Coconino Canyon Train
 

I just received this information from Xanterra regarding the Coconino Canyon Train: "For the first time, visitors to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will be able to step back in time and board a train tour originating inside the park. This 90 minute train tour departs each day at 5:30 p.m. from the historic Grand Canyon Depot (celebrating its 100th anniversary this year). The Coconino Canyon Train will travel approximately 12 miles through a portion of the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. After a 20 minute layover at the Imbleau Station, a former railway section house, the train will begin the return journey to Grand Canyon National Park. Pre-recorded narration will provide travelers with information about the stunning Southwestern geography, as well as landmarks commemorating historic events along the way." Any thoughts about whether or not this sounds like a good idea?

You drive thru this same forest on the ride up from Williams or Flagstaff so I guess I don't see the point ... how much are they charging for this?

Bill

They're charging $35/adult, $20/child 2-12.

At those prices it's not a rip-off like the train from Williams or the Skywalk, but all you're really doing is riding a train for 30 minutes each way to a forest that you can access by car. A couple miles south of Tusayan there's a dirt road to the west that runs thru the forest to a logging area (you can camp for free here on National Forest land) and you'd have more access to the same forest from this road than from the train.

The real attraction of the Grand Canyon is the canyon itself and this train ride runs from 5:30 to 7 PM, which is probably the best time to actually be on the rim watching the light change as the sun sets. So the timing is bad for my tastes.

I guess it boils down to "How badly do you want to ride a train".

Bill

Thanks very much -- you just saved us $90!