The Arizona Central Railroad was constructed in the early
1900s. It runs from Drake to Clarkdale, Arizona and connects with the
Burlington Northern Santa Fee (BNSF) Railroad.
This
transportation corridor hosts both freight (limited) on the 38 mile long
Arizona Central Railroad and excursion trains on the 19 mile length of
the Verde Canyon Railroad.
The Verde Canyon, home of America's national symbol, the
bald eagle, is accessible only by rail and features flora and fauna. Rugged
high-desert rock faces, spectacular, panoramic views are distinctive
to this unique geological area.
Passengers on this popular excursion train are enthralled
as the eagle. Decorated vintage engines roll past towering, crimson
cliffs near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles, and through
a 680-foot man made tunnel on a four-hour round trip to Perkinsville Ranch
and back. This historic route between two national forests and adjacent
to a wilderness area follows the upper Verde River, a lush riparian habitat
blessed with astonishing beauty.