Our trip west included a four hour ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad over a historic route from the town of Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back. Clarkdale is a city that was planned and created by William A. Clark for easier access during the boom days of the Jerome copper mines.
Today the Verde Canyon RR offers a stress free wilderness adventure they say is “Arizona’s longest running nature show…railroad style.” It is a historic ribbon of rails between two national forests and adjacent to a national wilderness area following the upper Verde River.
Our renovated passenger car was an old fashioned Pullman with living room style seating and panoramic windows. Champagne was served upon departure and lots of snacks too. Between the champagne and the rocking of the train, I may have been too tipsy to get good photo shots but the opportunities were certainly there.
The real show stoppers on this unique ride through “Arizona’s other Grand Canyon” are the fascinating geology and remnants of mining history, towering cliffs, and spectacular views of the Verde River. And oh yes, there are Sinagua Indian ruins along the way that date back to 600 B.C.
In the mood for an old fashioned train ride that will definitely take you back in time? Check out the Verde Canyon Railroad!
What a great way to see the canyon. Thanks for sharing your awesome photos, Dor!
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Than YOU Jill for your sweet encouragement.
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I see I could return to Arizona time and again and not see all it has to offer. Fun tour, Dor!
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what fun & how lovely!
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Yes I am with you Dora.!…well wish I was !! Great photo’s I have been looking forward to seeing. The Upper Verde river is enchanting and I would love seeing the Indian ruins. Are you going anywhere near the Mese Verda Ancient Native American homes. There is a spectacular archaeological site there. If you are, please please take some photo’s. Thanks for keeping in touch while you are travelling.
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We love trains! I did not know about this one. Thanks for taking us along – great shots!
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I love train travel and what a great way to see the sights in comfort. Rugged scenery there, I like seeing the cacti and desert shrubbery. Champagne? That definitely adds to the pleasure!
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It was a grand experience and there is something infinitely appealing about traveling by train – even it is even for a mere four hours through the wilderness. 🙂
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This little trip made me want to take a real vacation – by train. I can see why you love them coastalcrone. 🙂
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Actually Rita, I am back home and writing of my experiences from my comfy little corner desk. So there is no opportunity to visit the archaeological site you mention. I would have loved to do that though. ~Dor
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Well, maybe next time Dora. !!
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This looks like a good way to see the terrain – those comfortable seats would put me to sleep!
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I was too busy trying to get photos without falling, but those seats were definitely comfy. 🙂
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Trains are one of my favorite modes of transportation. The seat backs don’t look very supportive in the photo. Was it a comfortable ride?
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The seats were ultra comfortable, especially after the champagne. 🙂
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