Using recycled vegetable oil from Xanterra kitchens, the railway delivers a memorable ride on a Western relic.
“The Grand Canyon Railway steam train is one of those truly special experiences that captures everything people love about the American West,” said Xanterra President and CEO Andrew Todd. “This year we’re celebrating an incredible milestone—125 years since that first train pulled into the Grand Canyon South Rim depot on Sept. 17, 1901. We’re proud to be the stewards of that legacy and to keep connecting people to one of the world’s great natural wonders.”
Operating two vintage steam locomotives – Locomotive #4960 and Locomotive #29 – Xanterra is offering expanded departures, new onboard amenities, in-cabin educational programming and an extended schedule.
“This is an iconic piece of the West that is preserving history,” said Xanterra Community Relations Manager Sam Langner. “The steam train brings our guests comfortably and reliably to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and passes through the Kaibab Forest and open plains near Valle. It’s a step back in time.”
GCR steam trains will be making their trek to the Grand Canyon about twice a month through October, adding to the fleet of diesel-powered locomotives greeting passengers during the busy tourism season. Approximately 225,000 passengers travel on the GCR trains annually.
Steam Locomotive #4960 weighs 310 tons and is 94 feet long, said Chief Mechanical Officer Eric Hadder. “It was built in 1923 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. GCR purchased it in 1989. It was then sent to us in parts by train. The wheels came by truck. Restoration took several years and cost about $1.6 million. It made its debut in 1996.” The mechanical facility is located in Williams.
In line with Xanterra Travel Collections’ environmental and sustainable strategies, the engine uses recycled vegetable oil for fuel from the Xanterra restaurants in Williams and the Grand Canyon.
Locomotive Manager Jesse Clark says he feels very lucky to be able to operate such a historic piece of technology. “When I see all the smiling faces looking at the locomotive, I have a sense of pride in being able to take care of this amazing machine, and I’m thankful of all the people that came before me so that we can enjoy it today.” Clark has worked for GCR for 24 years.
The new onboard enhancements include storytelling through the Railway Heritage Artifacts, a hands-on kit used by passenger service attendants to bring the railway’s history to life. Items such as a railroad spike and timetables will be used to make the experience more interactive and memorable.
“The coach cars will now feature new interior graphics depicting the Grand Canyon, adding visual immersion throughout the trip,” said Xanterra Travel Collections Sales and Marketing Regional Director Jim Stallmack.
Photographer and Grand Canyon School teacher John Segesta says the train whistle helps him stay on schedule. “It’s a reminder that the 3:30 departure is near and it’s the whistle that allows me to grab my favorite table at the same time every day at El Tovar.”
Xanterra Travel Collections is dedicated to preserving the pristine environment of the Grand Canyon and is a founding contributor to the Grand Canyon National Park Foundation. It has been estimated that the South Rim trains reduce automobile traffic to the Grand Canyon by 55,000 to 60,000 cars a year. FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
For reservations, call 800-843-8724.
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: The steam trains are scheduled to carry passengers to the Grand Canyon South Rim about twice a month through October.
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