A Grand Canyon Adventure

Something happens out west, it’s a place where your inner cowboy comes out—whether you’re 9 years-old or 75. That’s how it happened for us, an extended family vacation where the romance of the rails and adventure of the old west transported us, not just in spirit but to one of the world’s most outstanding natural marvels, the Grand Canyon.

One of the grandest ways to get there? The Grand Canyon Railway. Departing from Williams, Arizona (about a 2.5 hour drive from Phoenix), you’ll find a slice of history–and a slice of homemade pie. Williams is part of the iconic route 66, where places like The Pine Country Restaurant still serve homemade, heaping portions with a cup of coffee. Many, like us, take advantage of The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel which offers a clean, comfy spot to rest and is within walking distance to the station. The stay here sets the stage for the next adventure.

Cowboys and Comedy

Well rested, we headed to the pre-boarding show–a good ‘ol western shoot-out. More of a comedy than a drama, this outside western romp is short and perfect for cowpokes of all ages. Then it’s all aboard–The Grand Canyon Railway departs at 9:30 a.m. Arizona-standard mountain time.

Boarding this beauty, you can feel an energy among the passengers. The Grand Canyon Railway is a 64-mile heritage railway and was completed in 1901. We are all about to depart Williams, Arizona, on a journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. With six different class choices, we opted to pay a bit more for the observation dome car. That means, a glass dome is over us. And if you’ve ever seen a blue Arizona sky, it’s worth the extra money.

Now on our way, we settle in with our fellow passengers. Charles from California is on our right, he’s been to the Grand Canyon multiple times. His teeth are bright white against his tan skin. His wife leans over and tells us about the tour they’ve planned. In contrast, our Ohio faces are longing to catch some much-needed sun.

Our train buzzes through diverse scenery–prairies, barren desert, and tall Ponderosa pines. Their slender trunks look wispy compared to our woodland pines back home. Sunkissed faced smiling children run out to wave as we pass