Phoenix to Grand Canyon advice

[lisareneeo]

I was thinking about staying in Phoenix for a few days then driving to Williams and taking the train to the Grand Canyon. Has anyone ever done this? If so, did you take a tour once at the Grand Canyon or did you explore on your own?
Thanks Lis

 

[happybratpack]

I did this & loved it!

(You're talking about this, right? http://grandcanyonrailway.com/)

I thought it was fun and a cool way of going into the park. I have pics at home, I can look tonight for them. We spent the night in Williams at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (which they include in their packages) and then took the train out the next morning. We spent the night in the Park at the Maswick Lodge and took the train back out the next afternoon. It gave us plenty of time for sightseeing and just relaxing. Plus it let us see the sunset and the sunrise over the canyon. We explored on our own, but if you're wanting to travel far I would do some kind of tour.

If I had to change anything it would be the lodge at the Park, I would rather have stayed at one of the nicer ones. This was November, lots of snow and we saw a lot of wildlife.

Oh - on the train we traveled in the First Class car. Very comfy and nice, worth the extra money I thought. There was a light breakfast on the way out and chamagne or cider on the way back. Very cool.

Hope this helps!

 

[rockin_rep]

Just an FYI, as many people don't realize this -

You don't actually SEE the Grand Canyon FROM the train. It drops you off just behind El Tovar, (which is *The* lodge to stay at, if they have availability-- pricey but worth it) You can actually see alot more stunning scenery from a car, than the train. The train IS fun however -- with younger kids -- and one time....

We've been to the grand canyon several times on our cross country trips, including taking the train one time. The train is fun with younger kids, but one way would have been enough. Don't think you can go just one way, however, as i believe it's round trip only.

If you do stay in Williams, check out the Canyon Motel. You can actually sleep INSIDE one of their two cabooses. Our kids thought that was MUCH better than the train ride to the canyon. http://www.thecanyonmotel.com/ourproperty.htm

Also if you have time, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion Canyon National Parks are stunning, jaw dropping also, totally different than Grand Canyon, and also worthy of a visit. Soo much to see in the SW, you'll love it.

 

[lisareneeo]

Yes happybratpack this is what I was talking about. Do you think it is worth it to stay overnight in the canyon or do you think we would have enough time to travel back via train that same day.
Just in the beginning stages of planning.
Thanks for all of your help.
Lisa

 

[Sylvester McBean]

I worked at the south rim for 6 months during college. I waited tables at the el tovar. I'd rather see you rent a car and make the drive yourself. I'd suggest at least hiking down to the Kaibab Plateau on your own. you don't need a tour to do that. Phantom Ranch is another matter.

 

[mafibisha]

I worked at the south rim for 6 months during college. I waited tables at the el tovar. I'd rather see you rent a car and make the drive yourself. I'd suggest at least hiking down to the Kaibab Plateau on your own. you don't need a tour to do that. Phantom Ranch is another matter.

I totally agree, forget the railway! Big waste of time, 3 hrs each way and you don't see ANYTHING. Too much money, also. Check tripadvisor.com for more opinions (many, most? agree with above poster and myself

Also agree you don't need a tour to see the Canyon, just go to the look out points, and take some hikes. Magnificent.

Stop at Montezuma's Castle or Wupatki National Mt on the way, both close to the highway, both really cool and beautiful.

If its just a train ride you really want to take, do the Verde Canyon Railway, very scenic! There's an open air car for picture taking and the kids won't get bored, unlike the trip to the GC.
Its a restored vintage train through the Verde River Canyon, which is called the "little Grand Canyon." It is very nice and fun, with narration along the way. Get the first class car, for appetizers, drinks in the car, in a living room like setting. It goes through tunnels and the scenery is just incredibly beautiful. Get res's early at it sells out weeks ahead of time.

http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/index2.html

You're in for a treat, enjoy!

(El Tovar IS amazing too, expensive but worth it!

 

[lisareneeo]

Wow, I appreciate all of the information. Now I know how people planning their first trip to WDW feel...overwhelmed! Anyway, as I said, we are at the beginning stages of planning so I will keep looking for info and advice.
Thanks for all of your responses.
Lisa