Springtime is an ideal season for a vacation in the Sedona area and an adventure aboard Verde Canyon Railroad is the perfect activity to share with family and friends. Riding in luxuriously renovated vintage train cars, passengers are whisked away in full-service comfort as the train snakes through a wild red rock landscape, accented by a colorful crescendo of wildflowers. Along the rare and wondrous Verde River where the high desert and riparian wilderness meet, the Canyon reveals a breathtaking display outside each panoramic viewing window during Spring in Bloom.

There is no better vantage point to view the wild kaleidoscope of floral hues than from a Verde Canyon Railroad open-air car, enjoying the invigorating caress of spring breezes with a handmade cocktail, local craft beer or private-label wine in hand. Seasonal blooms peak out around every curve with a brilliant backdrop of a deep blue sky.  Early flowers include low-growing purple Milkvetch and soon transition into the tall, golden Desert Marigold, bright orange Globemallow, and shocking pink Penstemon waving in the warming breeze. Barrel Cactus and Prickly Pear add intensity to the landscape, with their seemingly unreal fuchsias, blushing reds, and butter yellows.

Postcard-perfect scenery is only part of the magic of Verde Canyon Railroad. The train affords each passenger a relaxing yet exciting journey through this historic setting as it travels a leisurely four hours from the charming Clarkdale depot to the ghost ranch at Perkinsville and back. With the sky above, the river below, and heaven in between, Verde Canyon Railroad guarantees an unforgettable springtime rail adventure.

Every season offers a different reason to ride Verde Canyon Railroad. Along with classic favorites, new special events on the horizon include Grape Train Days wine festival the entire month of May, as well as Saturday morning departures and Moonlight Friday’s this summer.

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It’s not the destination, it’s the vibrantly colored journey