As the transcontinental railroad was completed and train travel exploded onto the American frontier, the Santa Fe Railroad Company extended an interior rail to the Grand Canyon in 1901. Prior to the completion of this spur, travelers to the Grand Canyon arrived by stagecoach. The El Tovar Hotel originated as just a sparkle in the eyes of the Santa Fe Railroad partnered with the Fred Harvey Company, as a destination resort. The accommodations between the east and west coasts were somewhat primitive which begged for the El Tovar Hotel’s creation in 1905 to provide a luxurious experience for the Santa Fe Railway travelers. This focus led to the Grand Canyon evolving from a forest reserve into a national monument in 1908 and eventually a national park in 1919. In this year, 1919, there were over 44,000 visitors to Grand Canyon National Park. Today the Grand Canyon receives more than 5 million visitors each year.
El Tovar Lodge, Grand Canyon circa 1908 from Haines Photo Co. Courtesey of the Library of Congress: Prints and Photographs: Panoramic Photographs: LC-USZ62-97315
The El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of the mighty Grand Canyon is an historical landmark as well as a top Grand Canyon vacation destination. As one of the first national park styled lodges built over 100 years ago, the El Tovar Hotel helped pave the way for a legacy of grand and rustic national park lodges around the country. This iconic Grand Canyon National Park lodge is situated just 20 short feet from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. This makes the El Tovar Hotel a breathtaking place to experience the glory of the Grand Canyon.
The El Tovar was also a trendsetter for the famed Grand Canyon activity of riding mules down the Bright Angel Trail, which was vigorously promoted by the Fred Harvey Company via the El Tovar. These new trails were built upon the paths of the Native Americans who traveled it long before the days of the El Tovar. In 1922, the Fred Harvey Company finished the construction of the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. This addition made it possible to offer the utmost in service, even at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
This iconic national park hotel is still a luxurious hotel with attention to service and detail, even 100 years later. For visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, staying at El Tovar will make all the difference. For those who miss it, they are truly missing an historical and grand experience.
