Weather is approaching the northern Arizona region as northernly winds begin to rage. Yet, a false sense of calmness is present due to the canyon walls of Crozier providing protection. At track level, the sounds of General Electric prime movers roar with life. Breaking the peaceful silence that was present within Crozier Canyon. BNSF's Los Angeles, CA to North Baltimore, OH (CSX Interchange) high priority intermodal train tackles the 1.4% grade through the canyon as the tracks follow along the Truxton Wash. The one percent, or more, grade will continue for another 28 miles before reaching the summit of Yampai Hill (5,700 ft). The climb to Yampai is one of three hard climbs crews working from Needles, CA to Winslow, AZ face on their 300 mile crew route. With Needles being 500 above sea level, the highest point of the route is at Riordan (west of Flagstaff) at 7,335 feet above sea level.
