Riding the Rails of The Verde Canyon in Arizona

photo courtesy of Verde Canyon Railroad

by Larry Berle

Clarksdale AZ— Clickity Clack, Clickity Clack is the soothing sound of the Verde Canyon railroad train winding its way through the Verde Canyon, sometimes referred to as Arizona’s other Grand Canyon.

There are only ten historic FP7 locomotives left in existence, and two of them pull this tourist train up and down the spectacular Verde Canyon. Brilliant towering canyon walls, Bald Eagles and other wildlife abound. Watch below as the Verde River meanders with its mottled waters in this wilderness. Sometimes it seems as though the Bald Eagles are following our train.

As you board the first class cabin you are greeted with a champagne toast, comfortable couch seating and plenty of complimentary appetizers to make it through this journey.

But you won’t spend much time in this space. Every other car is an outdoor observation platform with not only the views and vistas you came for, but a knowledgeable and entertaining guide to educate you about many of the highlights you will encounter on this 4 hour round trip from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and return. It would seem that the return trip should just be a repeat of the outbound trip, but as the sun moves in the sky the light in the canyon changes dramatically and everything is a fresh again.

Verde Canyon Railroad runs daily. The depot is located in Clarkdale AZ, just 1/2 hour from Sedona and 2 hours north of Phoenix.
for further information and reservations call 800-293-7245 or visit http://verdecanyonrr.com