Just what the title says–Mrs. Know and I are planning a trip to the GC in August. We’re staying in Williams and I’d like to hear from Dopers who’ve ridden the railway. Is it worth the $70 per person round trip coach fare? How much can you actually see from a moving train, anyhoo? Or should we just drive up?
Bump
I’m interested too, since I will be visiting the Canyon around October and have not yet planned a detailed trip. Does this train trip have a website?
I haven’t ridden the railroad, but I’ve driven up AZ64 from Williams to the Grand Canyon many times. I would guess the scenery is probably mostly pinyon-juniper woodland until you get to the park itself…not too exciting. Of course if you’re a train buff, that wouldn’t the main consideration anyway.
If you’re just doing a day trip, you get around 3 hours in the park before you have to head back. For some people, the Canyon is just a big hole in the ground, and 3 hours is plenty. Others will certainly wish they had more time. Personally, I’d rather drive–it takes less time than the train (although the line can be long at the park entrance), and you have more freedom to check out various vistas* once you get there. Plus, if you’re the Roadside America-type, you can stop in Valle to check out Bedrock and the Planes of Fame Museum.
*note that West Rim Drive is closed to private vehicles May through September–you have to take the shuttle bus or hike to see those overlooks.
I live in Flagstaff, AZ and I rode the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon once when when parents were in town a couple years ago. It’s not something I would ever have done if my parents hadn’t paid for my ticket - mainly because I couldn’t afford it.
I think I enjoyed the idea of taking the train more than the actual experience itself. Like mentioned above, the landscape is mainly juniper/pinon/shrub high desert, and while certainly beautiful (maybe more so if you aren’t from around here), it gets monotonous after a while. The train moves really slow - something like 35 mph, if I remember correctly - and it felt like a long ride. Although there are musicians aboard and a special “acting” event in the middle of the ride for entertainment.
We only had three hours at the canyon before we had to catch the train back to Williams. Three hours is long enough if you just want to walk around the rim and check out the vistas and shops, but definitely not long enough for a hike in the canyon. It would have been nice to stay the night at the canyon and then catch the train back to Williams the next day.
Overall, the train was fun but a little over rated for the cost of tickets. If you only have one day at the canyon I would recommend driving. I think taking 180 out of Flagstaff is really beautiful. You will see more diverse landscapes than what you would see on the train - plus you will be able to pull over and stop to get a closer look at things if you wish.
Just came in to say, when I stayed in Williams, it was the one and only time I ever got laid vis a vis the One Night Stand style, while on vacation. What a great town to party in!!
/This has nothing to do with the OP.
The way the OP asked the question, I get the feeling he wants to do this. My advice do you think in the next 10 years you’ll go back? If not then definately do it.
I know times are tight but often the experience is better than the trip or view. For instance, if you ever climbed to the top of the Statue of Liberty, you’ll find the view sucks. It is a horrible view. The real fun is the climb.
The real fun is the train trip not the view. So I’d do it and then come back and tell the rest of us how much fun you had. I bet you will
In case you want to see the video link, here it is: www.thetrain.com
I didn’t do it, but my SIL did. She LOVED it. She was with small kids, which may have influenced the fun factor. I believe she said there was a “cowboys and indians” situation along the route, which was a big kick for the kids.