Crossing the Bridge: The Verde Canyon Railroad takes passengers from Clarkdale, Ariz. to Perkinsville, Ariz. through the beautiful desert landscape. During the journey the train passes over several bridges as well as a tunnel as it moves through the canyon. Shown is the train as it crosses a trestle bridge. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Panoramic Views: In many areas along the route passengers can view open panoramic vistas. Shown is a view as the train chugs across an open area before entering Verde Canyon. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
By GARY WARREN
Photographer
Formerly of Los Alamos
During our recent trip to Arizona we set aside a day to ride the Verde Canyon Railroad. The “out and back” route for this excursion started in Clarkdale, Ariz. and took us across the wild western landscape and through Verde Canyon before ending the route at Perkinsville, Ariz. After a brief stop the train returns to Clarkdale via the same route.
The tracks that the Verde Canyon Railroad takes were constructed more than 100 years ago to service the mining industry in the area. Copper mining was prevalent throughout this region of Arizona in the1800s through the mid1900s. A copper smelter was located in Clarkdale and the train was used to transport copper from the mines to the smelter.
Today, vintage diesel locomotives power the renovated train cars across the same tracks as the miners used. The vintage locomotives are EMD FP7s 1510 and 1512. The locomotives are totally restored mechanically and painted before being put into use by the Verde Canyon Railroad.
The passenger cars are luxurious, climate controlled cars with very convertible seating and large windows on each side for viewing the sites along the way. Each car is equipped with a bar which sold drinks and snacks as well a restroom on each for passenger convenience.
In addition to an assigned seat there are open air cars spaced among the passenger cars to allow riders to get a better view of the magnificent landscape. The open air cars allow passengers to stand by the railing on either side or sit on outdoor seats which are located in the center of the outdoor cars. The open air cars also have a canopy over much of the car for shade in warmer weather. These open air cars provide the best views as you can see in any direction as the train rumbles down the track.
Once passengers have boarded the car attendant (each car has its own attendant) hands out complimentary snack boxes containing fruits, cheeses and crackers and other snacks as well as a bottle of water. Passengers also receive a small bottle of champagne (or apple juice) for a toast once the train begins the journey.
The car attendants also provide narration along the route of any points of interest, wildlife sightings, as well as historical stories relating to the train or the mining days in the region all along the route. The attendant is also available to answer any questions one may have while on the journey.
The train ride is 20 miles each direction and takes about four hours as it chugs through the canyon at about 12 miles per hour. Along the route the train passes over several bridges and through a tunnel that is 734 feet long as it follows the Verde River through Verde Canyon. Passengers may see open vistas and panoramic views of the southwestern landscape one minute or they may be hugging the canyon walls as the train makes its way through the canyon the next minute. The views are varied and remarkable throughout the journey.
The train station in Clarkdale is spacious and offers many amenities for passengers before and after the train ride. The Copper Spike Cafe in the stations provides drinks and lunch items for purchase. The gift shop offers shirts, caps, etc. and a variety of train related items for sale for passengers of all ages. There is also a large outdoor patio with tables for passengers to use while they wait for departure.
Also at the station located in a restored box car is the John Bell Museum. The museum is filled with artifacts, mementos, photos, and information panels which feature mining life and the railroad from more than 100 years ago.
Clarkdale is near Cottonwood, Ariz. and only a few minutes south of Sedona, Ariz. We have been in this area numerous times over the years but this was our first journey on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The train runs year-round and we will definitely be back again.
Editor’s note: Longtime Los Alamos photographer Gary Warren and his wife Marilyn are traveling around the country, and he shares his photographs, which appear in the “Posts from the Road” series published in the Sunday edition of the Los Alamos Daily Post.
Desert Canyon: Spectacular views can be seen around every curve as the Verde Canyon Railroad rumbles along the tracks through Verde Canyon. The route starts at about 3,500 feet in elevation but the train gains almost 1,500 feet as it travels through Verde Canyon. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Passenger Car: Passengers on the Verde Canyon Railroad can view the scenery in comfort out of the spacious windows on each side of the passenger cars. The cars are nicely decorated, comfortable, and feature a bar serving drinks and snacks as well as a restroom in each car. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Open Car: Spaced throughout the train are open air cars for passengers to use as they enjoy the views along the route. Passengers can move about from their assigned passenger car to the nearby open air car. The open air cars all have a canopy for shade and outdoor seating for passenger comfort. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Canyon Views: The Verde Canyon Railroad travels across open vistas before entering Verde Canyon. Shown is the train as it hugs a canyon wall on one side with canyon views from the other side of the car. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Truss Bridge: There are multiple bridges that the Verde Canyon Railroad crosses on its daily journey. Shown is the locomotives as they begin to cross a truss bridge along the route. Notice the nicely painted locomotives with the American bald eagle on each side. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
