This week we took the opportunity to take the train from Clarkdale, AZ up to Perkinsville, AZ. It was a 2 hour trip up and a 2 hour trip back where we were able to see the beautiful rock walls of the Verde Canyon and learn about early mining history.
Much of the canyon is only accessible by train or by foot, there are no roads up to Perkinsville.
The railway first began making trips in 1912. It was built to support area mines like the copper mines of Jerome. The Sante Fe Railway operated the Verde Canyon line from 1912 to 1989. The line was purchased by the Durbano Family in 1989 who began to offer scenic excursions in 1990. Today, it has become an Arizona treasure that hosts as many as sixty thousand people annually. (more on the history by following this link)
Here’s a short video showing the engines that pulled the train. This was shot while we were standing still at Perkinsville waiting for the engines to switch from one end of the train to the other to pull us back to Clarkdale.
Find out more about the town and business of Clarkdale by reading my other post here.
So enjoy reading of all your adventures.