It’s difficult to imagine a food that is more of an obsession than chocolate, with its precious history as a commodity, a confection and a symbol of love dating back to the Mayan Empire when cacao was “food of the gods.” Every February, Verde Canyon Railroad rolls out its Chocolate Lovers’ Festival to celebrate this obsession in grand style. In 2025, the festivity continues onboard February 13, 14 and 15.
Cupid’s holiday isn’t your thing? We’ll give you plenty of other reasons to ride Verde Canyon Railroad on a beautiful, crisp February day. The second month of the year in the northern hemisphere is usually considered the last month of winter but in the Verde Canyon, it is the first month of spring. Winter has shed it weighty coat and buds are starting to peek out of branches to see if it is safe enough to welcome the bold sunshine and warm temperatures of an early spring. The skeletal umbrellas of the sycamore and cottonwood trees have a seasonal green hue emerging as resident and migratory bald and golden eagles glide effortlessly above on lofty thermals.
Eaglets are starting to pop their fluffy heads up above the rim of a six-foot-wide nest, and the clear waters of the river are a lens into the aquatic community that lives below. The emerald swath of the riparian ribbon that hugs the Verde River and railroad tracks reminds us all of how precious this landscape is for the wildlife and waterfowl that call this canyon home. How about a 734-foot long tunnel that plunges you into total darkness or venturing over a steel trestle that spans a basalt gorge 150 feet below? It’s all at your fingertips because you’re on a wilderness train.
Since 1990, the Railroad has carried nearly 400 passengers daily without leaving a trace in the unspoiled Verde Canyon. All passengers enjoy luxurious living room-style accommodations with adjacent open-air cars for spectacular views and photographic opportunities on Arizona’s longest-running nature show. Verde Canyon Railroad’s wild red-rock scenery, thoughtful accommodations, charming staff and delicious local flavors check all of the boxes for an authentic southwest adventure while providing a thrill to all of the senses…especially the sense of adventure.
For reservations, book online or call 800-293-7245.