Anyone ever taken the "Grand Canyon" railroad?

[Sir Richard F. Burton]

Alaska is next year this year we are going to Arizona Scottsdale, Sedona, Vegas (I know NV) and Grand Canyon. I was thinking of taking the train since I love trains has anyone ever taken it?

http://www.thetrain.com/

[BrassowFan]

I was in Williams, AZ 2 years ago and considered taking the train but decided to just go by car.

My suggestion, if you're just going to the Grand Canyon, drive rather than the train. While it would be fun to take the rails, it only gets you into the park, after that you have to ride the transportation provided. The lookout posts on the west side are only available by bus, however, those on the east are open and the buses to not extend to all of the lookouts.

It's a fantastic trip, one that I might repeat in September.

One suggestion, if you've never been there before, take warm clothes. It was 105 degrees in Vegas and due to the elevation it was only 55 at the rim and went down to the 30's after the sun goes down.

One more suggestion, they offer programs after dark to look at the stars, it's usually just after dusk at one of the lookouts, well worth it, IMHO.

[oruacat2]

Definitely check into this further, because I think that unless you have reservations inside the park, at either the lodges or the campgrounds, you're required to leave your vehicle outside the park and take the bus or train in. My last trip to the Canyon was just before that new rule went into effect, IIRC. That South Rim road has gotten very crowded - almost like being in rush-hour traffic back home, so they were looking for solutions.

Make sure you take 89A (Flagstaff to Prescott) through Oak Creek Canyon (http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_oakcreek.html) to get into Sedona.
Part of I40 was washed-out and we were diverted down 89A, where we stumbled upon Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona completely by accident.

KD

[BrassowFan]

Definitely check into this further, because I think that unless you have reservations inside the park, at either the lodges or the campgrounds, you're required to leave your vehicle outside the park and take the bus or train in. My last trip to the Canyon was just before that new rule went into effect, IIRC. That South Rim road has gotten very crowded - almost like being in rush-hour traffic back home, so they were looking for solutions.

KD

I was there 2 years ago and you could drive your car into the park, irregardless of whether reservations were involved. I just checked the website at http://www.nps.gov/grca/ and didn't see anything about a change in rules.

Also, if you want to stay on the south rim you often have to make reservations months in advance, however, I would suggest calling as they had cancellations and were able to get us in the following night.

[oruacat2]

They must've changed their mind about implementing the rule then, because your visit was more recent than mine. Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon were also considering it at the time, though I haven't been back to those parks since, either.

KD

[Terry L. Wildcat]

Sir Richard, I have not done the Grand Canyon train but if you like trains you someday should ride the rails from Denver to Grand Junction or Salt Lake City...awesome fun. Last summer ColoradoWildcat and I rode from Anchorage to Denali and all I can say is WOW!

[BrassowFan]

They must've changed their mind about implementing the rule then, because your visit was more recent than mine. Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon were also considering it at the time, though I haven't been back to those parks since, either.

KD

They have shut off the lookout sections west of the cabins, those require you to either walk or take the bus, but all of those east of that location can be driven to. I seem to recall that this was a recent change so maybe they are slowly transitioning the park as you suggest.

[Sir Richard F. Burton]

Sir Richard, I have not done the Grand Canyon train but if you like trains you someday should ride the rails from Denver to Grand Junction or Salt Lake City...awesome fun. Last summer ColoradoWildcat and I rode from Anchorage to Denali and all I can say is WOW!

I rode Amtrak from Chicago to Salt Lake City very nice ride. Have you ever taken the train up Pikes Peak? I loved that ride.

[oruacat2]

Sir Richard, I have not done the Grand Canyon train but if you like trains you someday should ride the rails from Denver to Grand Junction or Salt Lake City...awesome fun. Last summer ColoradoWildcat and I rode from Anchorage to Denali and all I can say is WOW!

Don't forget Durango to Silverton!

That SW corner of CO is just as beautiful, but oft-overlooked IMHO.

Next time I have a few beers I'll tell you about my disastrous foray down the mighty Dolores River in an Old Town Penobscot canoe.

KD

[UK78ALUM]

. Last summer ColoradoWildcat and I rode from Anchorage to Denali and all I can say is WOW!

Just got back. First it was Fairbanks to Denali, 3 days in Denali, then Denali to Anchorage.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Alaska_Railroad_Denali_station.jpg



Then later, as a day trip, we took the White Pass and Yukon excursion train. I recommend both!

http://www.whitepassrailroad.com/images/slideshow/2007_06_19-005.jpg

[Terry L. Wildcat]

I rode Amtrak from Chicago to Salt Lake City very nice ride. Have you ever taken the train up Pikes Peak? I loved that ride.

I've always wanted to climb Pike's Peak...however, I will do the train up it someday.

[WILD1]

They must've changed their mind about implementing the rule then, because your visit was more recent than mine. Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon were also considering it at the time, though I haven't been back to those parks since, either.

KD

Zion and Bryce are two of our favorite places...we hiked throughout...can't wait to go back...next time, we want to add Yellowstone to our list. :thumbup:
While on another visit to the area, we visited both Durango and Silverton but didn't go by train...there's a train in Chama, NM (we kinda knew the conductor-long story) but I'm not sure if it's of the same line that runs through Durango/Silverton...regardless, the route was breathtaking!

[ukfanman]

My wife and I are going to the Grand Canyon in Oct. We have reservations at the Maswick Lodge for Oct 17-18 and 19. And I have a few questions.

Will we be able to park our car in the park or will we have to park outside??

We know they have some good restaurants, anybody care to recoond one??

How far is the hike to the bottom of the canyon?? Do you have to reserve in advance??

Thanks

[WILD1]

My wife and I are going to the Grand Canyon in Oct. We have reservations at the Maswick Lodge for Oct 17-18 and 19. And I have a few questions.

Will we be able to park our car in the park or will we have to park outside??

We know they have some good restaurants, anybody care to recoond one??

How far is the hike to the bottom of the canyon?? Do you have to reserve in advance??

Thanks

"Terry L. Wildcat" is the resident expert but as recently as the past 2-3 years, we've hiked at both the South Rim (where you'll be) and the North Rim. Yes, you can park inside the park and even right by the lodges.
There are several cafeteria type places to eat while there, those are good for breakfast/lunch and they've a store/gift shop for sandwiches, etc, but I'm trying to remember what the "nicer" restaurant at the South Rim was named...the Arizona Room, maybe? There's also a nice place at El Tovar but we didn't eat/stay there.
You don't need reservation to take one of the day hikes (like Bright Angel trail) as they're self-guided and "at your own risk" but I believe you need them, or that they're required, if you plan to do an overnight (to the Ghost Ranch) as they're guided.
WORD of WARNING (Terry and I have discussed this issue, at length, before) wear the appropriate shoes and clothing for hiking...you know, hiking boots (and not a brand new pair-the blisters will kill you!) with good socks and pants/shirts for the environment and also a hat...no cute little flip-flops or sandals as canyon hiking is serious stuff...also, LOADS of water is a must!
We've traveled to that area, always in late September, on several occasions and LOVE it more each time we go! You should plan to visit the North Rim on another trip...totally different environment but equally as scenic/beautiful and way less congested! Zion and Bryce Canyons (Utah) are also fabulous!
Have a safe, wonderful time! :thumbup:

[JawadtheChinchilla]

I went to the Grand Canyon last November and had no problem getting my vehicle into the park. We were able to drive through most of the South Rim area.

[BrassowFan]

I don't have much to add from Wild1's post other than to suggest that you eat at El Tovar. It and the Arizona Room both have good food, the El Tovar is just slightly nicer.

I think I posted this above, they offer a sunset session to view the stars, it's at one of the lookouts and is very interesting.

Lastly, take warm clothes. The temperature difference at the rim is far different than what you'll find at the canyon floor. At the rim it will be in the 20's - 30's at night but much warmer in the canyon itself. You'll need clothes for several climates and to plan on drinking a lot of water.

[oruacat2]

Take a geniune Native American handcrafted peace pipe, complete with grinning coyote skull, in which to smoke your weed (inside joke).

Not much to add except that my favorite overlook was Yaqui Point, and I second the advice about taking lots of water.

Oh, and I didn't know it existed at the time, but since my last visit I've seen a few Travel Channel programs that mention that amazing oasis/waterfall in one of the side canyons at the bottom - it's part of the Yaqui (IIRC) Rez. That's on my "must see" list for my next trip out.

KD

[Terry L. Wildcat]

My wife and I are going to the Grand Canyon in Oct. We have reservations at the Maswick Lodge for Oct 17-18 and 19. And I have a few questions.

Will we be able to park our car in the park or will we have to park outside??

We know they have some good restaurants, anybody care to recoond one??

How far is the hike to the bottom of the canyon?? Do you have to reserve in advance??

Thanks

Wild1 is too kind.

From the South Rim the two main trails to the Colorado River are The Bright Angel trail and The South Kabab trail:

Bright Angel trail to the river: 7.8 miles and 4,460 elevation loss and therefore gain.

South Kabab trail: 6.3 miles and 4,800' of loss and gain.

In no way would I reccomend these as day hikes...these are overnighters for experienced backpackers and you do need to make backcountry reservations.

I'm off to the Aspen area tomorrow for four days of camping and hiking and I will be happy to answer any questions when I get back...happy trails.

[gerntz]

Presume you'll hit the Maroon Bells, TL.

[Terry L. Wildcat]

Presume you'll hit the Maroon Bells, TL.

I saw them from afar high up a hillside above Savage Lakes on the Rudei Reservoir road...in a week Colorado skies have cleared of smoke and the Big Blue Colorado sky is a rockin'. :cool:

[KY Blue in Carolina]

Things are coming together for September TLW..... I do believe I'll see you in St. George....

[oruacat2]

Things are coming together for September TLW..... I do believe I'll see you in St. George....

Watch out for the Warren Jeffs types....

But seriously, if you go to Bryce and/or Zion, there's a third magnificent part nearby that gets no attention at all and is NEVER crowded: Cedar Breaks National Monument. It's slightly north of the halfway point between the other two more famous neighbors. The cool thing about it is that it's up in the mountains, so you get all the cool "hoodoos", but instead of barren red rock desert, they're surrounded by alpine meadows and conifers. That contrast of landscapes really pops out at you.

KD

[Stucat]

Sir Richard,

I took the train from Williams Depot into the Grand Canyon National Park and yes you are transported by bus to the different lookouts. We ate lunch at the Bright Angel lodge near the Bright Angel trail. It was fun and it was especially good if you had kids. They even have outlaws robbing the train for the kids. It was something that I did once but if I ever go back to the Grand Canyon I will probably drive my car into the Grand Canyon and take my time at the different overlooks, etc.

[Terry L. Wildcat]

Things are coming together for September TLW..... I do believe I'll see you in St. George....

Utah will never be the same :eek: