Community Forums

13charlie · 04-03-2018, 10:14 PM

We rode the train last September. You will not see the Grand Canyon from the train. It was an experience, but looking back I would have been better off driving up there and had more freedom. The train ride was fun but we upgraded thinking we would be comfortable while seeing the Grand Canyon, that you dont see from the train.

kmlisle · 04-07-2018, 05:37 AM

we saw the mountain goats several days after getting off the Durango train up on a mountain ridge above the treeline.

PanJH · 04-07-2018, 06:24 AM

We took it several years ago and it is an OK experience. We stayed at eh GC railway RV park which made it super convenient.
Another one you might put on your list/travel plans is in the Smokies. https://www.greatsmokies.com/gsm-railroad.html
Nice scenery

Belgique · 04-07-2018, 06:36 AM

We loved it. The RV park is great and they board dogs in very nice facilities. I thought we had enough time at the Canyon. Would do it again.

twogypsies · 04-07-2018, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmlisle

we saw the mountain goats several days after getting off the Durango train up on a mountain ridge above the treeline.

Ah Ha.... around Durango.... somehow I missed that even though in the same sentence. The Durango train is great.... much more interesting and beautiful scenery - even after you're off the train.

DryCreek · 04-09-2018, 06:43 PM

We are heading the GC for our first ever trip there, and our longest (by far) trip in our used motor home we bought last year. We will be riding the train into the park first, and then maybe driving in and taking our dog on the second day.

We are booked in at the Railside RV Ranch. They have pet sitters that will come to your RV and walk your dog while you're gone. My wife thought that was a neat thing to offer, so we booked there. Well, that and I started planning way too late to get any spaces (with water/electric) in the park. They offer a shuttle to the train or into Williams.

We're expecting a much more pleasant trip than our Amtrak adventure from Cleburne, TX to Tucson AZ two years ago. Severe weather made the outbound leg rather unpleasant (as well as a surly Chicago crew to SA).

iceonfire7 · 04-10-2018, 10:40 PM

We just took the train ride 2 weeks ago and it was fun. If you have kids, do it, otherwise you are better off driving and getting there earlier. We only had 3-4 hrs to spend on sight seeing and half the time you are spending it on a shuttle or waiting for one. It was a bummer, but we had fun otherwise!

micpib1354 · 04-10-2018, 11:27 PM

We really enjoyed the trip from Williams to the South Rim. Our Granddaughter loved the Cowboy Shootout and the live entertainment on the train. We met several really great people, coming and going, not having to drive allowed more conversation and the ability to take in more scenery. There was just enough time after they dropped you off at the Canyon to see most of the sights. We took the time to enjoy Indian Tacos at the "expensive" restaurant and found the prices very fair, service excellent and we had a table with a view. There was a live Indian "Hoop Dance" that was absolutely amazing. The dance may not be happening all the time, but we still talk about just how amazing the experience was. Hmmmm, I think maybe it is time for us to do this again. JH