Historic Western Rail Trip Opened to Public

A unique train trip this month between Los Angeles and Williams, Ariz., is being opened to the public by the National Railway Historical Society.

Al Richmond, historian for the Grand Canyon chapter of the private, nonprofit group, said the train was originally a members-only charter for transport to the annual convention in Williams. But it was opened to nonmembers to help pay for escalating liability insurance premiums, which Richmond attributed to post-Sept. 11 increases.

One-way fares start at $370 per person coach, double occupancy, plus a $50 registration fee; meals and hotel stays are included.

The outbound trip from Los Angeles, Aug. 19 and 20 with one night in Laughlin, Nev., uses a 75-year-old steam engine and 1940s and ‘50s vintage cars. The return trip from Williams is Aug. 25 and 26 with one night in Parker, Ariz., and includes the so-called Peavine stretch from Ash Fork, Ariz., to Phoenix, usually traveled only by freight trains, Richmond said. (928) 635-4960, www.canyonrails2002.com.