GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, June 10, 2008 – For the first time, visitors to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are able to board a train tour originating inside the park. The Grand Canyon Railway began offering the Coconino Canyon Train today.

The 90-minute roundtrip train ride begins at the Grand Canyon Depot – celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year – and travels 24 miles roundtrip on track that runs through a portion of the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world. After a brief layover at the Imbleau Station, a former railway section house, the train makes the return journey to Grand Canyon National Park. Pre-recorded narration provides travelers with information about the stunning Southwestern geography as well as landmarks commemorating historic events along the way.

Offered daily through Sept. 1, 2008, the Coconino Canyon Train departs from the Grand Canyon Depot at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The trip is priced at $35 for adults and $20 for children two through 12. Children under the age of two ride free. Snacks and beverages, including sodas, beer and wine, are available for purchase.

“This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to the Grand Canyon – especially those with limited time – to experience travel the way Grand Canyon visitors did 100 years ago, but in considerably more comfort,” said Gordon Taylor, regional general manager for Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. and the Grand Canyon Railway.

The railway line along which the Coconino Canyon Train travels was built in the late 1800s with the original purpose of transporting ore from nearby mines to Williams, Ariz. where the Grand Canyon Railway is now located. The Santa Fe Railway funded completion of the line to the Grand Canyon, and the first tourist ride was offered in 1901. At $3.95 per person for the trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon, the railway trip was considerably less expensive, faster and more comfortable than the only other mode of transportation – a roundtrip stagecoach ride priced at $15 per person. The Grand Canyon Railway carried travelers to the park until 1968, when the popularity of travel by car led to dramatically reduced ridership that forced the train to discontinue operations. The train began once again providing rides to the Grand Canyon in 1989.

“Entire generations have not had a chance to experience the thrill and romance of train travel, and we think this short ride is going to be a perfect introduction for those travelers,” said Taylor. “And for those of us who already know what it is like to relax comfortably in a historic car while passing through a rugged Southwestern landscape, this ride will simply be a memorable and very special treat.”

Reservations for the Coconino Train trip can be made by calling (1) 888-297-2757 or (1) 303-297-2757 from outside the United States, or in the park by stopping at any transportation desk – located in Maswik, Yavapai and Bright Angel lodges – or the Grand Canyon Depot. Reservations for lodge rooms at the South Rim can be made can made by calling the reservations numbers above as well as by visiting www.grandcanyonlodges.com. More information about Grand Canyon National Park can be obtained at www.nps.gov/grca or (1) 928-638-7888.