Saturday Starlight Tours
2025
Saturday Evenings May 3 - October 25, 2025
Saturday Starlight Tours
Overview
During the Saturday Starlight Tours, passengers bask in the Canyon’s high-desert beauty, experiencing a spectacular blend of light and color ranging from vivid sunlight to a rich sunset, from twinkly twilight to magnificent stargazing and moonglow. The bounty of beauty in the Verde Canyon takes on a new nocturnal ambiance as the train glides past ancient artifacts, sculpted stone parapets and cliffs etched by millenniums.
Start with Dining at the Depot
Before boarding the train, guests may purchase a scratch-made meal to enjoy on the shaded pavilion or carry aboard the train. Beer, wine and spirits-free beverages may also be purchased at the pavilion beverage bar to be savored while dining prior to boarding.
Explore the Boxcar Gift Store and John Bell Museum
Before you board for an unforgettable time on our Saturday Starlight Tours, don’t miss the chance to pick up a keepsake at the Boxcar Gift Store. From designer apparel and home goods to exclusive local art, books and handcrafted jewelry, you’ll find the perfect memento that will capture the magic of your adventure.
The John Bell Museum, located in a historic box car, is chock full of the history of the railroad in Clarkdale, as well as neighboring communities that were built to support the copper mines that fueled the Industrial Revolution. With fascinating artifacts and local lore, the museum is a great starting point. A walk along the boarding platform will take you to an array of junior billboards that are rich with the people and wildlife that have imprinted the Verde Valley and the Canyon.
Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride
Saturday Starlight Tours
Tickets & Event Details
Your Ticket Includes:
- Comfortable living room-style seating
- Unlimited access to adjoining one-air viewing car
- Charcuterie box of gourmet meats and cheeses, crackers, fruit, brownie bites
- Champagne or sparkling cider toast upon boarding
$129.00 – July and August
$139.00 – May, June, September, October
Event Details:
-
5:30 p.m. Train Departure:
May 3 through September 13
- Café, museum and gift store open at 3:30 p.m.
- Pavilion bar opens at 3:30 p.m.
- Train boards at 5:15 p.m.
- Departure Dates:
- May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- June 7, 14, 21, 28
- July 5, 12, 19, 26
- August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- September 6, 13
-
3:30 p.m. Train Departure:
September 20 – October 25, 2025
- Café, museum and gift store open at 1:30 p.m.
- Pavilion bar opens at 1:30 p.m.
- Train boards at 3:15 p.m.
- Departure Dates:
- September 20, 27
- October 7, 11, 18, 25
- Train Ride Duration: 4 Hours
Photo Gallery
Saturday Starlight Tours FAQs
What time should I arrive for the Starlight Ride?
Will I see anything in the dark?
Starlight trips are scheduled to begin in daylight, during the cooling temperatures of late afternoon. The sunset hits about midway through the journey, and the return is through dusk, twilight, starshine and moonglow.
Do you have to be 21+ to ride the train during this event?
No, unless you are riding in the Grape Train Escape coach which runs in tandem.
