Further Down The Tracks … Special Events

Savor the day from inside the cab of a rare and powerful American-built locomotive. During the ride-along, you’ll be seated between the engineer and conductor inside the cab of the Railroad’s classic 1953 General Motors EMD FP7 for the four-hour journey from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back.

The first sign of autumn isn’t always the changing of the leaves; sometimes it’s the changing of the kegs. Ales on Rails beer festival is Verde Canyon Railroad’s way of toasting this German tradition, providing a rollicking farewell to summer beginning Tuesday, September 12, and running through Monday, October 31.

When you’re dying to tap into everything dreaded, climb aboard Verde Canyon Railroad’s HAUNTED HOUSE, but on a TRAIN, where a frightening monster squad will make all your nightmares come true.

As the Verde Canyon Railroad rolls through our vibrant canyon corridor on a Fall Colors Tour, you’ll settle into comfortable loveseats or bistro chairs near panoramic windows as we treat you to the best show of autumn in Arizona.

The Magical Christmas Journey™ to the North Pole begins at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot in Clarkdale. The spirit of Christmas is aglow and visible from afar, beckoning all to experience the dream. Seasonal treats and libation may be purchased and enjoyed while perusing the depot grounds rich with festive lighting and holiday décor.

Back by Popular Demand … Verde Canyon Railroad is offering eye-opening, Saturday morning train rides. Departing the Clarkdale depot at 11:00 am on select Saturday’s in December.

Being outside in our complimentary open-air viewing cars offer the best opportunity to spot a bald eagle in the wild. Soaring over their winter habitat along Arizona’s perennial streams and rivers, America’s bald eagles inspire all with their majestic appearance and graceful acrobatics.

Learn about raptors and other native Sedona wildlife at the depot and on the train through an up-close experience. By partnering with Arizona’s Liberty Wildlife, Verde Canyon Railroad provides visitors the opportunity to see majestic owls and wild raptors at the depot and during the train ride. Liberty Wildlife shares the beauty of a rescued bald eagle, our nation’s noble bird, with visitors at the depot and on the rails on select Saturdays throughout the year.

On February 10 & 11, 2024 Verde Canyon Railroad’s popular “Chocolate Lovers’ Special” combines the thrill of a wild, scenic train ride through Arizona’s premier red rock canyon with a sumptuous selection of decadent chocolates and romance-themed cocktails.

BUNNY HUGS will be available on Saturday, March 30!

1,800 feet down inside the Verde Canyon, curving along this river, runs the historic tracks of the Verde Canyon Railroad. For over 30 years Verde Canyon Railroad has been taking passengers into this visual wonderland.

“Rosé All Day”? How about “Rosé All May”? Verde Canyon Railroad’s Uncorked Wine Fest is a new celebration at the depot daily throughout the month of May.

Since 1990, train passengers have enjoyed raising a toast to the Arizona wilderness from well-appointed rail cars, harkening back to a time when relaxing travel by train was recognized as a hallmark of sophistication.

These Nighttime Starlight and Moonlight Rides offer two different and very unique perspective of the Verde Canyon…under the moon and stars!