Built in the late 1800s, this historic railroad was originally used to transport ore from the Anita mines, which just north of Williams, Arizona. The railway began traveling to the Grand Canyon in 1901, making the park accessible to the public. But with the rise in popularity of automobiles, the trains lost business, and the Grand Canyon Depot saw its last passenger train in 1968. The Grand Canyon Railway underwent extensive restoration and was reopened in 1989.

Today, this historic train carries passengers between Williams and the South Rim's Grand Canyon Depot. Trains depart from Williams at 9:30 a.m. every day and arrive at Grand Canyon Village around 11:45 a.m. Return trips leave the village at 3:30 p.m. and arrive back in Williams at around 5:45 p.m.

There are four different classes to choose from: Coach, First Class, Observation Dome and Luxury Parlor. Rates vary depending on which class you ride.  We traveled in the Observation Dome car.  Wow - the unobstructed view of the beautiful scenery was great.  We also were served all sorts of goodies and drinks for the 2-hour trip.  We had live music (a banjo player on our way up to the Grand Canyon Village, and an accordion player for the return trip back to Williams).   Both of these artists were very entertaining!  I have uploaded a couple of video clips of these two artists entertaining us on the ride. 

On the return trip, three bandits on horses caught up with our train and they boarded it to rob the passengers!   I hid under the seat! 

You will see a few pictures I took of a cool town they created - named the 'North Pole."  During the Christmas Holidays, they run a special train that goes from Williams to the "North Pole."  This must be something see in the snow!!  There is also a short video clip I uploaded as we were riding past the North Pole.

Without a doubt, taking this gorgeous train is a very cool way to get up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.