Verde Valley viewed from State Hwy. 89A, near Jerome, AZ

Arizona is one of the world's open books when it comes to geology.  An author friend of mine, Davis Young, retired to Arizona from his home in Pennsylvania specifically because the geology (his subject as a professor) is so diverse.

Prescott, AZ to Jerome, AZ on a visit to the Verde ValleyMy Darlin' and I spent a Christmas getaway weekend in Prescott, AZ.  On Christmas Eve morning, we drove through Jerome along this road (State Hwy 89A) on our way to preview the Verde Valley. 

In the photo above, you're looking across the valley from the Jerome (west) side.  You can see why it's called Arizona's Other Grand Canyon.

We had booked a Saturday afternoon trip through the Verde Valley on the Verde Canyon Railroad.  Put it on your bucket list!

My view of the canyon, and thus my photos, are from the perspective of the train itself.  For a bird's eye view of the Verde Canyon Railroad, click the link above. 

Arizona's Verde Valley from the perspective of the Verde Canyon Railroad

Riding the rails on the Verde Canyon Railroad

The ride begins in Clarkdale, AZ, on the valley floor, and the views leaving the station are expansive.  During the two hour ride (at a leisurely 10-12 mph) to the ghost town of Perkinsville, the rails follow the Verde River into deep canyons and gorges, and the geologic history of valley comes alive.

Part One of this blog series will give you a taste of the canyon if you missed it.  Stay tuned for more to come...

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38 Comments on Verde Canyon Railroad: Arizona's "Other" Grand Canyon (Part 2, photos included)

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

DEC
29
2009
211,971 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You are just bound and determined to  get me to come out there!  LOL  I hope when we do get out there that we will have time to take this rail trip.  It looks like loads of fun!  Hope you and Ginny had a wonderful Christmas - and my best to both of you in 2010!
10:51am • #19
605,972 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

What a fabulous view, and what an adventure. I would definitely enjoy a trip like this! Happy New Year to you and your family!
11:09am • #20
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sharon,

Plan to do it; you won't be disappointed!

Carol,

Yes I am!  And we wish you and yours a Happy New Year!

Foreclosure Grove,

What's your name?  And who do you know "in the area?"  Anonymity doesn't become you.

Trisha,

You'll just have to plan a vacation...

Deanne,

You're welcome!  Thanks for calling yesterday.

Rene,

Plan to do it; you won't be disappointed.

Jerry,

Thanks!  We'll see you on your blog.

Diane,

Yes there is!  And your dollar goes farther at the moment...

Carole,

Sedona's red rocks are beautiful, aren't they?

Mike in Tucson

 
11:26am • #21
459,708 Points 4 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike - New shots and post... I love Az and wish I could come out for a visit... Went through Prescott once and would love to return one day.... Have  a Great New Year!
11:41am • #22

Beautiful photos!  Thanks so much for sharing!
12:23pm • #23
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeff,

You're welcome!  Come back any time; you never know what you might see here.

Robert,

Plan to do it!  I'd love to meet you and hike/take photos.

Mike in Tucson
1:11pm • #24
250,417 Points

As always Mike, BEAUTIFUL photos!  I just love living in Arizona...and I like seeing Arizona through your eyes, you tell a nice story!

Cheron Lange
1:29pm • #25
708,158 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

The Verde Canyon Railroad is a fun trip for all ages.  I'm a native Arizonan now living in Eugene, Oregon.  Arizona isn't just desert.  The state's geography is widely diverse with some spectacular landscapes.  The drive that you feature is very scenic and not heavily traveled.  Good luck in 2010!
2:58pm • #26
381,240 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Beautiful, Mike, makes me want to go dig out my old photos of a trip through the Rockies on Amtrak from Salt Lake to Denver. Happy New Year too!
3:20pm • #27
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teral,

Happy New Year to you over there in Plano, TX!  Thanks for stopping by to comment.

Rick,

All the best to you, and I'm hoping you survive the rain up there.  I'll see you on your blog.

Cheron,

You say the nicest things...   LOL

 
3:38pm • #28
636,149 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Mike - THis looks like a lot of fun. I have never ridden on a train, but this might be worth the ride.
5:09pm • #29
1,341,864 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

thank you for once again sharing your wonderful photos - what a great place for a photographer!!! Happy 2010!!!!
5:30pm • #30
463,655 Points 1 Featured Post

Nice...I'd love to see this in person. What a site it must be.

Patricia/Seacoast NH
7:54pm • #31
DEC
30
2009
1,062,714 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Mike, darn gorgeous scenery!  Great photos, I can't wait to check the first blog!
1:55am • #32
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Tony & Darcy,

Thanks for commenting; it was a beautiful day up in the Verde Valley.

Patricia,

I'm hoping you take some time to come visit; you'll love it.

BarbaraJo,

You're so welcome; thanks for your readership and comments.  Happy New Year!

Larry,

You can bet on it!

Mike in Tucson
4:05am • #33
224,537 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Wonderful travelog....thanks for the beautiful pix.
9:54am • #34
1 Featured Post

Sounds like a fun trip.  Most of my desert time is in Utah, but this is the time of year when I start thinking of making the trek to the south-west.
1:35pm • #35
DEC
31
2009
629,905 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I am thinking that this is one place that has to go on my bucket list, What a VIEW!!!
4:13pm • #36
JAN
01
2010
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Don,

For sure!  Happy New Year to you two!

Mike,

It certainly was.  If you make your way down to Tucson, please let me know.  We should plan a hike together.

Kirsten,

Thanks for stopping by to comment!  Happy New Year!

Mike in Tucson
7:16am • #37

Although I took the train there many years ago, I wasn't camera happy at the time. I need to make a return trip I think.

Happy New Year!
1:52pm • #38

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Mike Jones

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Tucson, AZ

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