“The scenic ride through the red rock canyon near Sedona and along the Verde River is absolutely breathtaking.”
Those words, penned by Verde Canyon Railroad owner Linda Durbano in her 500-page book, “Tracking Down the Past,” offer a window into the richly detailed chronicle of Arizona’s railway history, along with the story of her husband, David “Dave” Durbano, founder of the Verde Canyon Railroad.
She wrote the book during the pandemic, saying that period of time “revved the engine for her to put pen to paper and write the story. The most important objective of the book was to make sure that the data gathered was historically true.”
Purchasing the railway in 1988, David, who owned other railroads at the time, had a vision that has become one of the most celebrated train rides. The railroad was originally built by Santa Fe Railway to haul copper.
The destination of the ride is the historic ghost town of Perkinsville, where remnants of a former cattle ranch remain.
“It is our privilege to share this rare slice of geologic history with those who value what Mother Nature has given us,” said President and Owner Dave Durbano. “It’s not just the Canyon, it’s the people, the ones who ride and the ones who serve those who ride that make the ride spectacular.”
Today, the Verde Canyon Railroad is a four-hour, 20-mile historic journey that has visitors and locals signing up for repeat rides. Based out of the growing town of Clarkdale, the Verde Canyon Railroad meanders through what seems like an untouched Arizona landscape at a steady pace of 12-20 miles per hour while passengers lounge in comfortable seats, enjoy satisfying munchies and have the freedom to walk around and even step out onto the open-air viewing car. Cocktails are also offered.
Traveling alongside the protected ecosystem of Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, the train ride offers clear views of the Verde River and tree-filled valleys on its journey that includes bridges and a 734-foot tunnel. It carries passengers into what might seem like uncharted territory, offering a trace of prehistoric cultural sites near Sedona as it heads toward its destination in Perkinsville.
“The scenery in Verde Canyon was amazing and the Verde Canyon Railroad staff were extremely knowledgeable about the history of Verde Valley,” said Tim Blume of Flagstaff. “The couch seating was so relaxing and the music was so fun – train themes like Arlo Guthrie’s ‘City of New Orleans’ and Kenny Rodgers’ ‘The Gambler.’ My wife and I can’t wait to go back and take our family.”
Verde Canyon Railroad Group Marketing Coordinator Ellen J.D. Roberts has worked for Verde Canyon Railroad since 2002. “It’s always an honor to share this beautiful part of Arizona with our passengers and I am so grateful to Dave and Linda who had the vision to create this amazing experience,” she said.
At the train depot, passengers can purchase locally sourced menu items from the Copper Spike Café and dine on the outdoor patio or shop at the Boxcar Gift Store where hats, t-shirts and souvenirs can be purchased.
For more history about the Verde Canyon Railroad, guests can stroll through the John Bell Museum, a renovated boxcar stocked with historical collectables.
“If you’re in Arizona, the Verde Canyon Railroad is a must-do experience,” said Town of Camp Verde Court Administrator Veronica Pineda. “The scenic ride through the red rock canyon near Sedona and along the Verde River is absolutely breathtaking. The train moves slowly so that one can really soak it all in. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and Old World charm with the added bonus of great food. We opted for charcuterie and local wine. The staff was friendly and made the ride enjoyable.” VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
For more information about the Verde Canyon Railroad, visit www.verdecanyonrr.com or call 800-293-7245.
Courtesy Photo: Verde Canyon Railroad Group Marketing Coordinator Ellen J.D. Roberts, Engineer Hayden Dreyer and Conductor Royce Weber stand next to the powerful locomotive.
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