We Rode the Grand Canyon Train to the Park

Transporting myself back in time aboard the Grand Canyon Train invoked memories of my great-great-grandfather, who journeyed west by train to explore some of the “National Parks” back in 1888. While the Grand Canyon railway began operations in 1901, he unfortunately never had the chance to visit this stunning natural wonder.

As we settled into the opulent Parlor car, we quickly found our comfortable seats, complete with a welcoming glass of champagne. Once the journey commenced, we were treated to a delightful snack box. The flat plains soon transformed into lush forests, winding gracefully around bends at a relaxed pace. Venturing out to the rear platform, we marveled at the rhythmic clatter of the tracks beneath us.

When we finally arrived at the canyon, we were only able to catch a brief glimpse of its vast beauty from the train. Our luggage had been conveniently collected and delivered directly to our room. To fully appreciate the park, we hopped aboard the National Park Service’s shuttle bus, which whisked us to various western overlooks.

Around three in the afternoon, we checked into the Maswik Lodge. While not a traditional lodge, it comprises a charming collection of rustic buildings, each housing about eight rooms. Clean, comfortable, and recently renovated, it offered a three-star experience at a five-star price.

In the evening, we dined at the Tovar Inn, located close to the rim with some partial views of the canyon. It was undoubtedly a unique culinary experience, featuring craft cocktails, western décor, and a menu filled with delectable steaks, chicken, and pasta dishes—a true five-star dining affair.

The following morning, we once again took the shuttle, exploring the west and east sides of the park, which led us to the visitor center and various viewpoints. We snapped numerous photos and even caught glimpses of the Colorado River in certain areas. I reminisced about the Indian Garden trail I hiked back in 1976, when I descended all the way to the canyon floor on foot.

For our return trip, we boarded the train in the splendid Luxury Dome. Once again, we enjoyed champagne and cocktails, and the panoramic views from the dome justified the premium price. However, security could have been tighter, as we encountered gunshots while slowing for a curve—train robbers boarded and relieved us of our excess dollar bills!