V
isits to our nation’s
treasures, the U.S. National
Parks, connect people
with nature and history.
Personally, they wake me
up far better than a double
espresso. They fill my soul with
wonder and appreciation. A recent
trip to the Grand Canyon became
a glorious getaway and certainly
ranked as one of my best. The view
from the South Rim declares and
defines nature’s power and beauty
about as profoundly as possible.
Trust me, no one leaves
disappointed.
Each guest room has
an amazing view of
the Sound from its
room wide floorto-ceiling picture
window.
The carving of the Grand Canyon by
the Colorado River has taken place
over the last six million years,
exposing rocks at the bottom of
the park that are close to two
billion years old. The Canyon runs
277 river miles, and the distance
across the rim spans ten to 18
miles. The great gorge, declared
a National Park in 1919, rightfully
attracts about 4.5 million visitors
each year and even those on a
limited budget can manage. But,
if upscale travel is more your style,
then follow me.
Grand Canyon Railroad
Imagine stepping back in time and
arriving at the Grand Canyon the
same way travelers did more than
100 years ago- on the iron horse.
Start by driving to Williams,
Arizona, a frontier “Main Street”
town along legendary Route 66.
Williams retains much original
architecture and road-side appeal
from the era when car travel was
king and roadside cafes dotted
the rural towns along the drive.
TOP
Luxury Car Grand
Canyon Railroad
MIDDLE
Wild West Show
LEFT
Music on Grand
Canyon Railroad
3
Check into the Grand Canyon
Railway Hotel, which offers
packaged deals from Xanterra, the
park’s concessioners, for lodging
both in Williams and the national
park, as well as transportation
aboard the vintage railroad. Arrive
in time to explore the town and
perhaps dine at Spencer’s Pub in
the hotel. When you retire, you will
sleep on a wonderfully comfortable
bed, a perk always appreciated by
travelers. In the morning, simply
leave your bags outside your door.
Luggage will be transferred to
your room at the Grand Canyon.
Breakfast buffet waits at the
Grand Depot Cafe with everything
desirable, including eggs and
pancakes made to order. Every day
in Williams begins with a Wild West
shootout. Of course, I expected a
lot of cheesy humor from a