The Verde Canyon Railroad

2 April 2015

Riding the Rails through the Verde Canyon near Cottonwood, AZ

After our morning visit to Jerome we headed back into Cottonwood to take a train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad.  We splurged for 1^st class – I highly recommend doing that as you get nicer, more comfortable seating PLUS a complimentary assortment of light food as well. It’s a 4 hour round-trip which went through some beautiful country … red rock canyons with the Verde River below. The train goes across a couple of beautiful trestles and a long 734′ tunnel which was fun.

Verde Canyon Railroad at the Clarksdale Depot

Also … all along the way there was a recording of interesting things to see, including ancient Sinagua ruins high in the cliffs along the tracks. In between there was a collection of train related songs. Who knew there were so many songs with/about trains, whistles, stations etc.  Everything from ‘Chattenooga Choo-Choo’ to ‘Petticoat Junction’!  Lots of fun!

Enjoying some snacks & drinks in first class!

The appropriately named Verde Canyon

Crossing the 150-foot tall S.O.B. Canyon trestle

Ancient Sinagua ruins high in the cliffs

Working our way towards the canyon

Entering the red rock Verde Canyon

Enjoying the view and some refreshments!

Entering the 734′ Tunnel

In the canyon!

The turn around point at Perkinsville

Perkinsville Depot

Check out our other railroad adventures!