Grand Canyon Railway among best scenic train rides in the world

PHOENIX — In a list ranking the most scenic train rides available in the world, Arizona’s own Grand Canyon Railway came in at No. 7.

That seventh place was the final spot on the short list put forth by Tasting Table, of all places, a food and dining online magazine. But it’s nonetheless a sign that the railway is gaining attention.

“Skip the line to the Grand Canyon and opt instead for this VIP experience, which passes by Native American reservations and the San Francisco Peaks,” they wrote. “Take binoculars and keep an eye out for native wildlife like elk, mountain lions, mule deer and bald eagles.

“The best part is the 65-mile trip takes a little more than two hours each way—the perfect day trip if your vacation days are running low.”

The Grand Canyon Railway begins in Williams, Ariz. and goes 65 miles north to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Williams is less than three hours away from Phoenix by car, so it is indeed a reasonable day-trip destination — especially if you look to escape the heat.

Train rides finishing ahead of the Grand Canyon Railway on the list included Southern Africa’s Shongololo Express and the United States’ Amtrak Coast Starlight.

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