Steam locomotives were a common mode of transportation in 19th century America, but we’ve largely moved on to more efficient (and less sooty) ways to get from one place to another.
Of the 30,000-plus steam engines built in the US, fewer than 200 still exist. Even fewer are still in use as passenger trains.
Related: How to Plan Your First Visit to a National Park
One of the last places in the US where you can take a classic, relaxing ride on a train pulled by a steam locomotive is aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.
On February 23, the Grand Canyon Railway announced it will once again run its 1923 steam engine for the 2024 season. Steam engine GCR No. 4690 is no longer powered by coal, but is now powered by virtually carbon-neutral waste vegetable oil and snowmelt. The railroad sometimes even refers to No. 4690 as the “French Fry Express”.
Steam locomotive excursions are scheduled for the first Saturday of the month between March and October on the so-called Steam Saturdays. On each of these dates the steam engine will only pull the 9:30 am train. The full schedule for the 2024 season is as follows:
- March 2nd
- 6 April
- 20th of April
- 4th of May
- 1 June
- 6th of July
- 3 August
- August 12
- September 7
- 21st of September
- 5th of October
The Grand Canyon Railway is celebrating a number of special milestones on various dates. The birthday of number 4960 is August 12 and the birthday of the Grand Canyon Railway is September 21.
There are no additional costs associated with operating the train when the steam locomotive is in service. Ticket prices start at approximately $70 roundtrip for adults and $36 roundtrip for children ages 2 to 15. Discounts are available for guests with a National Park Service Park Pass and AAA members. Vacation packages are also available that include a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
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The Grand Canyon Railway takes riders on a full-day excursion to the Grand Canyon and back. The train departs Williams, Arizona at 9:30 AM and arrives at the Historic Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon around 11:45 AM
From there, you’ll have about three hours to explore the Grand Canyon before the train departs at 3:30 PM. You will return to Williams at 5:45 PM. If you want to spend a few nights at the Grand Canyon before returning to Williams, you can book different departure and return dates.
Related: 4 Great Scenic Train Rides Across the US
If you enjoy scenic train rides or are looking for a unique way to see the Grand Canyon, take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
To secure your spot on a real, working steam train journey, reserve your tickets online or by calling 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).
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