In the years 1895-1896 the Tusayan Development Company of New York became interested in a group of copper mines located at no great distance from the head of the Bright Angel Trail. The promoter of the proposition was Bucky O'Neil, a prominent Arizona citizen, since made world-famous by his tragic death, when charging with the Rough Riders at the assault on San Jaun. The New York company expended considerable money in developing and opening up the mines, and also interested other people with them in the work. As the Bright Angel Trail and Indian Gardens were near to mines, the capitalists soon became interested in the Grand Canyon from the scenic standpoint, and, foreseeing the never ending attraction it would provide transcontinental tourists when made easily accessible, they secured control of the trail, and made negotiations and petitons which eventuated in their securing from Congress a grant for a railway through the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve. This railway is now built.

Grand Canyon Railway Route from Williams

The mining company had already erected a large smelting plant at Williams, and it is from this point that the railway starts. Striking due north, it passes over the masses of "malapais" until, when four miles out, it crosses one of the upper reaches of Havasu (Cataract) Creek. If the rains are just over, the whole country will be one mass of green and gorgeously beautiful wild flowers, with possibly here and there a healthful and interesting band of sheep. At other times the country may look rocky and barren, or be covered with a mantle of snow.

After crossing Havasu, the railway enters the cedars and junipers, passes Red Lake, - a volcanic sink-hole, which, at rare intervals, is filled with water,- and for ten or a dozen miles is in a series of charming parks where bands of deer and antelope are often seen.

All along the way glimpses and fine full views are being presented of the majestic San Fransisco, Kendricks, and Stigreaves Mountains, while Williams Mountain, with its seven wooded and rounded peaks, appears to grow larger the farther away we travel.

Grand Canyon Railway Route near Valle

Twenty-nine miles out, near the station of Valle, is the big bridge, some fifty feet high and three hundred feet long, over a branch of the Spring Valley Wash; and here Red Butte becomes a prominent landmark to the right. This is known to the Havasupai Indians as Hue-ga-da-wi'-za, or the "Mountain of the Clenched Fist." It is upon this butte that a small fragment of the rich red of the Permian sandstone that once covered the whole Grand Canyon region is to be found;and when this is brilliantly illuminated by the unrestained Arizona sunlight, it eloquently explains why Red Butte for so long has been regarded as a prominent landmark of this portion of the painted desert.

For here the great plateau, stretching away to east and west, and once, undoubtedly, a portion of the vast Eocene Lake, is a part of that Mysterious, unbounding, and alluring Painted Desert, the colors of which, seen under proper conditions, bewilder with their intensity while they attract by their richness.

Interesting stories might be told of Red Butte and its region. The Havasupais have a tradition that many years ago a large spring of water flowed from near its base, but that in a great convulsion of nature, which changed the current of the waters of Havasu (Cataract) Creek, the spring disappeared, and has never since been seen. The presence of a number of quaking aspens in the region, however, is reasonable indication that water is still there.

Crossing the Red Horse Wash, known to the Havasupais as Ha-i-ga-sa-jul'-ga, the line reaches Anita Junction. Here a spur three miles long connects the main line with the copper mines of the Anita, Cardenas, Nyack, and Five Friend companies. The grade of the spur has been so engineered that the loaded cars of ore from the mines are brought down by gravity. [The Grand Canyon Railway route doesn't take the spur to the mines.]

Grand Canyon Railway Route from Anita Junction

Soon after leaving Anita Junction, the railway enters a most beautiful country of pine and juniper, a stately prelude to the majesties and grandeurs of the Kohonino (Coconini) Forest. Here it seems as if one were suddenly transported to England, and were passing through a succession of landed estates, without, however, finding the accompanying mansions. Aisles of stately trees, nature planted and grown, yet as perfectly inline as if set with mathematical precision, lead the eye into open glades where deer and antelope move to and fro, and one looks instinctively for the bold facade of an historic dwelling, or the battlemented towers of some romantic castle.

Grand Canyon Railway Route - Final Section

Now, bearing off in a westerly direction, the railway leaves the Coconino Wash, and follows a pleasant little valley until within about two miles of Ha-ha-wai-i-tha-qual-ga, a natural well of clear, cold spring water, which is never dry, winter or summer. This well is reached up a well-wooded and picturesque "wash", and from thence, four miles through the forest, the enchanted passenger is landed at the El Tovar Hotel.

The entire length of the Grand Canyon Railway route is sixty-five miles, and so easy is the grade that nowhere does it exceed 3%.

END

The Grand Canyon Railway route hasn't been changed in over 100 years, though now you'll find a highway next to the tracks, and probably less wildlife. I hope you've found this old description helpful. Enjoy your visit to the Canyon! Here is the official website for the Grand Canyon Railway:

Grand Canyon Railway Route