Verde Canyon Railroad

The Verde Canyon Railway in Arizona was built in 1911, to standard gauge, to haul the mined ore from Jerome 40 mile north to the junction at Drake. Once there and on the main line it could be transported easily to anywhere within the United States. This freight only line has changed very little since it was built, cutting through a vast wilderness area to connect with the various isolated ranches. Until the arrival of the railroad they were only reached with mule trains and pack horses. Today the only way to view this magnificent masterpiece of engineering is from the train.

This film was shot entirely onboard, with the scenery taking top billing. The journey takes you into the wilderness as it follows the Upper Verde River, over bridges, through inner canyons and a 680 feet tunnel before arriving at the old Perkins Ranch. Ride behind a pair of diesel engines built in the 1950’s and in carriages that were once a part of the El Capitan trains that linked the cities of Los Angles and Chicago.

In an age dominated by speed, this train never goes more than 15 miles per hour, allowing optimum viewing of this vast, almost forgotten canyon.

Total Running Time 58 minutes.