While I haven't personally been to both of these I have a good idea of both. We featured the Verde Canyon in one of our America By Rail videos, and it was a real sleeper in my mind. The train goes through rugged CANYON scenery, whereas the Grand Canyon takes you to the Grand Canyon. The Verde train has F-Units, and a mix of Airconditioned cars, and open cars that you can wander between. If you get hot you go inside for awhile. The open cars are covered so you don't fry to a crisp. There were some Indian ruins, as well as eagles seen on the trips. A worthwhile trip.
Grand Canyon is steam only in the summer months so keep that in mind. I dislike train rides that make you stay in your seat. The supposed advantage of riding a train is that you can move around. Take that away, and you might as well be imprisoned in a 2-seater auto for the day.
" /> Someone told me Steamtown was that way as well, and you couldn't even rest your elbow on the open window sill!!!! No fun left anymore!
Greg Scholl