The Verde Canyon comes alive with bright stars and the luminous glow of moon-kissed skies on Verde Canyon Railroad’s most popular Summer train rides.
Saturday Night Starlight or Friday Moonlight Escape Tours
STARLIGHT ILLUMINATES AND GRAPES ACCENTUATE SUMMER NIGHTS
On this Saturday Evening Ride experience a sparkling and enchanting perspective in the Verde Canyon…under the stars!
Travel through the canyon amid the brilliant variation of colors at sunset and twilight. Starlight rides follow the new moon when the cosmic constellations are at their brightest.
- May 11
- June 8 & 15
- July 6, 13, & 27
- August 3, 10, 24 & 31
- September 7
The moon glow means an escape from the ordinary
On these very elusive Saturday Evening Escapes experience an illuminated softness in the Verde Canyon…under the moon’s glow!
The red rock canyon walls collide with the brightness of the full moon’s glow, illuminating the Verde Canyon in otherworldly fashion. Rock formations take on the illusion of life and movement as the moon rises.
- May 25
- June 1, 22 & 29
- July 20
- August 17
- September 14
The train’s popular Grape Train Escape (wine-tasting events) will take place as an optional upgrade, in specific cars, on the following Saturday evenings.
- May 11 & 25
- June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
- July 6, 13, 20 & 27
- August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
- September 7 & 14
*Please note that there are two different ticket options on Saturday night runs so tickets purchased for the Grape Train Escape cannot sit with Starlight/Moonlight passengers. Services are provided in different passenger cars.
It’s not just the stars that come out to play in Verde Canyon. On select Saturday evenings, the Verde Canyon Railroad departs the depot at 5:30 p.m.. As it rumbles through the Canyon, the low slant of sun bathes the high cliffs in soft golden hues. The train reaches the turn-around point of Perkinsville amid a scandalous sunset. Experience the syncopation of the sunset and the clickety clack of steel wheels on the track.
Indulge your senses this summer season with crisp canyon air, a meandering river and glorious red rock formations all serenaded by classic railroad tunes and the clickety-clack of wheels along the tracks of this historic wilderness route. Dance together to “The Locomotion” on an open-air car. Cheer as the train passes through the darkness of a 734-foot tunnel. Toast the reason with a prickly pear margarita. The fun is endless and it’s even better when you have a signature cocktail or hot beverage in hand.
The return trip offers a serene glimpse into the nocturnal wildlife set against a dazzling canvas of celestial bodies. As the sun slips behind distant mountains, cool air sweeps through the Canyon signaling the resident wildlife to begin their nightly rounds.
