A one-day excursion is great for families because it's safe, comfortable, educational and it provides access to some spectacular scenery. In its heyday, the line carried many famous people from its Williams, Ariz., depot to Grand Canyon National Park. Fifteen years later, an Arizona entrepreneur came to the rescue.
Passengers ride in well-preserved Victorian coaches or roofed gondolas.
Completed in 1880, the 107-km line winds through tunnels and over towering trestles, climbs steep Toltec Gorge and crosses Cumbres Pass at a breathless 3,305 metres. With its whistle wailing and its steam blasting, this tourist train offers scenic rides over the nation's steepest, narrow-gauge grade. Shortly after leaving the starting point in Clarkdale, the train cruises past cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua Indians. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.