We rode this train for the second time in 4 years in October 2018. We chose the special "Ales on Rails" local Arizona microbrewery trip this time; and we chose 1st Class accommodations both times. This wonderful day began with a 2-hour AZ microbrewery tasting event in the station plaza. Several local brew tastes from around the state were available for sampling. In addition, for a small fee, special "Ales on Rails" pint beer glasses were available (very nice). After boarding the train for our 4-hour afternoon ride, most of the local beers that we had previously sampled were available for sale in our train car (as well as most any other wine or spirit drink you may desire), along with complimentary sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheese & crackers, delicious cookies and bottled water. Seating in 1st Class is very comfortable and much less crowded than in Coach class, and I highly recommend it. The great complimentary food, spacious non-crowded comfortable surroundings, and access to a bar directly in your personal car definitely makes 1st Class worth the reasonable extra price in my opinion. In addition, you also get direct access to your own personal car-group tour guide and adjacent open gondola car for outdoor standing or bench-sitting to view the beautiful scenery in the fabulous fresh open air if you wish. On this most recent trip, we spent much of our time outside, as it was picture perfect, shirt sleeve weather. On our first trip 4 years ago, we ran into a cold downpour thunderstorm back in the canyon and spent more of our time inside looking out the nice large windows. Either way is great, but when the weather is nice, there is nothing better than to get a plate of your favorite food and a delicious bar drink and stand along the railing of the open gondola car and take it all in.