've rode in the observation car first, you would've known the othet options you had
We did the 3-day trip that is offered by the Auto Club with our young boys. It was so fun!
My wife and I were there in January. Williams is nice town. I'd consider living there. The Grand Canyon is incredible.
The concessions in all areas were pricey. Best to stock up at Williams or elsewhere before going up there.
I took this trip a couple years ago it’s worth doing once. I feel like some passengers expect spectacular views the whole ride and that’s not really the case. The entertainers and hosts were all terrific.
Yes, heard one person complain about not seeing much of the Grand Canyon from the train. I'm not sure what they were expecting in that regards. The staff was awesome on our trip as well.
Did this about 5 yrs ago and we loved it. In this day of cell phones....... the kids loved it. Money well spent.
We LOVED this train trip. Still one of our favorite experiences we've done for our channel. We did two classes on our trip too. Coach on the way back and the Pullman on the way up. Pullman was by far our favorite. Our trip back in summer of 2019 so coming back from the Grand Canyon in the afternoon sun riding the Pullman car wasn't sounding too delightful. We passed through it to the snack car and people looked MISERABLE since there is zero climate control. 😂 Couch wasn't giving water out when we went either. We still want to do this again and try the other class cars one of these days but w/ everything lately... 🤷♀️ The Observation car looks pretty fun though. Our seats on the way back were on the right side so we missed seeing the riders come up on horseback.
I didn't see Pullman as an option, but if it isn't climate controlled I can see why, as it was cold.
I was just thinking about going to Williams for a mini vacation and find this site as i was looking for something to do. Looks like a great option!
Its a lot of fun and a good way to see the Grand Canyon. Downtown Williams is awesome too.
Visited for the first time this past Summer. We drove from 115 degrees Glendale to a beautiful 85 at the canyon. I could never describe or show in pictures such a magnificent sight. If I ever do return the train looks like the way to go. Appreciate your video
Saw the Grand Canyon for the 1st time on a family trip, summer of 1959. I have been there many times since. Back in 1994, I took a girl-friend. We lost the car in the many parking lots and had much trouble finding it! We are still friends and laugh about it, although I'm now married 28 years (to another). The last time, was back 10 years ago when I was with the Corvette group. We took the train from Williams and got robbed! VERY enjoyable. I've been following many of your exploits. Thank you!
So cool ! Always enjoy seeing your family with you :)
Thank you! Another excellent and informative video. They keep getting better & better.
Thank you, we appreciate it.
That train ride is pretty great, for sure! Going in the winter is probably the only time the coach seats would be just fine. In the hot summer, when the trains are completely full, it is more like riding a school bus with no driver monitoring. The time we rode up on coach, we immediately upgraded our seats for the return trip. By the way, they do have a steam train schedule, too, in case you come back - it is amazing! We have never done the observation, but the other upgraded seats are great!We did one trip where we stayed there at Williams, rode the train, stayed overnight and rode the train back the next day. Love all of your videos! You are a great story teller and now my husband is a subscriber, too. You make us want to jump in the car and go check out these places that are near us in Prescott, AZ.
That was cool! Thank you for taking us on that journey.
Thanks for the review! We went the third week of April 2024; saw elk and pronghorn, great weather. First Class option was a good choice. I'd do it again.
If you're ever in northern New Mexico, go ride the train from Chama. Very beautiful.
Another AWESOME video!!
Thank you for the kind words.
Thanks for showing this one Steve. My wife and I made that trip in winter several years ago. It took me over 50 years to get around too it. When I was young I visited the canyon in the late 50;'s when the railroad was still operating. Liking trains I asked my parents if we could ride it. They said maybe someday. Well that someday didn't come until Feb 2006 but it was worth the wait.
It's a fun trip. I want to do it again, the trouble is just finding the time.
In 84 a friend and l 🏕 camped in the woods just outside the park entrance! Then hiked down into the canyon!
Nice video. I’ve done both and i do enjoy the train ride. It’s a definite advantage to driving.
Beautiful!
Great video this one is definitely on the list for this year but will probably be going in the summertime I'm definitely getting into the hobby of locomotives and vintage trains and model Railway this year so this trip should be awesome👍👍
love the vid - we were there in 2016, drove up through Sedona and Flagstaff. Interesting you point out the raven, we had an old raven when we were there stealing kids sandwiches. It's just such an amazing place, everybody really needs to go atleast once...
The Raven was actually quoted as saying ""NEVER MORE".
I love your videos. I’ve always wanted to go to the canyon but never have and I’m to old to do anything you made it possible for me to see the canyon before I die. You’re Awesome thank you so much!
Nice review. I just booked this a few days ago and looking forward to the trip. Thanks for your insights and giving me a sneak peak of what to expect.
Thank you, my husband and I watched and enjoyed watching your video! Makes us want to go. God Bless.
Thank you. It definitely a fun trip.
I actually used to work on the GCR I will admit some things do need updating it is something that is kind of up in the air and probably wont be fixed until covid is over. Also the "Cars" reference is on the town of Seligman its just one of many towns that is kind of referenced by radiator springs considering a business owner in seligman put in a lot of his money to keep all of route 66 alive (somewhat).
What a great adventure.
The train is a lot of fun.
Thank you!!!! Love this!
Love this video. We're planning to take the train next a few weeks. Good to know information 👍. Thank you 🌹
What an awesome adventure! Thank you for the great video! This looks like so much fun and look forward to checking it out now that I know about this train ride.
Thank you for watching and the kind words. We appreciate it.
On my bucket list. Great video! Thank you for sharing your trip.
Our pleasure!
Thanks for sharing your little adventure.
Our pleasure!
Nice field trip and report on the best travel package - thanks for taking us along.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good you took the train!! There is a whole lot "past" from Super Chiefs to old stations .. and possibly old tracks transformed in bicycle paths. This video? a good show
Thank you so much for the comparison of the coach to the observation dome! Very helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Nice review of the ride. Thanks for your direct and informative style.
Thank you for watching.
I brought my whole family back in 2002 and loved it!!
Beautiful video! Amazing!
Thank you very much!
I live in Williams Arizona and I've been to the Grand Canyon many times. In April I took the train for my son's 6th birthday and we had A-blast. We went with one of the train robbers from the wild West show Who is a dear friend of mine.
They said it was 'mountains laying down' in the Brady Bunch Grand Canyon episode too, I think. Florence Henderson if I recall.
WELL DONE, Enjoyed your presentation very much. We did the Dome Car package up and back, it was Great ! When the previous owners had the Grand Canyon Railway the Observation package came with Better food and more Entertainment. I Love that you added all of the Historical information about the Train and Area. Not many Vloggers do that. Thank you. 😊
I've always thought that train was an expensive way to get to the Grand Canyon, especially if you just have the day and you are in Williams anyway. I've been four time to the canyon, stayed in one of the cabins once, gone down to the river be helicopter, done the helicopter over the canyon and also around a fair bit of the south rim. Ooh yeah, if you can do it, definitely got to Toroweap Overlook. Difficult to get to as it's offroad for a large part of the trail, but the views are spectacular (as long as you have a head for heights as there are NO barriers)
Looks like a trip we need to take. Haven’t taken the train but would love it. Been to Grand Canyon many times but never on the train. Winter is the best!
Great stuff! I guess the added travel times are what keep trains from being more popular in the US these days, but they sure can be a nice way to travel. I took one from Seattle to Vancouver, BC one time, and it was stunning and beautiful and relaxing. And I've taken plenty in Europe where they're more practical.
Anyway, I've still never been to the Grand Canyon, but now that I'm moving to San Diego and will be a bit closer than I have been up here in the Bay Area, I'm going to try to go in the next year or so. I'll probably take your advice and drive for the first visit, but will keep the train in mind for any future visits because it seems like a lot of fun.
Beautiful vlog
Took this trip in Oct of 2005 and did the train and a 2 day stay in Wms. Loved it.
Wonderful video, being able to ride behind an F40 once again would be absolutely marvelous.
So glad to have this "sneak peek"! We are taking the Williams train on our first trip to Arizona in April. We are vintage train buffs, so we are really looking forward to it!
You should have a blast. That's a great time to go because it shouldn't be hot yet but shouldn't be too cold during the day.
Too bad they don't run the steamers any more. That was really exciting.
Great video as always. Drove to the Grand Canyon last time in the summer of 1973. Will definitely take the coach train soon. Happy New Year to y’all from Florida.
Thank you. The train definitely makes for a relaxing trip.
Done the train trip a few times it is awesome coming back at sunset.
I think the schedule was running a little earlier when we went because they were doing the Polar Express in the evening.
I taken to the Canyon but in the summer. It was hot there.We have done Polar Express for Dec and even the adults love it. It doesn't go to canyon but you get hot cocoa cookies, listen to polar express story sing Christmas songs see Santa's village He gets on the train and gives every one a 🔔.
The polar Express seems like a lot of fun and we saw a ton of people waiting for it when we got back. Definitely something we are going to look into doing.
Great video and info. Thank you.
Our pleasure!
Thank you so much for the video! We have been living in AZ for 10 years plus and will take our first trip to Grand Canyon this Saturday. We have been debating whether to drive or by train. Seems like taking the train ride will be fun for my 10-year-old:)
I did that trip with Cece and we loved it
That’s awesome.
Great stuff. I do hope to make it back to the GC....haven't since we lived in Prescott when I was a lad. Would be cool to take that train.
We were there 4 days ago. It was our fourth time visiting and the second time in the winter. We always took the train going up there. For the first time we decided to stay at Flagstaff and drive there. It was a beautiful drive, snowing. All that happiness ended when we got close to the park where the cars coming from Williams merged and the cars were piled up for miles before we could enter the park. Even though we have the pass, we were still in the traffic till the very end (bathroom!). That is when we said: "We should have taken the train!"
It seems you have it good since it was so windy and cold that it was hard even taking pictures.
I'm surprised it was as busy as it was for you. It was much emptier than we've seen it on our trip, but that may be because it was a few days before Christmas. That's really unfortunate about the traffic. Last time we went in the summer time we had some awful traffic.
@@SidetrackAdventures Yes, I think it had something to do with the New Year! The cold and wind was unbelievable. Even our faces were freezing. That said, we had a lot of funs! Happy New Year!
Okay I got to ride in the top done about a year ago for spring break and it was SOOO FUN
Stayed at Williams Y.H.A. after renting a car out of L.A. in the 90s. Did the south rim and bright angel trail. Remember seeing rail station.
Another informative video...l thank you.
Hoping for an epic 2 month trip across the pond at some point.
Hi from the U.K.
Would love to head over, hopefully when everything calms down more.
Beauty !
We loved the helicopter ride we took at the Grand Canyon in 2016.
As a train enthusiast (and a new fan of your channel), I love this video! What a great train ride to a great destination. This would definitely be one thing to do when we get there! Cherio from Dja Dja Wurrung Country I’m Australia!
If you get a chance its a lot of fun.
My daughter, sister, cousin and I flew into Phoenix then drove to Williams and stayed at the Grand Hotel. We took the train into the canyon and stayed in a hotel there. The train ride was really cool and entertaining with a train, “robbery “! Then they had cowboys come through the train with a fiddler and taught me how to fiddle in a matter of a minute. Lol
It was a fun trip and would do it again but stay longer at the canyon to see more. Someday I’d like to go to the north end.
We visited the North Rim about 10 years ago and it was amazing how much less crowded it was than the south. We even saw bison on the drive there.
@@SidetrackAdventures
My folks took us around the North Rim about 1971, a lot less traffic and people, but spectacular views, and one "S" curve after another. 😄
Beautiful ❤❤❤❤
That was great
Took the train and stayed at the hotel in September. Loved it!
That robber was awesome!
I seen chris Knievel jump the grand Canyon years ago. I wasn't there to see this but I seen it on tv.
Thank you for your video I was across country truck driver never had time to stop and visit that area drove through it a lot if you ever get a chance drive on over to Flagstaff take the 89 highway North up towards the dam you get to see these side of the world over there looks mighty nice going up through there on the Red Rock canyon rim are you driving with it through there loaded almost to maximum nowadays older tired stuck living Pennsylvania and I'm originally from Texas and I'm missing that Southwest real bad and how thank you for the update on this I'm right now looking to see if Amtrak's got a train it'll take me down that direction heckle thing man retire and he ain't got a vehicle running worth of danger Go out and travel for a change let's say truck drivers get to see the world well we do but we're always in a hurry and have to keep the dispatchers happy in the customers happy
love it
👍🏽😮 awesome can’t wait driving out to the Grand Canyon in July I’m going to do the train as well I never even knew about it😮🤯👍🏽
The train is a lot of fun, I'd recommend one of the cars with A/C if you can in July though. We should have some more Grand Canyon related content up on the next few weeks too.
Very helpful. Thank you. I’ve been trying to decide train vs driving. I was also wondering whether the observation dome carriage was worth that much more.
My mom and I went on the train into the Grand Canyon we had a blast
Go Padres, Keep The Faith.
Love the video.
We took the train 🚂 in 2011 was a great time
I wonder if people are expecting the GC RR views to be like the Durango- Silverton RR.
I took my children on a trip there about 2001, we stayed in Flagstaff and drove to the GC. The free shuttle bus ride to scenic points along the South Rim was one of the best parts of the trip.
After a long drive to reach Flagstaff, the train sure looked appealing to me, but I just couldn't afford it back then.
Some day I want to book the mule ride and overnight stay to the bottom of the canyon.
I would love having a beer while experiencing that amazing train ride!!
If they don't have better then what's the point 🤷
Come back and ride behind the steam engine- typically the first Saturday of the month.
Thank you for this video! I will be tralveing to Williams next month. Is the coach section seating assigned?
We rode the train back in the 90's, lucked out and got to hang out on the rear porch/platform on the last car. Not sure if that can still be done today.
If you're still in Williams be sure to do dinner at Rod's Steak House, you WON'T be disappointed! We were there back in October, delicious!
We really wanted to go to Rod's but it was closed for the holidays according to the sign. We ended up eating at Ms Kitty's Steakhouse though and it was really good.
We did one way, then stayed overnight, then went back
Taking the train to the Grand Canyon avoids all of the headaches of making reservations just to get into the park or waiting in line at the entrance. Ride the train up, spend the night, and take the train back the next afternoon. There are many tours available at the Grand Canyon that will allow you to see all of the major viewpoints and get a lot of information. There is no experience as good as riding in the dome. Do it at least one direction.
I'm going to go online to see how much the train ride cost!
Great video ❤
Bobby!!! Cindy!!!
This looks like a lot of fun! Do you know if you could have driven to the bottom with the snow there?
"Look, a bobcat" - Dee, one of the tour guides.