With daily departures from Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a transportation option up to the South Rim of the national park that Teddy Roosevelt claimed “every American should see.”

Truth be told, you could drive the route much faster; but in this case, getting there is half the fun. The 2.5-hour journey offers passengers an opportunity to look back at the Old West, learn about the history of the area and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Historic yet Accessible
Prior to the morning departure from the Williams Depot, passengers are treated to a Wild West show and a shootout between the local marshal and the bumbling but lovable Cataract Creek Gang. After the show, it’s time to hop on board, with wheelchair users and slow walkers boarding first.

A portable lift is available to board anyone who can’t climb the steps up to the rail cars; the coach and first-class cars offer the best access. The Pullman and Budd coach cars have bench seats, and the Budd coach is equipped with air conditioning. The first-class cars have comfortable reclining seats, large windows and air conditioning.

All three types of cars have wheelchair tie-downs, nearby companion seats, and a restroom with grab bars, a wide doorway, and ample room to transfer.

Service is excellent on board, with a continental breakfast and afternoon snacks offered in first class, and soft drinks served in coach. Roving musicians entertain passengers along the way, and the Cataract Creek Gang even makes an encore appearance on the return trip.

The Scenic South Rim
Although the Grand Canyon Depot sits below the rim, with two flights of stairs leading up tothe  top, accessible transfers in a lift-equipped van are available from the railway upon advance request. There’s plenty to do on the rim, starting with the accessible Rim Trail that runs alongside the canyon.

The Arizona Grill, located next to the Thunderbird Lodge along the Rim Trail, makes a great lunch stop. And if you are seated at the right table, the canyon views can be spectacular. The main entrance (on the side) has a few steps, but the canyon-side entrance is accessible.

Options Galore
Choice is the keyword at the Grand Canyon Railway, as lots of options, including multi-day packages with lodging, meals and tours, are available. Additionally, you can mix classes of service: take one class going up and another on the return trip.

Accessible Lodging
The railway and the lodging options in Williams and the South Rim are all operated by Xanterra Resorts, a company with a very progressive approach to access. The reservation personnel are very accommodating, and accessible rooms with roll-in showers are available at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Maswik Lodge.

Xanterra also has a policy of holding the accessible rooms until last, so people who need them have a better chance of reserving them. All in all, the Grand Canyon Railway excels in service and access, so make plans to hop aboard sometime soon.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

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