Autumn Scenic Tour Train in Arizona

AUTUMN PALETTE ADDS NEW COLOR
TO THE VERDE CANYON RAILROAD ROUTE

Clarkdale, Ariz. Changing leaves add new color to many parts of Arizona each fall, but nowhere do the branches blaze quite as brilliantly as they do along the Verde River. Travelers from around the world take the Verde Canyon Railroad Fall Colors Tour to view the harmonious blending of scarlet and amber, crimson and gold. Photographic opportunities are endless, or one may just breathe in the crisp autumn air and contemplate the beauty of nature's dazzling display. It isn't any wonder that we fall again for this old flame – the Fall Colors Tour.

During autumn’s harvest, short, pleasant days and crisp, cool nights are credited for the ripening of berries and fruits, as well as the changing of the colors of the leaves in the Verde Canyon. Shades of yellow to orange and red to purple begin to surface among the cottonwood, sycamore, elder, mulberry and oak. The red shades, so often coveted, are created as the intense sunlight strikes the leaves’ faces during the daylight hours.

Cozy and compact, the train lures nostalgia buffs with its wealth of historical treasures, natural wonder and wall-to-wall scenery. A highlight of the wilderness journey is the historic 680-foot man-made tunnel, which links the upper and lower Verde Canyon. Other delights include Sinagua Indian ruins, a monocline fault and a covered bridge. The turnaround point of Perkinsville was featured in the classic western, “How the West Was Won.”

In October, Sunday afternoon rail excursions will feature Ales on Rails, where guests are treated to a variety of spirits from Arizona microbreweries, at the depot and onboard the train. The copper, bronze and golden leaves of the canyon’s changing foliage seem from panoramic windows is complemented by the rich amber lagers served form inside the luxurious coaches. Polka music and traditional appetizers add to the flavor of Verde Canyon Railroad’s version of Oktoberfest.

Additional trains are scheduled during autumn to accommodate the high demand for the Fall Colors Tour. The peak of the fall colors depends on temperature, sunlight, and rainfall amounts. This makes the timing a little different from year to year and impossible to predict exactly. As a general rule, passengers can be assured of viewing brilliant colors from early October through the beginning of the holiday season (with some isolated color both before and after). Reservations should be made early, as this is a very popular time.

To experience a four-hour sensational tour of autumn aboard Arizona’s longest-running nature show, call 1-800-293-7245, or visit the Railroad’s website at www.verdecanyonrr.com.

The Verde Canyon Railroad is located at 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, Ariz. Ideally situated below the cold of the mountains, and above the heat of the desert, the train depot is 25 minutes from Sedona, two hours north of Phoenix, and one and one-half hours south of Flagstaff. Passengers are encouraged to arrive approximately one and one-half hours prior to departure.