Senator William A. Clark mined for copper and gold in the Verde Valley at the turn of the century, however the Verde Canyon Railroad now mines for something else valuable, tourists. The railroad accommodates 65,000 passengers annually. The Verde Canyon Railroad s mission statement is paraphrased below. The railway, once used solely as a transportation corridor, has now become one of Arizona's most scenic attractions. The preservation of the Verde Canyon, the Railroad, and its history, is sustained by the appreciation of passengers as they view this protected ecosystem and wilderness area first hand.
Awareness creates appreciation, and appreciation creates longevity.
It's not the destination, it's the journey. I knew others would want to see the Verde Canyon in this same, unique way, where history was only a part of the journey. The Verde River Canyon is a living natural jewel in Central Arizona, a real diamond in the rough. The real beauty of the Verde River Canyon is its resistance to change. While traveling at a gentle speed of about 12 miles per hour you will enjoy the breathtaking sights of an unspoiled, wild riparian wilderness.