Two famous American railways are running again

Two famous trains have pulled out of the station just in time for spring and summer vacations. Both have launched unique ride and stay packages which are perfect for families, couples, and adventurists looking to dip their toes back into travel in 2021.

Pikes Peak

At The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, America’s highest railway reaching a height of 14,115 feet, is back and will be better than ever climbin’ up America’s Mountain beginning May 2021. This iconic railway (one of only two cog railways in the U.S.) and the view from the summit is where “America The Beautiful” was inspired. The Railway reopens in May after a three-year, $100 million rebuild and renovation of its tracks, cogs, railcars, and depot to create a new and improved journey to the summit.

Originally built in 1891 and owned and operated by The Broadmoor since 1925, this historic railway is the highest railroad in America, the highest cog railway in the world, one of Colorado’s top attractions, and one of the nation’s most unique experiences. For visitors who would like even more adventure, hiking, biking, and new trail experiences are available. Guests may forgo the round-trip train experience and hike up to Pikes Peak on the 13-mile Barr Trail and ride the train down or take the Cog up and bike down the 19.5-mile downhill adventure from the summit on a guided excursion.

A Ride & Stay package is also available via The Broadmoor, a luxury Forbes Five Star/AAA Five Diamond property, that includes accommodations and train tickets.

Grand Canyon

Meanwhile, the Grand Canyon Railway (EX AT&SF) has been taking passengers to the Historic Village at the South Rim of Grand Canyon since 1901. The Grand Canyon Railway runs daily from Williams, AZ on historic Rt. 66 to within steps of the Grand Canyon South Rim and El Tovar. The pristine train, comprised of railcars from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, including luxury observation dome cars and an open platform parlor car, as well as vintage coaches with opening windows, departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m. with a 3.5-hour layover at South Rim of Grand Canyon. Assigned seating enables social distancing.

Williams is only a 2.5-hour drive, give or take, from Phoenix, 3.5 hours from Las Vegas and 6.5 hours from Los Angeles.

You can save 30% on train tickets when you book the 1 or 2-night Summer Getaway Package at The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. More information on how to book and other ways to save can be found here.

The Railway runs steam engines on the first Saturday of every month from May through September to the delight of rail fans. It’s a rare sight to see and hear a steam engine pulling a passenger train in the United States.

Visit thetrain.com or call 800-843-8724 for updated and current information on both the hotel and the train.

Information courtesy of Rene Mack, rmack@percepture.com for Maritou Cog Railway and Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. Photos from free sources