Monday, May 25, 2015

The Grand Canyon



We stayed at...
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
601 W. Franklin Ave.
Williams, AZ 86046
1-800-843-8724
















The amenities include…
Full hookups
Wide spacious sites
Wi-Fi (could not stay connected)
Laundry
Large clean showers
Large barbecue area
Basketball
Volleyball
Horse shoes
Playground
(The office and playground are across the street)

The RV park is walking distance to downtown Williams Arizona. You'll be able to find restaurants, bars and gift shops with a cowboy feel.

The main attraction in Williams Arizona is the Grand Canyon. One of the options for getting there is the Grand Canyon Train. The other is to drive. Both have their advantages. The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is across the street from the train station. It is expensive but looks like fun and I was told that they do have accommodations for wheelchair users. Taking the train allows you to sight see and enjoy. The train will take you on a scenic tour up to the South Rim. You will then be able to wander and explore on your own. The main area is accessible to wheelchairs with plenty of scenic view points. Beyond that the trail would be difficult for wheelchair users. The other option is to drive, which is what we chose, because we did not think our 15 year old dog would enjoy having to stay in the RV Parks kennel. It's an easy drive from the RV park to The Grand Canyon. The trip is less than an hour. If you have a disabled placard you will be given an access code and will be able to drive through an area that is otherwise only accessible by hiking or taking the bus. The bus is free but I am not sure if it is wheelchair accessible. Along the way you will find plenty of handicap accessible spots to pullover and easy walking trails to check out. Don't be surprised if you end up with 2000 pictures before you're done. The main visitor center is very accessible. The area is completely paved and relatively flat. You can learn the history, do souvenir shopping and have lunch.  Arrive early, especially when school is out or on the weekend. There is a lot to see!











However you choose to get to the Grand Canyon, make sure you catch The Wild West show. The show is early in the morning before the train leaves the station.

When you get to the park entrance ask the Ranger about the AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL - ACCESS PASS. It is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free. The cost of the annual pass is $80 but it is $10 for US seniors and free for military and US citizens with permanent disabilities.

On our way out we were stopped by one of the residents.

2 comments:

  1. Just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying your blog. I'm relatively new to a wheelchair, but my husband and I have been rving it for the past 17 years. We're currently trying to make a toy hauler work but have recently been investigating the Discovery so appreciated your detailed info on what's worked for you. Thanks for blogging and encouraging the camping life even with physical challenges! ~sheri

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sheri-
      Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate the feedback. I try to include as much helpful information as I can , but I am truly NOT a camper. However, I am loving what my husband and I have stumbled into.

      I ended up with that model Discovery because of its floor plan. I needed a place to stick my wheelchair lift. The lift could not go into a slide-out and most motorhomes would not work. The only thing lost was the spot for the love seat.

      Good luck with your travels,
      Laura

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