Verde Canyon Railroad to mark two anniversaries

The Verde Canyon Railroad in Arizona's beautiful north-central canyon country celebrates two anniversaries in 2010. Construction began 100 years ago on the original freight and passenger line, and the railway inaugurated its popular scenic excursions 20 years ago. The line plans special anniversary runs in celebration Nov. 20-21.

Located at the base of the Mingus Mountains below the mines at Jerome, the Verde Valley Railroad served area mines, smelters, mining camps and other communities for decades. It languished as mining activity slowed in the middle of the 20th century. Bought in the 1980s by a railroad buff from Utah, the historic railroad got a new lease on life and a new name.

In 1990, the Verde Canyon Railroad began operations as an excursion line with refurbished vintage locomotives and rolling stock. It profited from the popularity of the region. Tourists exploring nearby attractions such as Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, various state parks and several national monuments preserving ancient ruins began to include the railroad.

To reach the area, Southern Nevadans drive about six hours, following U.S. 93 across Hoover Dam into Arizona. In Kingman, get on Interstate 40 and head east. You may choose from two routes. The shortest by 20 miles, Highway 89A turns off I-40 toward Prescott at Ash Fork, but cuts toward old Jerome and a curvy descent from Mingus Mountain through Jerome to Clarkdale. The other route stays on I-40 to Flagstaff, where you exit onto Highway 89A and drop from Flagstaff into Oak Creek Canyon toward Sedona. Distance to Clarkdale is about 280 miles by way of Jerome and 300 miles through Sedona. Combine both routes for a memorable scenic loop.

The inaugural runs of the repurposed railway soon attracted such ridership that the company rapidly added more. Today, the line offers year-round trains daily at 1 p.m. Additional specials scheduled on weekends, holidays and other observances run mid-afternoons or evenings.

Operating on tracks still used by freight trains, the Verde Canyon Railroad's excursions begin at its depot in Clarkdale just off Highway 89A. The third such structure in the railroad's center of operation, the Southwest-styled depot houses a cafe, ticket center, souvenir store and railroad offices. A boxcar on a nearby siding contains railroad memorabilia and other artifacts in a museum open free of charge to all visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all train days.

On a leisurely four-hour excursion north along the Verde River, the diesel locomotive pulls a string of open gondolas and closed cars with large windows. Wide views include the river, stands of trees, varied vegetation and diverse wildlife and birds. Passengers often spot eagles of several types in the canyons, either residents or migrants. Some delight in keeping pace with the train just below.

The route goes through canyons and near wilderness areas accessible only by rail or trail. Ruins left by ancient cultures mark the passing of four or five groups taking advantage of the water, soil and growing climate along the river over many hundreds of years. Derelict wood or metal structures indicate the era of frontier settlement with farming, ranching, mining and railroading activities intertwined. The cars rattle over trestles and through one dark tunnel on the way to the terminus at Perkinsville. For passenger comfort, all closed cars have restrooms. Beverages and snacks are available on board.

The trail returns along the same route, scenery changed by the passing hours and by the seasons. Winter brings many more eagles. Spring promises wildflowers. Summer offers starry night excursions. Autumn flaunts its colors.

Verde Canyon Railroad offers first-class seating for $79.95 for all ages and includes appetizers. Coach fares are $54.95 for adults, $49.95 for seniors and $34.95 for children aged 2 to 12 years. Special excursions cost more and may be limited to adults if alcoholic beverages are served. Packages offered include train tickets, rooms, meals and entertainment. Call Verde Canyon Railroad at (800) 582-7245 for details or use the website at www.verdecanyonrr.com.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.