Grand Canyon Trip

[Bobg43]

We are planning a trip to the grand Canyon this July and would like to visit the South Rim. I have heard a lot of good things about the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park including taking the train to the village for a day trip. My concern is that would not leave us enough time to sight see. Would we be better off staying someplace else and not do the train but instead do an all day bus tour or do a combination of both. We have stayed at J&H RV Park in Flagstaff and like the park a lot and I know that they sponsor day tours. We are also thinking of visiting Sedona. In all we are planning on spending 7+ days in the area.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

[MonacoMama]

Bobg43...
I can tell you that back in 1988 we stayed at the Trailer Village inside the park. That was in a 34' Bounder with no slides. It was probably also 30 amp service.

I do know that kablewizard has made a few trips to the Railroad RV park...and I think that would be my choice now. I can find his posts on this park... and I am sure he can tell you if it is too far for sight-seeing purposes...

I hope you have a great time..we are thinking of the same trip the following year...

MM

[bdpreece]

We did the rail trip this last spring. The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is really nice and they had a kennel for us to leave our dog at for the day. The trip itself was a lot of fun but; Once you get to the Grand Canyon your options are to take an organized bus tour (spendy) or use the free shuttle. We chose the shuttle but found that you were very rushed trying to make connections and as such we felt we missed alot. One of the things they tell you on the train is they don't wait for you so if you miss the return trip you are on your own.

[Bill Davis]

When we go, we stay at the Trailer Village. Kind of beat up, but we like to attend the campfire meetings, go out to breakfast and dinner and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. We find the shuttles very efficient. We will often walk to a destination and catch the shuttle back. Being free to not have to meet a timetable makes up for having to stay at a less than stellar campground.

[Kablewizard]

Hi. We have been to the Grand Canyon RR park several times. It is a very nice park. When you make your reservations they will set you up for a day on the train. You will leave around 8 return at 5 PM. We like walking the area. You said you will be there 7 days so if you have time, you can go back on your own and see what you want. You said you want to visit Sedona, its about a hour away. The train ride is great so take it if you have a chance. If there are just the 2 of you you might want to read up on the other cars and up grade to the obsevation car but not up top. ( sometimes they send folks up there to sit on the return trip) You can get some great pictures from up there.If you would like some other great places to see send me a PM and I can give you a few other ideas.

[Mr_Bill]

We stayed at Trailer Village last Sep. I would highly recommend staying at the park. They have free trams that allow you to go most anyplace in the park. You are also within walking distance of many of the sights. We had elk and deer wander through Trailer Village most every morning and evening. By staying in the park you are not hurried and can take in as many, or as few, ranger talks, etc as you want. However you do it, you'll have a very enjoyable time.

[blacktie.shooter]

Bill Davis and Mr. Bill - Exactly so; the way to go.

We met our son and his family in their National (forgot model) at Trailer Village, camped side by side, drove around, walked around, road shuttle around, dined together in the evening. Great trip and time.

[Boris and Natasha]

Bobg43 -
We stayed at the Grand Canyon Railway park last April. We were only in the area for two nights, so we did the day trip up and back on the train and a bus rim tour while we were there. The park, train and tour were all great - we recommend them all. We would have liked to stay longer, though.

Next time, we'd consider staying at GCR again and taking the train up one day, overnighting at the lodge in Grand Canyon village, and coming back on the train the next day. That way, we'd have more time to explore and see the canyon in all kinds of light throughout the day. If you have a pet, you can take advantage of the boarding kennel at GCR.

Also, Sedona is a don't miss!

Enjoy your trip,
Natasha

[Bobg43]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. It will really help us plan our trip.

[Nancy & Bill]

We just left the Grand Canyon--this was our second trip. The first time we stayed in Williams and drove up for the day. Not nearly enough time to enjoy it all. This time we stayed at Trailer Village, and it is nothing fancy, but has everything you need (even cable although who cares when you have the Grand Canyon) and you can take your time to see sunrise and sunsets and explore the various vantage points. I would stay a few days in Trailer Village and then stay in Williams or Flagstaff to take the drive down to Sedona...be sure to drive through Oak Creek Canyon, at least one way.

[Chickadee]

Bobg43:

Williams, AZ is a good centralized spot to set up since, as mentioned, it's an easy day tour over East to Flagstaff then down to Sedona (definitely via Oak Canyon route), and it's an easy day tour up to the Grand Canyon. We did take the day train trip up to the S. rim from Williams, however, we didn't think it was THAT great an experience. Unless you're into just riding a train for the fun of it, the scenery going up isn't remarkable, AND, you're 3 hrs. at the canyon itself before reboarding the train for the return trip isn't NEARLY enough time. If ya do take the train, you'll likely drive up again another day with your toad in order to explore the road and multiple overlooks along the S. rim at your leisure.

Steve & Lynette