A spectacular scenic place to visit is Williams, Arizona located on the historic Route 66 just 58 miles from the South Rim of the visually stunning Grand Canyon. At 7,000 feet, it’s thickly forested area and abundance of outdoor attractions and activities is perfect for RVers wanting a new adventure.
Williams was named after “Old Bill” Williams, a day trapper in the olden days. It’s still very much a western town but with a 1950s theme. Today, Williams is known for the famous Grand Canyon Railway Resort and RV Park. The busy railway tour is offered at different times per day that transports 200,000 visitors a year to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
PR Director Bruce Brossman describes what sets the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park apart from other standard RV parks in Arizona. “The park is the only park in Williams with all fully paved sites. We offer pull-through, buddy and back-in sites. The restrooms are beautifully constructed and carefully maintained.”
Owners Max and Thelma Biegert built the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park in 2006 then Xanterra Parks & Resorts Inc. purchased the company in 2007. “The rising popularity of RV travel made it a logical addition to the 297 room hotel, two restaurants, and railway,” explains Bruce.
The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park offers value and quality while being budget friendly so that young families, couples, groups and single travelers can enjoy their visit. Shares Bruce, “We participate in the Passport America discount program that offers members a 50% discount. The discounts are not available in summer. We offer AAA and AARP discounts as well.”
The fundamental reasons why RVers return to this RV park are basic. “The restrooms and laundry garner much positive feedback from guests for their cleanliness and spacious facilities. The staff is friendly and welcoming and very helpful with what to do in the area, besides riding the train to the Grand Canyon,” adds Bruce.
The train depot in Williams is the original 1908 depot so it has historical significance for the town. Besides being a tourist attraction, the train ride to the Grand Canyon is an adventure where people are educated along the way. Bruce explains the fun approach to making it a worthwhile experience for customers.
“The train ride is not just transportation. The experience features western entertainers in the morning, on the train, and on the return trip. Musicians perform in every class of service on the train both North and Southbound. Passenger Service Attendants travel in every car to assist guests with questions and provide interpretive and educational information.” There’s even a mock train robbery like in the wild west days where everyone participates.
The hotel facility on the premises of the Resort has options for visitors and RVers to use such as a gym, pool, and sauna. A free shuttle is available to these facilities, restaurants in the area, and the train depot. There are popular activities for children too with a mini climbing wall and slides, a volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.
In process are some design changes that will be made to the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. “We will be re-landscaping the park, removing red lava rock and replacing the trees” explains Bruce. As far as customers’ input and suggestions given for changes to the park, they are part of the process. “We review comment cards for positive and negative comments and use them to improve.”
For good reason, a Pet Resort is made available for everyone who uses the premises. “We offer the Pet Resort for the RV park and the hotel. We do not allow pets in the guest rooms so we needed a kennel. Cats and dogs are boarded and are kept separate from each other. Several vaccinations are required for boarding. See thetrain.com for what’s required.” The pets are well taken care of. It’s also a convenience if a day trip or dining and entertainment in the evening are on the agenda.
The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park and the hotel are made as eco-friendly as possible. Xanterra maintains the premises by adhering to excellent environmental stewardship practices and live by example.
“We strive to set a good example to guests by offering convenient recycling, using reclaimed water for landscaping, offering straws as an option rather than automatically providing them, and using low-flow shower heads and energy efficient lighting. We provide information on our initiatives and proudly display environmental awards while remaining sensitive to allowing guests to enjoy their vacation without feeling any pressure to change their behavior,” clarifies Bruce.
In addition, the Grand Canyon Railway became the first tourist railway in the US to receive ISO 14001 third-party certification of its Environmental Management System (EMS). The review process took two years, bestowing this award to Grand Canyon Railway for the development and implementation of environmental initiatives in all of its operations.
Mayor John W. Moore refers to Williams, Arizona as “a small town with a big heart and a great place to visit. Our town is set back in the 1950s but with modern facilities.” There is plenty to do in the area from attending rodeos, music events, dining at the fine restaurants, hiking, biking, and there’s even some great fishing nearby. For car enthusiasts, July is the month to see the antique car shows.
If small town hospitality, rodeos, music, and spectacular scenery with a railway theme is of interest, then the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is the place to park your RV and stay while. For history buffs and train enthusiasts, visiting Williams, Arizona will be memorable. “Steam locomotives are rolled out 9 times a year to keep that part of history alive and everything from the old time hospitality to the western entertainment, it’s just an old time feel,” shares Bruce.
For more information on the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park rates, reservations, amenities, map, highlights, and general area, click here.
Check out the popular packages on the website thetrain.com that includes: Discounts (year-round and seasonal offers); Canyon Discovery (2 night package); Canyon Discovery Plus (3 night package); AARP (members save 15% on the 2-night Canyon Explorer package); Polar Express Package (family); and Canyon Limited (2 night package).
