Verde Canyon Railroad

November 19 (Sunday)

Off on a train ride today. The Verde Canyon Railroad takes you up into the Verde River valley about 17 miles (approx. 28 KM). The train stops at Perkinsville, the engine disconnects and heads back on a siding to the tail end of the train, hooks up and we head back down the same track back to Clarkdale. Even though you go over the same path back, with changing light conditions and viewing the scenery from a different angle it's like seeing a new scene as you travel.

Our coach

Our observation car

The power units. Oldies but goodies. General Motors FP7 locomotives built in 1953 for Alaska Railroad.

Leaving the station

Slag pile from the old copper smelter outside of town

The Verde River that we follow for much of the way.

A Bald Eagle dining on a fish

Can you spot the turtle?

Two eagles soaring above the cliffs

Our stopping point at Perkinsville. An old cattle loading facility.

Our engine swapping ends on the train.

Some curious birds watching us

Heading back. Engines pulling the caboose

Entering the tunnel

The late afternoon sun gave golden hues to the rocks

Four Javelinas in the grass. Center of the picture. They look like rocks.

Sinaguan ruins just outside the station

The train leaves about 1 PM and gets back around 5 PM, so for the money ($65 each) it was a very worthwhile ride and a great way to spend the afternoon. The only distractions were the very vocal passengers explaining their life stories to others that could care less. Why pay for a train trip if you don't intend to watch the views. Needless to say we tried to be out on the observation car as much as possible. Happens everywhere I guess. :-(

That was Our View From Here......