FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eagles Take Flight in Verde Canyon: Scenic Railroad Invites Guests to Spot Raptors in the Wild
Clarkdale, Arizona — [January 5, 2025] — High above the winding Verde River and amid towering red rock cliffs, bald eagles and other raptors rule the skies of Verde Canyon — and Verde Canyon Railroad offers one of the most immersive and reliable ways to witness them in the wild during Eagle Watch, January through March.
While bald eagle populations have rebounded nationwide to an estimated 316,000 birds, clear and memorable wild sightings remain uncommon for most people, as eagles favor remote river corridors and avoid human activity. Many Americans go their entire lives without seeing one outside of a zoo or photograph. That rarity is what makes Eagle Watch season such a powerful draw for passengers aboard Verde Canyon Railroad.
Arizona supports only a small desert-nesting population, and the Verde Canyon is one of the few places where resident eagles nest, hunt, and defend their territory year-round. Scenic excursions through this protected wilderness corridor, accessible only by rail, place guests directly within prime eagle habitat — offering front-row views of a wildlife experience few ever encounter.
Verde Canyon’s rugged cliffs, towering cottonwoods, and free-flowing Verde River create ideal conditions for bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. From the comfort of restored vintage train cars and open-air viewing cars, guests often witness eagles soaring overhead, perched high in riverside trees, swooping gracefully toward the water below, or diving for prey — moments that are both unpredictable and unforgettable.
Because the train moves quietly through a largely untouched ecosystem, sightings are frequently longer, clearer, and closer than those experienced from highways or overlooks. Seeing even a single bald eagle in the wild is considered rare; witnessing multiple raptors during one journey is exceptional.
In addition to observing eagles in their natural habitat, guests can enjoy a rare face-to-face encounter with a live raptor at the Clarkdale depot on select days prior to departure. These popular Raptors at the Depot presentations are made possible through Verde Canyon Railroad’s long-standing partnership with Phoenix-based Liberty Wildlife, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
Raptors at the Depot appearances occur January through May and September through November, with special eagle photo opportunities during The Magical Christmas Journey® in December.
The railroad’s four-hour round-trip journey winds through a secluded stretch of Arizona backcountry that cannot be accessed by car. Along the way, onboard narration enriches the experience with insights into the Canyon’s history, geology, ecology, and the raptors that depend on this thriving river system.
Winter and early spring are considered peak eagle-watching months, as bald eagles are more active and easier to spot against the seasonal landscape. However, sightings occur year-round, making every journey a potential wildlife encounter.
Through Eagle Watch season and beyond, Verde Canyon Railroad continues its mission to connect guests with nature, wildlife, and history — while preserving the Canyon’s pristine environment for generations to come.
Tickets and schedules are available at verdecanyonrr.com, and advance reservations are recommended.
It’s not the Destination; It’s the Majestic Journey
