Verde Canyon Railroad - Wilderness Train

Another bright a sunny day here in Arizona. We puttered around the RV this morning and decided not to go anywhere prior to taking our free $175 1st class Verde Canyon Railroad Wilderness Train ride.

The train is powered by two FP7 locomotives, the only 2 of 12 remaining in North America.   Our club car was the Sante Fe Bell, the oldest of the renovated passenger cars, and lovely she was. Upon our departure we toasted with champagne our trip to Verde Canyon. A four hour rail trip from Clarkdale, an old mining town, to Perkinsville Ghost Ranch and back is a must do if you are in the area. We were able to see areas of the canyon that are only accessible by this train. We were able to see eagles nests, Red Tail Hawks,  Indian ruins, trestles, rugged cliffs, and natural caves. This route falls between two National Forests and follows the Verde River. Open air cars afforded you spectacular 360 degree views with an attendant that kept you informed of things to look for. The indoor cars allowed you relax, eat, drink and still enjoy the view with the large windows. With the 1st class ticket we enjoyed chicken wings, veggies, chips and dip, an assortment of olives, peppers, pickles, Caesar salad, and cheese and crackers. Plenty to eat and a full cash bar was also available.

It was so beautiful on this ride and to think that no one else will see what you just saw unless they take this train ride.