Make the most of your trip to the only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World located in North America. Every year, millions of people visit the Grand Canyon. Its legend is known the world over. But how do you maximize your experience to this once-in-a-lifetime destination? With Grand Canyon Railway. Plan a memorable Grand Canyon family vacation - the tips below will help with your planning.
1) Budget the Right Amount of Time
The Grand Canyon is in a remote part of the country - northern Arizona. The closest major airports and metro areas are Phoenix (3 hours away) and Las Vegas (4 hours away). It's easy to get to northern Arizona - Interstate 40 runs right through. However, if you're planning a Grand Canyon vacation, you'll want to spend a couple nights in the region as the drive from the major cities can be an all-day affair.
2) The Grand Canyon Wasn't Discovered Via Interstate
Even though major roadways can lead you to the canyon, why not trade in your car for one of the Railway's classics? You can park in the closest city to Grand Canyon National Park, Williams - Gateway to the Grand Canyon - and take the historic train. After spending hours driving to the region, it's nice to be able to let someone else drive - the engineer. When you take the train you can get up and roam around. Or relax and enjoy the passing countryside without having to concentrate on the roadway. If you're traveling with kids, the Grand Canyon train might be their very first train ride. What a memorable ride it will be - complete with strolling musicians and cowboy charaters to show them the way of the West on the way to the canyon.
3) Railway Packages Make Planning Easy
Grand Canyon Railway offers several hotel and RV packages with train travel that make it easy to plan your trip. Our two-night packages are most popular as they work seamlessly around the train's schedule. Simply drive to northern Arizona and check-in to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. The next day, ride the rails through Grand Canyon Country on your way to the South Rim. Spend more than three hours at the canyon. The train arrives back to Williams later that evening where you can spend your second night. The next morning you're ready to make it to your next destination after two fun-filled nights in the Williams - Grand Canyon area.
The Railway also offers packages that include a night inside Grand Canyon National Park allowing you to take in a Grand Canyon sunset and sunrise. The "Canyon Limited Plus" is a throwback to simpler times when people traveled cross-country on the railroad, finally arriving to the canyon out in the "Wild West". You can take your time and enjoy this unforgettable package. In the Reservation Pod (located on this page), simply search for 3-nights and you'll discover the "Canyon Limited Plus". It's easy to plan the ultimate Grand Canyon vacation.
Weather
Williams and the Grand Canyon are at nearly 7,000 feet elevation. Although the region can be arid, it has four seasons. In fact, the temperature is typically around 25 degrees cooler than the desert of Phoenix, even though it's only a few hours away. It's a good idea to dress in layers and take along sunscreen and a hat. It's also wise to drink plenty of water while you're in northern Arizona.
Mountain Standard
Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time and does not observe Daylight Savings. When traveling to Arizona please note the state does not "spring forward" or "fall back" like the rest of the country.
