Exploring Arizona by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Near the northern edge of Arizona, just a couple of hours north of Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon Railway offers an unforgettable way to experience one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Departing from the historic town of Williams, this classic train journey retraces a route first laid down in the early 1900s, winding through ponderosa pine forests and across the rolling Kaibab Plateau. As the train chugs along, passengers can relax in vintage cars, soaking in views that gradually reveal the vast, colorful expanse of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Arriving in the Grand Canyon Village, visitors can disembark and explore the Rim Trail or scout out favorite viewpoints like Mather Point. The charm of the railway lies in its nostalgic atmosphere, where the rhythm of the wheels and the whistle’s call evoke early 20th-century travel, making it a unique complement to the already awe-inspiring canyon experience. Spring and fall are ideal times for this journey—the cooler temperatures make for comfortable train rides and more pleasant canyon walks.
Traveling south, just outside the bustling city of Phoenix, Taliesin West in Scottsdale invites visitors to glide along on a very different kind of voyage—the architectural kind. While not a boat or a balloon, the experience here captures the spirit of exploration and discovery embodied by Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert about 25 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix, Taliesin West offers guided tours that navigate Wright’s innovative desert designs, including angular walls crafted from local stone and expansive glass that frames the desert landscape like a living canvas. The tours also include a detailed look at Wright’s drafting room and gardens, where cacti and desert blooms thrive. Although this site doesn’t involve a literal watercraft, its design philosophy mirrors the fluidity and movement found in travel by train or balloon—blurring indoor and outdoor spaces. Winter and early spring visits here are especially rewarding, as the desert blooms and the light plays across the structures in ways that can be mesmerizing.
A couple of hours south, near the town of Lake Havasu City, the waters of the Colorado River invite a more aquatic adventure. Lake Havasu, a large reservoir at the border of Arizona and California, is famous not just for its crystal blue waters but also as the home of the London Bridge, which was famously relocated here from England. Boating on Lake Havasu is a vibrant pastime, with options ranging from leisurely pontoon rides to speeding across the waves in jet skis. The lake is framed by rugged red rock cliffs and desert vegetation, offering a stark contrast of colors that sparkle in the sunlight. Boat tours often take visitors up the river channel, where the cliffs narrow and the landscape feels more remote. Evening cruises are particularly magical, as the setting sun ignites the canyon walls in fiery hues. The summer months bring hot temperatures perfect for cooling off on the water, but spring and fall offer more moderate weather and fewer crowds.
For a truly airborne perspective, the town of Sedona, about two hours north of Phoenix, is renowned for its spectacular hot air balloon flights over the red rock formations that define the region. Launching in the early morning, these balloon rides lift passengers gently above landmarks like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, revealing swirling patterns of layered sandstone and the vast canyons that stretch toward the horizon. The balloons drift silently with the breeze, offering a peaceful vantage point that no other mode of travel can match. The views are especially enchanting at sunrise, when the desert landscape glows with soft pastel light and shadows cast by the towering monoliths create a dramatic interplay of light and dark. Sedona’s unique combination of geology and clear desert skies makes it one of the best places in the state for ballooning.
Further east, near the border with New Mexico, the town of Winslow offers a different kind of historic train travel experience on the famous Route 66 corridor. Though not directly on the Grand Canyon route, Winslow’s La Posada Hotel serves as both a museum and active railroad station, harkening back to the golden age of train travel in the Southwest. Built in the 1930s by railroad magnate Fred Harvey and designed by architect Mary Colter, the hotel’s Art Deco style and lush gardens provide a glimpse into the past. Visitors can stroll the grounds or visit the Turquoise Room restaurant, known for its regional cuisine made with local ingredients. Trains still roll through here, and the nearby Winslow Amtrak Station stands as a symbol of the ongoing legacy of rail travel through Arizona’s diverse landscapes. Spring and fall are perfect seasons to visit, when the desert air is crisp and comfortable for exploring the historic district.
In the southwestern corner of the state, near the city of Yuma, the Colorado River again becomes a conduit for adventure, this time at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. While the park itself preserves the cells and stories of Arizona’s frontier justice era, it sits close to the river where boat tours and kayaking adventures highlight the rich riparian ecosystem. Visitors who want to combine history with nature can paddle along the river’s edge, spotting native birds and desert flora that thrive in this arid environment. The juxtaposition of the harsh prison grounds and the vibrant life along the river makes this a striking place to contemplate Arizona’s layered past and present. Winter is the best time to visit here, as summer temperatures can soar beyond comfortable limits.
Finally, the Verde Canyon Railroad near Clarkdale, roughly two hours north of Phoenix, offers another immersive train ride through Arizona’s scenic wilderness. This heritage railway runs along the Verde River, passing through red rock cliffs, lush riparian valleys, and historic mining sites. The route is about 20 miles one way, winding through tunnels and over trestle bridges that reveal panoramic views of the surrounding Coconino National Forest. The train cars feature large windows for photography and narration that describes the geology, flora, and wildlife unique to the region. Fall is a spectacular season to ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, as the cottonwoods and maples along the river turn vivid shades of gold and red against the evergreen pines. This journey blends natural beauty with a touch of Old West charm, making it a memorable way to experience Arizona’s diverse landscapes by rail.