Grand Canyon Winter Experience by Rail

Your winter rail vacation featuring the Grand Canyon begins today as you arrive at Chicago's historic Union Station and board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for the overnight journey to Flagstaff, Arizona. Step aboard and settle into your Coach* accommodations for the night as you prepare for the afternoon departure.

Leaving the modern skyline of Chicago in the distance, the train begins its journey across Illinois. See passing scenes of the mighty Mississippi before briefly cutting through Iowa en route to Missouri. The sun sets over Heartland, and the Southwest Chief continues into and across Kansas through the night. You might like to witness these changing views and frosted scenes from the panoramic windows and comfortable seats of the Sightseer Lounge, or you could grab a meal from the Café Car before retiring for the evening. Overnight train.

*Please note: Upgrades are available to a Roomette or Bedroom on Amtrak's Southwest Chief. All meals are included in the price of your ticket and served in the Dining Car when you upgrade to one of these Sleeping Car options.

Waking on the train this morning, the Southwest Chief proceeds through the snow-covered plains of Kansas before entering southeastern Colorado. Enjoy scenes of the Purgatoire and Arkansas River Valleys, surrounded by arid terrain, before crossing into New Mexico. While this corner of the world is not as snowy or frigid as the north, wintertime offers a special touch that you can watch unfold from your window, or you could make your way up to the Sightseer Lounge for more expansive views.

The final miles of the route take you into Arizona, where the journey comes to a close this evening as the Southwest Chief pulls into the station in Flagstaff. A shuttle awaits the train and transfers you from the rail station to Williams, AZ, the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Check in for the night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, a hotel that captures the old-world ambiance of the original Fray Marcus Hotel. Overnight Williams.

With an early start this morning, enjoy breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant before walking to the railway station to board the Grand Canyon Railway. Find yourself surrounded by hidden scenes of Arizona and more than a century of history as you travel the same route as notable passengers of the past, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Standard seating is in the restored Coach car; however, upgrades are available to First Class, the Observation Dome, the Luxury Dome or Parlor Class. Your destination: the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

Upon arrival, tour buses await to take you on a Freedom Tour. This narrated motorcoach excursion visits the most scenic overlooks on the South Rim, with stops at breathtaking vista points, such as Mohave Point, Pima Point, the Abyss, and Hermits Rest, all given a fresh look under winter's touch. Should you wish to include lunch with your excursion, you can upgrade to the Grand Tour at a supplement.

After, you are taken to the historic Maswik Lodge, where you check in for two nights. Overnight Grand Canyon Village.

• Breakfast

A full free day lies ahead, allowing you to get further acquainted with the Grand Canyon however you please. If the winter breezes keep you inside, there are several historical buildings well worth visiting, including Buckey O'Neill's Cabin, the longest continuously standing structure on the South Rim, and Bright Angel Lodge, which has a museum honoring Fred Harvey, a prominent figure in popularizing the Grand Canyon.

You could opt to visit Mary Colter's Lookout Studio and Hopi House, the Geology Museum at Yavapai Point or the Visitor Center. Snow and ice permitting, free shuttles travel between the South Rim's most popular sites throughout the day, making it easy to explore.

If you would like to take another look at the grandeur presented on yesterday's tour, you could wander around the South Rim's paths, perhaps keeping an eye out for winter wildlife like mule deer, elk and Bald eagles. Overnight Grand Canyon Village.

The morning is yours to continue exploring the Grand Canyon at your leisure. While vividly hued and ever-impressive in its natural grandeur, the Grand Canyon is like another world in the winter - especially if you happen to visit when it snows. With fewer tour buses and crowds, you can get the best views as you wander around the South Rim Trail or revisit favorite lookouts from the tour.

You might like to have lunch on your own at Grand Canyon Village before making your way to the station to reboard the Grand Canyon Railway for its journey back to Williams. On arrival, check back into the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel with some time to relax or explore the local history before dinner in the hotel's restaurant this evening. Overnight Williams.

• Dinner

America brims with natural beauty, some of which has been revealed on this rail journey to the mesmerizing Grand Canyon. Passing scenes of the Midwest transformed into the arid terrain of southern Colorado and New Mexico, with each region showing its unique interpretation of winter. The impressive views continued as the Southwest Chief proceeded west toward your destination: Arizona. Your time here included stays in the old railway town of Williams and a memorable visit to the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site and worldly wonder.

Your journey draws to a close this morning. Enjoy some free time to continue exploring Williams before joining an included transfer to Flagstaff's airport. Transfers can accommodate flights departing after 1:45 p.m.

Should you wish to return to Chicago by rail, speak to a Rail Specialist about adding a return journey on Amtrak's Southwest Chief.