A Historic Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad that carries passengers between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The 64-mile railroad, built by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, was completed on September 17, 1901. The train led to increased tourism in the area. The railway company was instrumental in the creation of the Grand Canyon Village. Declining ridership due to the popularity of the automobile led the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway to end passenger service on the Grand Canyon Railway in July 1968. Freight service on the line ended in 1974. Private investors purchased the line in 1988, restored the facilities, and resumed running passenger trains on September 17, 1989. Today, the railroad carries hundreds of passengers to and from the canyon daily and operates year-round.
Grand Canyon Railway route map
Seton was on Saturday, October 22, at the roundhouse yard in Williams. Our ECs, Joe Schnyder and John Martin, did an excellent job organizing set on and the entire run.
The next day, Sunday, was cold and overcast. We waited for the morning passenger train to leave for the park. Then, after a detailed safety briefing, we backed our cars into the Williams Station for a photo opportunity.
The Group at Williams Station - Photo by Janelle Tilley
Shortly, we were on our way to the Grand Canyon. At the halfway point, we had a break. The first fifty miles of the route are a high, arid, and treeless pasture land. The last ten miles before the park are beautiful! There are hills, canyons, and trees. At the park, we turned at the wye and then backed into the historic Grand Canyon Station built by the Santa Fe Railroad. We enjoyed this run of about 12 cars.
Lined up and ready to go at Williams Station
The GCRR runs under the BNSF Main Line in Williams AZ
Entering Grand Canyon National Park on the GCRR
Dan at Grand Canyon Station
That evening and the following day, we were free to enjoy seeing the sights and learning about the history of the South Rim. On Tuesday afternoon, after the train departed back to Williams, we began our journey back. We enjoyed this unique and well-organized run of about 12 cars.
The El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon Station
The Group Lined up at Grand Canyon Station
The South Rim
Leaving Grand Canyon National Park by rail