The Grand Canyon with Fido in tow

by Claudine J. Randazzo of FIDO Friendly Magazine

Stalwart RVers are always keeping their ears open for the next "best-kept secret" location, especially those who travel with their four-pawed companions. The Railside RV Ranch definitely qualifies as one of the best-kept secrets of the West. Located in Williams, Arizona, this RV resort is 60 miles from the Grand Canyon, and it offers not only Fido fun, but also the most convenient and interesting ways to see this great wonder of the world--either by train or helicopter.

The resort is situated along the railroad route that leads up to the Grand Canyon. The resort rests at the base of a mountain and offers those quintessential sweeping views associated with the West. At 6,700 feet elevation, Williams is a truly historic mountain town, founded in 1880 by famous trapper and mountain man Old Bill Williams. It is also located along nostalgic Route 66, so the town offers a fluid blend of Old West and retro-America.

Railside RV Ranch offers a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a pet wash , a walking path, a courtesy shuttle and outdoor movies in the summertime. When it comes to dogs, the website explains that "we feel your pets are part of your family." One of the best things about the resort is that it offers personal pet sitting, so you can be free to head up to the Grand Canyon for the day. Tammara Dora, the co-owner, or one of her attentive staff will visit Fido, take him for a walk and make sure he has water and is safe and comfortable while you are off exploring.

The Grand Canyon Railway is just a hop, skip and a jump from the resort, and trains travel up to the canyon daily. And it's not just a train ride; the excursion includes food and drinks, various entertainers who travel from car to car and an exciting, old-fashioned train robbery on the trip home. The train delivers passengers right to the Grand Canyon Village, where a short walk leads to the canyon's rim and the myriad restaurants and shops available there. The other exhilarating option for seeing the canyon is by helicopter, through Air Grand Canyon. So wave goodbye to the RV and Fido, leave the driving to the train conductor or the pilot, and have fun viewing the canyon without having to battle for parking.

Back at the ranch, the common area offers a corral with fireplaces, picnic tables and barbecue grills. The weather is not typical desert Arizona, so you will be able to sit outside comfortably (bug-free) most months of the year under a clear blue sky during the day and a blanket of unending stars at night.

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