Take a train to The Grand Canyon

August 16, 9:13 AMLA North American Destinations ExaminerDennis Goza

Previous Next

2 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the LA North American Destinations Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Photos: Kimberly Goza

Of all the things that come to mind when you think of The Grand Canyon, chances are that a Wild West gunfight is not one of them. But you'll get that included in the package when you take a train ride to the Canyon from Williams, AZ on the Grand Canyon Railway.

The little town of Williams has trademarked the phrase "Gateway to The Grand Canyon" because it's such a convenient jumping off point -er, rather point from which to access the fabulous national park. And the railway has capitalized on the town's colorful history (Williams was the last place on historic Route 66 to be bypassed by I-40) by providing a train ride with a Western theme, complete with a shootout between card-playing cowpokes.

The lesiurely 65-mile ride on a vintage passenger train takes you through some beautiful country, mostly quite isolated, so the chances are excellent that you'll spot some deer, a bobcat, and who knows what else. And you'll have several hours to explore the Canyon before the return trip, which might include a strolling cowboy minstrel and a surprise or two. All in all, a much more memorable excursion than driving.