Superior to Copper Basin

AZ · Superior → Copper Basin

The last industrial short line in America to run on steam.

The Magma Arizona Railroad was built in 1915 by Magma Copper to connect its mine at Superior with the Southern Pacific at Magma Junction. The first version was narrow gauge; it was rebuilt to standard gauge in 1923. For decades it hauled copper out of the mountains and cattle across the desert past Queen Creek and Florence.

The Magma held onto steam longer than anyone. When it switched to diesels on September 4, 1968, it was the last industrial short line in the United States still running steam locomotives. Its 1907 Baldwin engine No. 6 now sits at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale.

Mining company BHP bought Magma in 1996 and suspended the railroad in 1997. The line now belongs to Resolution Copper, which wants to build a huge underground mine at Oak Flat near Superior — land that is sacred to the San Carlos Apache, and one of the most bitterly fought land disputes in the West. If the mine is ever built, this railroad could come back to life.

⚠️ Before you go: every railroad on this map is private property. A line that looks abandoned may still be owned by a railroad, used to store rail cars, or put back into service at any time — sometimes with no warning. Before going near any track, make sure it's truly abandoned (no recent use, rails not polished, no signals or cars stored on it) and that you're allowed to be there. Never assume a track is dead.

📷 Photos & stories from riders

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