Where to Stay in Williams, AZ for Fall Colors and the Train
Von STaR Plus CoHost
williams azfall colorspumpkin patch trainpet friendlygrand canyon railway
If you want fall colors and the Pumpkin Patch Train in Williams, Arizona, stay downtown where you can walk to the depot. Our house, The Stay at Six•One•Four, is a 5–6 minute walk from the Grand Canyon Railway depot, with free parking behind the house. It suits couples, small families and pet owners, up to 4 guests.
Key takeaways
The train leaves from the Williams Depot, per the Grand Canyon Railway's event page. Our house sits right on the downtown strip, a 5–6 minute walk from the depot. Park behind the house once, and you can leave the car alone for the train and dinner.
Restaurants and bars along Historic Route 66 are easy to reach on foot, and Safeway is a 30-second walk away.
The Pumpkin Patch Train costs $39, and each ticketed guest gets a pumpkin, according to the railway. It goes to a patch the railway says can only be reached by rail. Haunted train cars are part of the experience, and costumes are encouraged. The ticket also gives access to seasonal depot activities, including a Harvest Maze.
The Visit Williams tourism site lists the 2026 dates as October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25. The railway's own page only says "select dates in October," so confirm on its reservation calendar. The railway says space is limited and weekends are expected to sell out, so book train tickets before you book your stay.
The tourism site says the best leaf-peeping is around Kaibab National Forest and Bill Williams Mountain, with golden aspens and colorful oaks against ponderosa pines. Late September through October is usually best, depending on weather and elevation.
Before you head out, check weather, forest, road and fire conditions, especially on unpaved routes, as the same site advises.
Here is a sample plan for a Friday-to-Sunday stay:
Fall nights in Williams can drop into the 30s and 40s, per the tourism site, with freezing conditions or an early dusting of snow possible later in the season. The house has central air and heat and a fireplace, so you come back to a warm place after the train. Pack layers.
For more ideas, see our posts on pairing wildlife and train days and beyond Route 66 outdoors.
It is an entire-place house with one bedroom and a queen bed, plus two single beds in a shared space. It sleeps 4 and has one bathroom.
This is a vibrant downtown area, not a residential neighborhood, so expect some town activity. No parties or events are allowed. If you need several bedrooms or total quiet, it is not the right fit.
Yes, with firm limits. We allow one service animal or two small dogs under 30 lbs, with no exceptions. There is a $100 nonrefundable pet fee, and an additional $50 may apply if excess pet hair, urine or feces is found. Pets stay off the furniture, and guests pick up after them.
You can book up to 240 days ahead, with a maximum stay of 30 nights. Every booking has a 24-hour cancellation grace period. After that, you get a 100% refund at 30 or more days before check-in, 50% at 7–30 days, and none under 7 days. For a last-minute fall trip, book only when your plans are firm.
To book The Stay at Six•One•Four as your base for the train, the forest and the canyon, visit The STaR Plus Collective.
Yes. The depot is a 5–6 minute walk from the house, and the Pumpkin Patch Train leaves from the Williams Depot.
Yes. The railway says space is limited on each departure and weekends are expected to sell out, so book early.
Nights can drop into the 30s and 40s, and freezing conditions or an early dusting of snow are possible later in the season, per the tourism site. Pack layers.
Yes: one service animal or two small dogs under 30 lbs, plus a $100 nonrefundable pet fee.
Photos: TX Bucksnort, Sander Moorlag, Tani Wade via Google Maps.