This is the UP Gila Sub that was once the ex-Southern Pacific Sunset Route that runs 255 miles from Yuma, AZ, to Tuscon, AZ.
In the Shawmut area, the railroad works thru the Sonoran Desert and around the Maricopa Mountains. There are some pretty cool shots to be had thru here high from the mountain tops. Be warned it's hard work and very crappy walking!!!!
Here the Los Angeles, CA, to Mesquite, TX, (Dallas) Z-train hammers up the 1% grade from Gila Bend to Estrella. Lucky for us this is the 3rd eastbound Z-train the dispatcher was pushing east back to back. Worked well for this great evening light as they held all the westbounds for over 1-2 hours for this parade. This is a great place to watch trains, just needed them going the other direction, fine dispatching at it's best!
