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taken the Chief fromChi to Williams Arizona and from there the Grand Canyou train trip? Any info would be appreciated. Also has anyone gone from Raton to Denver? There seems to be a throughway bus. Thanks
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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We did the AAA package in Williams which includes hotel for two nights, most meals and R/T up to the Canyon and back. It was lots of fun and good value but next time we would opt to spend a night or two at the Canyon. AAA can arrange that. We were driving to Texas and this was a pleasant break in the trip so I can't speak about the transfers from Williams Jct. I understand that if you are booked at the Fray Marcos their van will meet you no matter how late the train is and also take you back.
Frank in sunny SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Williams Junction is an asphalt platform only a couple of miles from the Williams, AZ station. Do the AAA package and the van will meet you. It's a short trip.
I, too, would recommend spending at least a night at the Grand Canyon, preferably in the El Tovar Hotel (pricey but worth it), and if you have time, do the mule ride to the bottom of the canyon and a night at the Phantom Ranch.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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thanks all. Since we no longer drive we no longer belong to AAA but there are other tours. We would have to Amtrak it from DC to Williams Junction and take the Grand Canyon railroad from there.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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The old railroad hotel (Marcus Fray maybe?) in Williams is operated by the Grand Canyon Railway folks. I believe that hey have a van that meets the SWC for their guests/
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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The hotel in Williams is the Fray Marcos and is new and very nice. They will pick up all guests at Wms. Jct and will take you back for departures.
The hotel owners also operate the train to the Canyon, but the hotels at the Canyon have different management.
Posts: 467 | From: Prescott, AZ USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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The hotels at the Grand Canyon are operated by Xanterra, which as I understand it is the successor to the Fred Harvey company. I've never stayed there, but I had a nice lunch at the Bright Angel Lodge in 2003.
The Grand Canyon Railroad station was very close to the El Tovar hotel; Bright Angel was just a little farther walk down along the canyon rim. If you have more than hand luggage, I would call ahead and see if assistance can be arranged (I would expect so). You might also want to double-check on the station location; I seem to remember (although I can't pin down where or when) hearing something to the effect that the original ATSF station was to be converted to other use and a new station built for the G.C. Ry.
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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We were driving when we did this trip so didn't do the transfer from Williams Junction. The hotel is quite nice. The gift shop and ticket office are in the original station and they have built a nice restaurant next to it. There are also plenty of other places to eat in Williams. Perhaps you have a family member who is a member of AAA. They have some great packages that include discounted upgrades on the train and discount coupons for the restaurant and giftshop. It's also possible that other organizations like AARP may offer discounted packages.
I'll be interested to hear if you make this trip.
Frank in dark, cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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