One of Grand Canyon Railway’s most popular canyon experiences is the “Canyon Limited Plus.” This trip includes round-trip coach class train travel, a guide-narrated “Grand” motorcoach rim tour with lunch, overnight stay in Grand Canyon National Park, two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams and two breakfasts and two dinners at the Grand Depot Cafe. This classic package allows guest to travel as people did before the advent of the car, taking the train in and out of the park while enjoying an overnight stay close to the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Overnight stays inside Grand Canyon National Park can be added to any railway travel plans. Space is limited. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak travel times.
To book reservations aboard the Railway and overnight stays at the canyon, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).
Several Northern Arizona adventures – all within driving distance of Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, Ariz. – can be added to travel plans, including:
At Bearizona, experience animal wildlife the way it was meant to be – in a natural environment – all from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. Located in Williams, AZ.
Railway passengers spending a night at the Grand Canyon can take advantage of a variety of free ranger programs provided by the National Park Service. For a list of these ranger programs and their times and locations visit www.nps.gov/grca and click on the “Online Trip Planner” link.
Mule rides are one of the canyon’s most famous activities. The rides were an important part of the early services offered to railway passengers, and the Santa Fe Railway built the famous mule barns at Grand Canyon National Park. Today Xanterra Parks & Resorts, L.L.C provide one-day and overnight mule rides into the Grand Canyon. It is simple for railway passengers to schedule their train trip around the mule ride schedule. To learn more about the mule rides visit www.grandcanyonlodges.com or call 303-297-2757 or toll-free at 1-888-297-2757.
Grand Canyon overflights are another canyon favorite. Overflights are most convenient for railway passengers spending a night at the canyon. For a list of air tour operators contact the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 3007, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or visit them at www.grandcanyonchamber.org.
A variety of guided backcountry hiking and learning experiences are available inside Grand Canyon National Park. Many organized backcountry trips fit conveniently into the Grand Canyon Railway schedule. The Grand Canyon Field Institute works in partnership with the National Park Service to provide hiking and learning experiences and a number of backcountry guiding services are authorized to work within the park. For more information about the Grand Canyon Field institute, visit www.grandcanyon.org or call U.S. 928-638-2485. For a list of all authorized backcountry guide services visit www.nps.gov/grca and click on the “Online Trip Planner” link.
The more adventuresome Grand Canyon Railway passengers include self-guided canyon excursions in their itineraries. The Railway strongly recommends overnight stays before and after such hikes to avoid rushing on difficult trails. Indian Garden campground is only five miles from Grand Canyon Depot on the Bright Angel Trail. Late afternoon and early morning hikes to and from this campground would be possible for experienced hikers. The National Park Service provides free shuttle service to the Hermit Trail (not available December – February) and South Kaibab trailheads from the Grand Canyon Village area where the Railway depot is located. The Bright Angel trailhead is only a few hundred yards from Grand Canyon Depot. Permits are required for all overnight hikes.
To see a variety of itineraries for popular backcountry hikes visit www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry or call U.S. 928-638-7875.
Contact Katie Dabbs at Percepture at 720-206-7710 or via e-mail.
Group Sales Department: 1-800-843-8723
International Calls: Telephone 928-773-1976; fax 928-773-1610