We got robbed on the Grand Canyon Railway

Olivia and Nathan here! Here's our experience on the Grand Canyon Railway. Prior to coming to Williams, Arizona we had no idea there was a train we could take to the Grand Canyon National Park! We booked seats on the 1923 Pullman class car to keep it as authentic as it was back in the day! Is this the best way to get to the Grand Canyon? By train?
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[@christopherstimpson6540]

Hiked to the bottom with friends in the 80's. It was hot at the bottom and snowing at the top. Tried a second hike to the bottom a few years later and met 3 stranded boys a third of the way down. They had run out of food and water. So I gave them all my supplies and we hiked back up. Sometimes it's the journey and not the destination that counts.

[@deborahhernandez1505]

Woah! Thank God u found them!

[@vivian2217]

Thank you for doing the right thing and helping the 3 boys:)

[@christopherstimpson6540]

@@vivian2217 I met them on the narrow trail and could see they were almost too upset to even talk. Ages 11, 12 and 13. Brothers. They had been without food and water for a long time. I tied their packs onto mine and gave them all my food and water. Then we hiked back up. It was night by the time we got to the top and their uncle was waiting for them in his truck. He looked too tired to do more than just sit and wait. The Grand Canyon is very deceptive. Easy to go down and very difficult to get back up. No water is found anywhere but at the bottom and that is just river water. The climate difference is also crazy, too hot at the bottom during the day and hypothermia weather at the top on the same day. I was happy to help them out.

[@briankay4229]

@@christopherstimpson6540 well done, humble servant 😇

[@standingbear998]

out of food and water 1/3 of the way down? stranded? they could not turn around? people have no idea what they are doing.

[@tastyneck]

Your pics and vids are really great but I'd say nothing can do the Grand Canyon justice like seeing it in person. It's insanely huge and beautiful.

[@bostonphotographer20]

A camera simply can't capture the sheer size.

[@johnwood551]

And those idiots you saw jumping out onto those pinnacles are the reason that lots of people DIE in the canyon AND a LOT of rescuers DIE trying to save them or retrieve their bodies.

[@Bigfoot-px9gj]

Just goes t' show ya... Momma Gump was right. _Stupid is as stupid does..._

[@mattbrew11]

I had a panic attack just watching them

[@RuthAnnnMorris]

I was born and raised in Williams Arizona (1953), and my husband and I have ridden on the steam engine train from Williams to the Canyon with his Dad who was a brakeman for Santa Fe. His grandpa ran Chinese work crews placing train tracks from Williams to Kingman and then to Needles California. His Uncle was an electrician for Santa Fe and one of my Uncle’s was an Engineer. I’ve ridden in the steam engine with him from Williams to Kingman where he stopped the train to switch cars and drop me off. My Grandma lived a few hundred feet away from the tracks. At the time it was normal but now I treasure the memories! By the way , I was friends with the people who owned Thunder Eagle and I bought a huge turquoise cross necklace with my first ever paycheck.

[@billdeel]

I was born there in 1956. My dad owned the Grand Canyon Trading Post between Kiabab Lake and Red Lake. There’s a KOA there.

[@standingbear998]

the Grand Canyon is a fantastic place. those who only spend a couple of hours there have no idea. the guy on the rocks is the kind of jerk that makes all the restrictions and hardships on others for their stupidity. Everyone should see this place.

[@LauraJdogmom]

They were very lucky the rangers didn't catch them, and even luckier that they didn't die.

[@smplfi9859]

there is no restrictions. you are fully welcome to jump off and no will stop you. again there is no restrictions there, no park rangers will tell you to get back off the ledge. It's your life. They will however tell you not to feed salty food to the wildlife. Which will eat directly from you. In fact an elk drank straight from my water bottle. They are very connected to humans. But there is just warning signs for the ledge sitting. No fine potential like destroying a nest or removing plants.

[@smplfi9859]

@@LauraJdogmom this is just false. the rangers could care less. it is not there responsibility if you die. rangers care more about your interaction with wildlife than they do you sitting on the edge.

[@DeboraKerr]

I took this trip over 20 years ago! So happy to see it is still going strong.

[@jovandelavara2078]

Glad to see the train is still running well. little fun tip might be a little late with this. I usually tell everyone that if they missed something at the grand canyon they can take their train tickets to the entrance of the grand canyon and they will swap it with a national park ticket so basically u get to go in again for free. basically upon paying for the train ride you also pay for a national park ticket.

[@DennisMartinezCalifornia]

Cool!

[@krissifaith6709]

This is gold. Thank you.

[@briaexploresbudgeting]

That’s because when you buy your train ticket there’s a $35 fee added on specifically for national park entrance. If you have an America’s the Beautiful national park pass, you put in your pass number and it waives that $35 fee 😊

[@moonbeamskies3346]

What you see at 7:05 is exactly how about 10 people a year die at Grand Canyon.

[@aross924]

100 percent stupidity.

[@nefas11]

It’s ok, keeps the gene pool healthy.

[@nilsrbenjamin]

Yes that's why we call those "quick rim jobs" 😆

[@daveneil3963]

Thank you for the good tips on a Grand Canyon visit, never thought of some of those tips. I noticed the reference to the "R" Job and noticed the smiles on your faces when you were walking on the "Rim" trail. Thanks again for the informational and humorous video, Dave

[@MoffittArts]

I am the Pullman car's Passenger Service Attendant. Thank you for riding with us!

[@PixelsimulationoftrueYouKnow]

HIII!

[@tallblonde1976]

Hi!

[@greenrush4313]

No I AM!!!

[@justinjay9501]

DOUCHER...

[@judomike4255]

Hi, I have a question regarding seating. We're a family of 3. That means one of us (me) will be sitting on a separate bench. What are the chances that they'll pair me up with a complete stranger on the same bench? Or will I have the entire bench to myself?

[@jfisher2370]

Since she was a little girl my wife wanted to visit the GC. Fast forward & 2012 USAF stationed us in Phoenix - so for her 2014 b-day, we took a one wk road trip! We drove NE & hit parts of old Route 66, visited Meteor Crater, Winslow, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, etc. After 2-days we went west to Williams & overnighted @ GCRR hotel. She didn't know I booked the GCRR "Luxury Parlor". As last car you can walk outside onto a platform. The food/bev are supplied as part of ticket. Once @ the GC we hiked around & stayed overnight - Hiked some more next day & in afternoon came back on train staying @ the hotel again. When we got back, we were informed the next day was the annual "train days!" weekend - There was all kinds of RR memorabilia & displays. Plus for sm fee, we took a trip aboard an original Pullman with an antique steam engine pulling! A fantastic time.

[@thomaswayneward]

That was sweet.

[@flowerpower3618]

Williams is an adorable little town

[@jfisher2370]

@@flowerpower3618 we enjoyed the local restaurants & walking the charming streets.

[@blueyedtopher]

We took the train about 15 years ago, then stayed at the El Tovar Hotel for a few days. It's right on the rim and it snowed while we were there, it was beautiful.

[@thomaswayneward]

That is a great place and the food and service is great.

[@jim87vette]

I met my wife of 35yrs at The Grand Canyon . We both worked at the South Rim.

[@phoenixdragon5154]

You are absolutely correct about the horrendous traffic into the canyon and the parking situation isn't much better. Just as an aside, the Grand Canyon Railway does offer accommodations INSIDE the park at the Maswik Lodge. It's maybe a 1/2 mile hike to the rim but if you stay a couple of days it will give you all the time you need to go and explore the canyon and then ride back on the railway. You can also get a permit to camp down in the canyon and, if you are an avid physically fit hiker, there are Rim to Rim excursions that go from either side of the canyon crossing the Colorado. The one thing that everyone should remember: Going into the canyon is optional, coming out of it is not, so you must be prepared with water, and food and know your limitations. Rescues are very expensive. Might I also recommend the mule service.

[@raystack6250]

Beware route 64 many reckless drivers trying to get back to cali from the canyon slow down

[@mattbrew11]

I rode a mule down there when I was 12-13 and the mule died on the way back up. Just kinda stop. Started breathing hard and I bailed off just as it flopped over. Wanting to to go back now that I have kids but im not mule’n it

[@robertphelan8512]

Having worked there, I'd recommend the rim trail for first timers, as well as train guests not staying overnight at Maswik ( the primary lodge of choice, unless you have the extra to cover the Bright Angel or El Tovar!). Also, don't do like the two guys in the video did, leaping between the rock and ledge.....on slip is all it takes! One final thing, on walks down Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails, don't try to pick up those pretty pink ropes; they're rattlesnakes and will bite! Great South Rim shots, too!

[@tracksideadventures]

Looks like an enjoyable adventure. Thanks for sharing!

[@monikazunker2282]

We’re doing the train ride in May but chose to stay a night by the canyon so we will have more time there. I can’t wait, thank you for sharing your trip!❤❤

[@elainechubb971]

A gppd choice because the colors of the canyon walls are more intense at both sunset and sunrise. Do make an effort to do the latter--well worth it, and a bit less less crowded that the rim at sunset. Both are more beautiful experiences than during the day when the intense sunlight washes out the colors.

[@RungnaphaSt]

Thanks for sharing the idea of place to stay. Any recommendations of the place, may I ask?

[@babetravelling]

Such a fun travel and well made video. Just subscribed. I like how you edit your videos. Never boring. Keep up the great work & happy travels 💕

[@lhv569]

We did the overnight trip to the rim. Stayed in Williams the night before, luggage loaded into vans and driven to G.C. while we had a leisurely train ride and checked into our room with our stuff already there. We spent a whole day just enjoying the area. The cemetery is interesting. We left on the return train the next day and stayed in Williams that night, too. If you have the time, this is the way to go. Many different price options so I had to save up but the trip was booked out for a while, anyway. Well worth it, in my opinion.

[@MissAllyson707]

I’ve missed watching you Olivia! I’m planning on visiting the Grand Canyon within the next year, and I’ll be watching your video when I start my planning. Stay safe, and God bless! 😊

[@EatSeeRV]

Fantastic vlog guys! You're opener game is strong 🔥

[@amberlamoine1]

My Great Aunt and Uncle Max and. Thelma Beigert restored the train, tracks and depot and built the hotel/restaurant gift shop. I was there when they had their first ride back in. Sept. of 1989 after the full restoration. My aunt and uncle past away last year days from each other. They were in their 90's and so missed and loved by our family. I'm so glad you all got to ride the train!!!

[@sirus027]

Yes. Best way to experience The GC if you're fit is to hike down to bottom and back. Did it 3 times, all exhausting, but always UNFORGETABLE. Late afternoon and moonlight night hike to avoid the sun/heat. Didn't camp at the bottom because of waiting list, just rested/slept on a picnic bench. Looking to do a 4th time at 60+. Yikes!

[@ptturboe5792]

I will be at the bar in the El Tovar Hotel cheering you on. Relaxing and drinking bourbon....

[@sirus027]

@@ptturboe5792 Why go to the trouble? Just watch the KZbin videos! :)

[@ptturboe5792]

@@sirus027 because it has to be seen. 4 times for me...

[@sirus027]

@@ptturboe5792 I want to go again, but I'm afraid my hip and bad knee won't survive it.

[@kimt9978]

So appreciate such a real review of ur experience. And I have to say the transitions like “ Dream On” Steven Tyler made vid even better!

[@Nostrudoomus]

That’s the thing about the Grand Canyon on the South Rim, no matter where you go west to east along the south rim highway the view is always the same.

[@skeller61]

Went to the North Rim in ‘76 and did an overnight hike to Cottonwood Campground. It’s deceivingly simple to hike down the canyon. It’s the hike back up that’s a chore! Anyway, we didn’t have the issue of having so many tourists running around, though it was 200 miles out of our way. If I go back, I may do the more touristy side and take the train, which I had never heard of. Thanks for the video!

[@Jon_bodhi]

Really Helpful! Thanks

[@ONWorldTravel]

Thanks!

[@Twofortheroad621]

Those two kids were about to do the 10 second mile😮.

[@shauntakata1762]

Death wish. One slip and they would be human pancakes

[@chrisconnors7418]

Your weather window was great. Looks like a weather front moved through and cleared out the air pollution and haze that reduces visibility. The pollution comes in from the big cities to the west and it can get so bad the far rim is near invisible. But a good rain followed by a cold front and winds from the north or north west will leave views sharp. I’ve been there to see both types of views. Now I always check weather systems and only visit after a system clears out the haze.

[@rolling_heavy]

Thank you for stopping by our cool little town and enjoying our beautiful backyard.

[@garykreutzer1239]

I've been several times throughout the years. My favorite time is during the winter. Not everything is open, but the crowds are greatly reduced. It is prettiest when there is snow on it.

[@wiltedspinachcat3472]

the intense anxiety watching those kids jump over to the rock!!!!! people die there every year falling over!!

[@princevarughese6419]

This video was so helpful!

[@ONWorldTravel]

Glad it helped!

[@bmackfw]

Actually going to Williams AZ tomorrow. Thanks for all of the tips!

[@bekind3931]

I worked for the company who booked the train and hotel in Williams, plus the lodging and tours at the Grand Canyon. Yes, if you only have one day and want to hike more, driving to the park is prob better. But if you have more vacation time, the train ride is a nice option, esp if you love trains and/or the Wild West experience. Ride the train, and stay overnight or a couple nights inside the park. There are many lodges at diff price points and lots to do. (Book a year in advance if you can.) You can take an all-day tour the next morning w/helicopter ride over the east side of the rim, guided hike thru slot canyon w/brkt, and easy boat ride thru Glen Canyon w/stop at beach and lunch. (Very diff perspective at the bottom looking up than at top looking down.) Then back to Grand Canyon village. Like 3-in-1 tour where you see canyon from every perspective: land, air, sea aka river. You can also hike to the bottom of the canyon (or take the mule ride), stay at the lodge there for a night or two w/meals, and do hiking at bottom before returning to top. Again, you can drive into the park and do all that or take the train there and back. They deliver your luggage to your lodge and pick it up from there too, so you don’t have to worry about it nor parking w/the train.

[@pinchebruha405]

Wow thanks for all this info I went as a child, would love to see it the way you just laid it out

[@thomaswayneward]

Excellent information. Much better than the people that made this video.

[@joandouglas9000]

It’s so fun to spend a few nights!

[@Chrisb8s]

11 people die doing sketchy photos every year at the Grand Canyon. The nice part about the south rim is that there are hotels in Tusayan. Right outside the entrance. I would really recommend staying a couple days the canyon is beautiful at different times of the day

[@marlenetrujillo8519]

Glad you enjoyed Williams. My husband and I just retired on 12 acres in rural Williams we love it here.

[@johnvrabec9747]

GCRR is a hoot! A nice, leisurely ride to the canyon with storytelling and music was fun. I've hikes part of the way down, it was strenuous, but fun. Saw a deer on the trail right in fro t of me at dusk, that was really cool.

[@mandyinseattle]

Your video is not only informative and amazing but it's hilarious. Thank you I must go to the Grand canyon

[@MrJest2]

I will say, if you have the time (and money) to spend... take the train anyway, and just spend a few days at the Grand Canyon. That's what we did for our honeymoon several years ago. These days, we live about 2 hours from *either* rim locations, so we can go visit any time we want, but at the time the train + extended stay was definitely the better option. I will note that it was "train all the way" from Northern California - we also spent the night on the Queen Mary after taking the train down to the LA area, and then boarding the train to Williams, before getting on the GCRR.

[@ingsoc3740]

So nice for you to take your son on this journey!

[@johng5710]

You can also take the train to the GC, spend the night there, then ride the train back to Williams the next day

[@jonathanrossddsmhs1271]

It’s not a budget option, but the best way to see the Grand Canyon is by taking a rafting trip. It’s amazing going through the different levels of the canyon and experiencing the rapids.

[@christianb8228]

Naw horse back is the way to go

[@ricardocruz1172]

Amazing place to visit. Y’all are amazing!!

[@RoadTripTravel]

You guys are in my backyard. Hope you are enjoying AZ, it's an amazing state! I visited the Grand Canyon the day after they opened after being shut down for Covid and there were literally only a few dozen people there. It was amazing to have many of those viewpoints all to ourselves.

[@bobchavez7760]

Haven't been there since I was a kid great video and hello from a different part of Arizona ✌️😎🌵

[@moore_2_explore]

As always, mahhhhvelous video! #1 not alll train rides are equal😉 #2.... 1 ring to rule them all, 🤣...curious which one you got. That story ring is so cool #3 really nice how you break down the north vs the south rim so succinctly for folks. Be well yall!!

[@swiftkarma4436]

I hit the like button at 6:21 🤣 love you guys' humor

[@barryjackson1401]

Yall have insane movie recollection. I love Southwest jewelry too.

[@jolotschka]

Wow. Very good cam with very good lens you got. Thx for recommendation of the train trip.

[@ONWorldTravel]

Thanks Joachim!

[@bcasmedic242]

Rim Job!!!! LOL!!!!!!!! Great vid!

[@carlosgarcia-jz3dq]

one unexpected slip and it's darwin award first place for those two clowns.

[@ONWorldTravel]

True dat

[@ehadder]

Several other commenters on here mentioned taking the train and staying overnight at the Grand Canyon. That is the way to go. You can book everything as a package, including bus tours. If you don’t stay overnight and have the limited 3 hour layover, consider walking along the rim one way and riding the complimentary shuttle the other. It will allow you to see more and save some time for shopping. It’s too bad you didn’t at least do one of the luxury cars one way. Those are quite spectacular. I love the Pullman when riding behind the steam engine, but the open platform observation car at the end of the train is really something else!

[@ONWorldTravel]

These are all great suggestions for us to consider doing next time! Thank you for giving us the rundown of other options

[@jerrychronister7232]

OMG the people. Maybe when the kids have fall break it won't be so pinche' crowded. Great vid, thanks for making my lunch break way cooler! 😎

[@jammergreg]

It goes from Williams Arizona to near the Canyon. Hiked it in ‘ 71, Down the Kiabab trail and up the Bright Angel trail…3 day trip. And worked at Lee’s Ferry in ‘77.

[@johnnyglexus5730]

Spot on with the review. Took that ride in march 2020. No scenery and the 3 hours goes fast. The colors are vivid for sure. If you ride the shuttle it takes forever to get back and forth with all the spots and crowds. The Durango was a way better train ride too.

[@elainechubb971]

The Durango ride is spectacular with the view down into the Animas River gorge. I have also ridden the Skunk RR from Willits, CA, to Fort Bragg, which was really beautiful (redwoods) and more like the GC trip in that it was a regular branch line as well as tourist ride. I read that there was a bad landslide that closed the line so you can only ride partway, and I don't know if it's ever been fixed. If not, it's sad.

[@shodopoet]

North Rim is closed from Between December 1st and May 14th, North Rim roads are closed to all vehicles (including snowmobiles) and no visitor services are available.

[@jlsc4125]

15 minutes of my life I'll never get back again.

[@Boody523]

You guys are absolutely hilarious! Seriously

[@philmcnamar6792]

Well done you guys . Thank you

[@markle2025]

Went to Grand Canyon(bucket list) in August 2022 Stayed in Williams and took the train. View wasn't all that exciting, but had great talks with other passengers. Seat was in the rear car, but that ticket allowed access to all cars. Easy way to go to/from the canyon. Unfortunately, they now are required to warn passengers of the upcoming robbery. Guess some passengers "over reacted" when it was a surprise. Helicopter ride through Grand Canyon is also money well spent!

[@LebronPhoto1]

We visited in 2006 and did the airplane ride. We got some spectacular images from the air and were able to see much more of the Canyon.

[@davidmcpherson7451]

I live off grid about 40 mi south of Supai village in canyon. Worked on the Red Feather z hotel when built. Maybe named something g else by now. Haven’t been there since 1998.

[@cygnusstarscream]

AND cruise ship swimming pools don't look like the ones in their webpage photos. As a suggestion, try Virtual Tours. Cheaper to buy a VR Headset and see All National Parks, besides, VR tours are Global.

[@russellriggan2088]

My wife and I did the train in 2021. We deliberately did the 1923 Pullman car,for the ambiance. We don't regret it one bit!

[@rastus666]

Sounds like you missed the beginning of the Grand Canyon. If you would have turned left before the Navajo Bridge, a few miles later you could have seen Lee’s Ferry, where the rafting trips through the GC put into the Colorado River. Also, there is an awesome campground/rv park that overlooks the river.

[@prieten49]

I took that train back in 1966 with my Grandpa, Mom, and sister. My grandpa couldn't speak English very well, he was visiting us from Germany. I loved everything about the train ride, but I suppose eight year olds probably would. We got on the first leg of the trip in Wichita, Kansas. We were definitely in a sleeper car on the way. I don't recall any of the silliness, though.

[@prieten49]

@@Jj-gi2uv Thank you for that clarification. This train looks a lot more touristy than I remember my train ride being.

[@ZiggZagg11]

We did the train ride bus tour at Grand Canyon and learned a lot of details... Then drove in the next day and was relaxing and got to check out everything in a more layed book atmosphere... We got robbed on the train too... They should do something about those train robbers... 😳

[@robertludwig978]

When I was there the park rangers told us "we lose a few every year" - referring to people who play around at the cliff edges!

[@zorro8693]

Jewelry at the place is the best been shopping at thunder eagle for many years

[@kimhoffman433]

fun video - thanks

[@SimpleOne22]

New sub here and y’all’s editing skills are great 👍 I’m here to stay!❤

[@jeffbeats420]

Since you have the camper you should check out the North Rim, there is tons of free camping in the Kaibab Plateau. You will be right outside the park so you can get in early and miss the crowds. Ultimately there is way less people in the north, less tour buses and smaller crowds.

[@anarizmoore]

Im going to Snowbowl and threw research I found out that at the top of the mountain you can see the rim of the Grand canyon

[@cristianrodriguez3061]

Thanks!

[@paulgrimm]

The Holiday Inn in Williams have the worst bed I ever slept on!

[@caveredecorator5310]

had to subscribe when you had aero smith sing DREAM ON when you hoped the tracks went right next to the grand canyon.

[@daubystravels]

The one other thing you can do is book a package deal where you spend the night or nights at the Grand Canyon in one of their resorts. We did the train up, spent three nights and then the train back.

[@bea_moon]

Nice rings. I really liked the 1st story ring you showed. So which one did you get? 💖✌️ The train robbery was fun!🐎

[@stevepurtle7406]

around 7:37 is truly death defying moves.... maybe illegal too, but they've lived to tell the tale!

[@romarobbins270]

Williams is one of my favorite towns.

[@sharon4951]

Thank you

[@Fuff63]

Enjoyed this. Agree, three hours between trains, is really not enough time at the magnificent Canyon. Drive and just park, if your first time. Slow down, be patient and enjoy it. It’s a long drive there. Once there, prepare to do some walking. If not ‘hiking’ here is the basic South rim visit equipment: bring solid comfy walking shoes, cell,phone charger battery and cable…[you’ll take a zillion photos], jeans, a sweatshirt-hoodie that you can wrap round your waist if needed, a hat / ball cap, sunglasses, small backpack, with a water bottle holder, chapstick, sunblock, wet wipes, snacks, trail mix,etc., and maybe small binoculars. Note: The coin-binoculars at the park don’t work anymore. We just went recently. Hip Tip: Go on a Monday-Tuesday, and if possible in early May. -We did and was perfect weather. A little windy but good. Those days, for us Traffic/crowd was not an issue. Oh yeah, Bright Angel Lodge restaurant dinner at the end of the day was really good. Or pack food that can stand heat. I recommend you plan about 4 hrs min. once there. You will want every minute. Afternoons get great shadows and colors. We plan to go back to Williams and try the train on next trip now that we’ve spent the day at canyon once. Looks fun. Williams is a great little historic Rte. 66 town to visit. Hope this helps. Happy travels!

[@justjudy7320]

Spent 14 days back in the '90s climbing all around the North and the South and down to the bottom and back out. Had the forethought to hire the donkeys to carry our extra food and clothing down because we stayed at the Phantom Ranch for three nights whereas most people just spend one night. I thought well hell if I'm going to hike all the way down I'm going to spend some time. And I'm so glad we did because I spent the next day with my legs and torso in the bright angel Creek. The downhill is harder than the uphill. A magical place look forward to going back

[@Gary-ib8dz]

We took the train to the grand canyon about a year and a half ago. I would say don't take it if it's your first time going to the canyon. I thought we'd have enough time to take the bus around to different areas. Getting food for the family took almost an hour. A worker on the train said there was a good chance we'd miss our train home if we took the bus around the canyon. I was disappointed that I didn't get to see more places at the grand canyon.

[@cindynielson4231]

I have been to "The Grand Canyon" several times by car and train. The next time we will stay overnight at the canyon mu goal would the "El Tovar". You pass thru high country desert. We took the shuttle last time. People do not realize how the first view is so breathless. Beautiful rings, I live just a few miles south of the Navajo Reservation in AZ. I took my now husband to CO for a bowling tournament and for his birthday I got tickets for the "Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge" train trip for us. We were engaged the next day. Hope to go again in 2023 for our 25th anniversary. You guys are so sweet to watch. TFS 👍🥂🌵💖

[@IrkenInvader]

I live in Williams and it's such a privilege being so close to the canyon

[@terryjohnson3479]

My wife and I did the canyon for Christmas in 1988. It was open but deserted and we had the place to ourselves. When we went to Hermits Rest the attendant was taking a nap in front of the fireplace and we waited for 45 minutes for another tourist to show up so we had someone to take our picture together.

[@ak_downrange_threat7251]

Wow I have taken that train ride before when I was a kid and never realized it was at the Grand Canyon.

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

The train is great. A way to extend it is just to book a room at Bright Angel Lodge and stay overnight. Then you also get the sunset and sunrise at the canyon. Then take the train back the next day.

[@davidb.turknett4447]

My wife and I visited the week after Thanksgiving. My first time, and it's true that every American should see the Grand Canyon at least once. We stayed at one of the RV parks and would definitely go again.

[@dvandusenjr3141]

I'm born here in Arizona and this will be my first time going ather 38years 😃 I'm excited to ride train too

[@pickledolives]

You can take the train into the park and stay the night or 2. Then take the train out another day.

[@shodopoet]

We love Williams especially Coaster

[@edwardhewer8530]

North rim is a thousand feet higher up too. If you are not a fit person, you will notice yourself a bit short of breath and possibly even a bit lightheaded even at the South Rim. If you plan on hiking more than a couple miles, please ensure you get a bit more aerobic exercise before you go.

[@harrellconners1853]

Yup it gets crowded. The train ride is fun. FYI north rim is really nice .

[@emd6456]

Thunder Eagle is a cool shop! Very friendly employees!

[@64stevebrown]

No photo or video can capture the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking impact

[@noahc6246]

What a fun time!

[@Dutch_Uncle]

Another canyon opportunity is the Royal Gorge in Colorado, near (what else) Can(y)on City. A funicular goes from the rim to the river, and a suspension bridge goes across at the top. The up-close view of the geological layers from the funicular drives home the immensity of geological time needed to first lay down the rock deposits, and then for the river to cut through them at the same rate that it is cutting today. A humbling experience, and we all need to be humbled from time to time. Unlike the Grand Canyon, train tracks do go through right next to, and sometimes above, the river. It is no longer part of a transcontinental route, but tourist excursion trains do go through. While it was still part of a transcontinental route, I rode an empty auto carrier car from Minturn, near Vail, across the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass to Canyon City, and then on to Pueblo, Colorado. From one crew change point to another. I absolutely do not recommend jumping on freight trains unless you have a companion who absolutely knows what he is doing, and I had one. We got by without incident, to include taking photos of tourists at the bottom, who waved back as us and must have wondered about a better class of hobos who had cameras. I was cautioned not to make contact with other clandestine passengers on the freight cars, because they might see us a source of financial gain or sexual entertainment. The trains with new automobiles going west were closely watched, but the empty cars returning east were not. One surprise was the sight of nuts, bolts, and electrical connections on the car floor, clearly shaken loose during transportation. Great trip! A memorable punch on the life experience card!

[@mladin1]

We did this with the kids, and it was perfect.