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Other types of rock formations that make up the Canyon, created millions of years ago, include the Tapeats Sandstone, very prevalent in Grand Canyon; and Martin Limestone, created during what is called the “Age of the Fishes” because it contains organic materials.

When Martin Limestone rocks are banged together, they smell like oil. In the early part of the last century, the smell lured many to spend millions of dollars (to no avail) in search of an oil reservoir in the central Verde Valley.

The mottled Redwall Limestone is used for cement by the Phoenix Cement Company, originally built to make cement for Glen Canyon Dam, which created Lake Powell. The least stable rock layer in the Canyon is the Supai Sandstone.

According to geologists, the rocks towering around the tracks represent only 100 million years of earth’s history, compared to the earth’s age of 5.5 billion years. If one compares the earth’s age to a 24-hour day, man has only been around for a few seconds.

"You’ll travel first-class on the Verde Canyon Railroad along an amazing track through canyon country. There are even five open-air cars for your viewing pleasure."

—Mayflower Tours

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