Aboard The Train
Unrivaled Passenger Comfort
For just under four hours, passengers enjoy comfort and style in vintage rail cars on a century-old route through a red-rock paradise along tracks that hug the curves of the Verde River. Relax in a plush, climate-controlled car with panoramic windows framing breathtaking canyon views. Step onto an open-air viewing car for an immersive, 360-degree perspective of the high desert’s beauty. Enjoy refreshing drinks, thoughtful amenities, and engaging narration for a relaxing and adventurous journey. Every season invites a new reason to hop aboard for a trip along this rare riparian ribbon where the river meets the dramatic high desert.
The Muscle
The FP7 locomotives, two of only 10 remaining in North America, are the muscle that power the quarter-mile length of passenger cars. These classic iron horses, built by General Motors Electromotive Division in LaGrange, Illinois, in 1953 for the Alaska Railroad, debuted on Verde Canyon Railroad tracks on March 8, 1997. The meticulously-cared-for engines received their last cosmetic facelift in 2019, with an updated American bald eagle motif hand painted on the natural billboard sides of the iconic locomotive design.
Ride Options
Passenger Cars
Join 26 – 42 other passengers who just may become your best buddies in one well-appointed, first-rate coach.
The Caboose
Ride in the luxurious caboose for one private party of six adults with two private outdoor viewing platforms.
Locomotive Ride-Along
Climb aboard as the only person to ride in the locomotive cab with a conductor and engineer.
Let's Break It Down
All Passenger Cars
Two Seats for the Price of One
Living Room-Style Seating
Travelers are welcome to relax in living room-style seating on couches or upholstered chairs at bistro tables on any one of 12 passenger cars while soaking up scenery streaming past large panoramic windows. Each passenger receives a complimentary charcuterie tray and a sparkling wine or cider piccolo for two, just enough to toast the beginning of a great journey. Premium adult beverages and snacks are available for purchase and delivered to your seat by a car attendant eager to indulge you with first-class service. Throughout the journey, the captivating history of the Verde Canyon and the Railroad unfolds with narration spiced with a variety of recognizable railroad-themed tunes. All cars are climate-controlled, have restrooms, and several coaches are wheelchair accessible.
Open-Air Viewing Cars
All passenger cars access open-air viewing cars with shaded canopies. Outdoor attendants, well-versed in the Canyon’s history, geology and wildlife, share highlights and answer questions about our wilderness adventure. Being outdoors brings you face to face with the sounds and sights of the high desert that characterize the Verde Canyon. It’s actually two seats for the price of one!
Passenger Cars Photo Gallery
The Caboose
Who Will You Invite?
The 1929 red caboose triumphed with a renaissance in 2005 before it graced the tracks of Verde Canyon Railroad. The car, with a rich, dark mahogany interior, is designed for one private party of six or fewer adults. Its luxurious appointments include over-sized swivel chairs, large picture windows, cupola seating for a bird’s-eye view, and two private outdoor viewing platforms. A personal valet pours your complimentary Champagne upon boarding and serves your freshly prepared, individually packaged complimentary appetizers. Your choice of premium alcoholic beverages is available for purchase. Due to the historic nature of this car, it is not ADA compliant.
Caboose Photo Gallery
Locomotive Ride-Along
Just For You
Verde Canyon Railroad offers an exclusive opportunity for one person each day the train departs to experience a Locomotive Ride-Along with seating inside the cab of a powerful railroad engine. It’s a rare chance to experience 1500 horses under the hood while riding a surge of enormous power. You’ll rub elbows with Verde Canyon Railroad’s engineer and conductor as they prepare the train for the run before having lunch at the Copper Spike Café. After the excursion, you will leave as a member of an elite guild with a photograph celebrating your day aboard an historic FP7 locomotive.
