Court Yard and East End of Verde Valley RR Terminal
Fresh, clean country air with just a hint of pine and mesquite . . . peaceful sounds of the slow moving river . . . the vibrant orange Arizona sunset . . . . wildlife along the river’s edge.
The rhythmic clickety-clack of a slow-moving historic train.
The Verde Canyon Railroad carries passengers through one of the most beautiful wilderness areas of northern Arizona. Following along the banks of the Verde River, the train track lies between the natural habitats of two national forests. This view is accessible only by rail and the landscapes are unparalleled.
Inside the Scottsdale Car on the Verde Canyon Railroad
We took an evening train ride that departed the station at 5:30 in the evening. Although it was hot in Phoenix when we left that morning, we were pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t too hot to spend most of our time in one of the open-air cars that evening. The weather was perfect and the moonlight made the landscapes even more dramatic.
Red Rock View from the Verde Canyon Railroad
Our experience on the rail was especially interesting!
Tour Guide Jack
Our tour guide, Jack, knows this area like the back of his hand. We could ask him anything about “railroad” and he had an answer.
He explained where the best picture taking opportunities were along the way. He showed us where to watch for waterfowl, mule deer, and long-abandoned homesteads. He knew the names of mountain peaks and towering Sedona red pinnacle formations. He pointed out places where we should watch for caves in the rock walls, or high ledges where eagles nest.
Jack is also a master at knowing facts about the Verde Canyon Railroad. Historic details about the locomotives, when they were made, where they were in service, and why they have snow plows on the front – even though they’re in Arizona!
He told us the story about how the bridge on this route was named the SOB Trestle. He told us what the letters stood for, and I have to say, it’s probably not what you’re thinking!
Jack even claims to have ridden this very same train when he was six years old! And he could tell us why!
But, you’ll have to take the ride yourself to find out the answer!
Verde Canyon Railroad Passing Over S.O.B. Trestle
Yes, he is quite the character, that Jack. The more we listened, the more he convinced us that he knew what he was talking about and not just throwing fun facts around.
FP7 Locomotive on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Exploring new destinations is an adventure, there’s no doubt about it. And this historic train ride through the unique landscapes of northern Arizona is a fun adventure for any age!
IF YOU GO:
Website: www.verdecanyonrr.com
Phone: 928-639-0010
Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
For more information on the Clarkdale and Cottonwood areas, please read A Walk in Historic Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona.
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I will probably never find out why Jack rode that train when he was 6 years old since I probably will never get to Arizona 🙁 Looks like a really fun and interesting ride to take. My dad worked for the Union Pacific, so we rode the train everywhere we went on vacations. Love those trains.
Renee,
Jack’s father and he rode in one of the cars on a train when it was in California. When he started working for Verde Canyon Railroad he walked in the car and had a childhood flashback. I asked if he could show me where he carved his name in the wood but he assured me he had not.
Thanks for the comment.
Ron and Shelli