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"Stepping aboard the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel's steam-powered trains—like GCR No. 29 and GCR No. 4960—felt like stepping back to a quieter time as they take travelers to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. I enjoyed a theatrical “wild west shootout” at the station and cowboys who board to sing Old West songs along the route. The train departs around 9:30 a.m. and reaches the South Rim by about 11:45 a.m., giving three hours to explore the park and surrounding historic buildings before guests must reboard by 3:30 p.m. Steam Saturdays (the first Saturday of the month from March through October) and several special steam dates—March 2; April 6 and April 20 for Earth Day; May 4; June 1; July 6; Aug. 3 and Aug. 12 for Steam Engine 4960's birthday; Sept. 7 and Sept. 21 for the railway's anniversary; and Oct. 5—offer steam-powered runs. Seating ranges from Pullman Class bench seating to Coach and First with plush chairs and picture windows, up to the Observation Dome for the fullest views and the Luxury Dome or Luxury Parlor cars with private bar service and exclusive cocktails. After the ride, I could stay at the Railway Hotel, and round-trip tickets start at $70 for adults and $36 for children (thetrain.com)." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines