Train Rides Near Sedona
4-Hour Journey with Unforgettable Views
Two Seats for One Price
During our scenic train rides near Sedona, every passenger enjoys a comfy indoor seat and unlimited access to an adjacent open-air viewing car for spectacular 360-degree views.
The Verde Canyon train will take you on a 40-mile roundtrip from Clarkdale to the ghost ranch of Perkinsville over vintage trestles, through a 734-foot manmade tunnel, past ancient Indian ruins and over historic tracks built around towering red-rock splendor along the riparian curves of the Verde River. The 4-hour train ride near Sedona offers an easy adventure into the backcountry of this river-carved Canyon without having to put on hiking boots.
Features & Amenities
- Enjoy lush, comfortable living room-style seating on couches or upholstered chairs at bistro tables
- Open-air viewing cars connect to all passenger cars for spectacular 360-degree views
- All cars are climate controlled, have beverage service, snack bars and restrooms
- Complimentary welcome toast with sparkling wine or cider
- Complimentary charcuterie tray with premium meats, gourmet cheeses, crackers, fruits and a delectable dessert
- Lunches are available for purchase at the Copper Spike Cafe and may be enjoyed under the outdoor pavilion or carried onboard the train
- History, archaeology, geology, legend and lore of the Verde Canyon come alive through expert narration during our scenic train rides near Sedona
- Storyboards, overflowing with details on the Verde Canyon adventure, are installed along the quarter-mile length of the depot’s loading platform
- Explore the John Bell Museum & Boxcar Gift Store at the Clarkdale Depot
Ways to Ride the Train
Passenger Cars
Relax in living room-style seating on couches or upholstered chairs at bistro tables on any one of 12 passenger cars while soaking up scenery streaming past large panoramic windows. Each car adjoins an open-air viewing car for 360-degree views!
The Caboose
Locomotive Ride-Along
Photo Gallery
Itinerary and Route
Itinerary
Make the most of your Verde Canyon Railroad adventure with our recommended itinerary, designed to guide you through arrival, pre-boarding activities, dining options, and everything you need to enjoy a seamless and unforgettable journey.
Please arrive a minimum of 2 hours prior to train departure. Parking is a short walk across the street from the depot complex. Handicap and bus parking is easily accessible.
Once you arrive at the depot, walk through the doors to our welcome desk. Make sure to bring your confirmation email to receive your printed boarding passes. You need them to get on the train.
IMPORTANT: Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure time. Everyone has assigned seating.
A stroll through the outdoor pavilion will take you to the John Bell Museum. Located in a vintage boxcar, explore memorabilia and historic artifacts spanning more than a century. Be sure to get a photo with Hobo Joe!
The megalopolis of plants, animals and people that have imprinted the Verde Valley and the Canyon have their narratives printed on junior billboards positioned along the quarter-mile length of the depot’s loading platform. Specifics on the Railroad’s iconic FP7 locomotives are on one of the boards that is sure to fascinate visitors.
From juicy burgers to fresh salads, there is a railtastic lunch ready to be served to your liking at the Copper Spike Café. Lunch may be enjoyed under the outdoor pavilion or carried onboard the train.
PRO TIP: To save money, pre-order your lunch at checkout when making your train ride reservation.
Shopping at the Boxcar Gift Store before or after your train ride is a traveler’s delight. The quality selection of souvenirs, wearables, home décor and keepsakes is irresistible. The Store also celebrates the talent and creativity of local and regional artists in jewelry, sculpture and books.
Verde Canyon Railroad travels deep into the Sedona red-rock country, straight to the wild heart of Arizona. The 4-hour round-trip journey from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back is an authentic southwestern adventure. Often referred to as the state’s other ‘grand canyon,’ but you’re inside the canyon with striking multicolored cliffs towering over a lush riparian forest along the river and the rails.
Train Route
The 4-hour ride on Verde Canyon Railroad’s historic route from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back – into Arizona’s other “grand canyon” – is an unforgettable adventure. Captivating panoramic views are revealed in every direction exclusively from the relaxed atmosphere of the train. This historic ribbon of rail runs through a protected corridor at the river’s edge, lined with towering red rock pinnacles, near ancient Indian ruins, over fortified bridges and through an invigorating 734-foot manmade tunnel carved through solid rock over a century ago. As far as the eye can see, wildlife, high-desert foliage and rugged terrain are visible on this year-round adventure into a lush riparian habitat.
Mileposts Along the Way
A Train for All Seasons Near Sedona
Experience the beauty of Verde Canyon Railroad year-round, as each season brings its own stunning scenery, from spring blooms and summer sunsets to vibrant fall foliage and winter wildlife. Special seasonal train rides like Ales on Rails and Magical Christmas Journey add festive charm to your adventure.
Spring Train Rides
Spring bursts to life aboard Verde Canyon Railroad, where rare desert blooms and the sparkling Verde River create a breathtaking tapestry of wildflowers, vibrant cliffs, and wildlife in a season of renewal.
Summer Train Rides
Summer aboard the rails dazzles with lush riverside canopies, monsoon-fed waterfalls, and rainbow-kissed skies, while Starlight Tours reveal a canyon transformed under glowing sunsets and starlit skies.
Fall Train Rides
Fall aboard the train is a breathtaking journey through golden foliage, crisp canyon air, and harvest-hued landscapes, as the Verde Canyon wilderness bursts with autumn color and cool seasonal charm.
Winter Train Rides
Winter aboard the rails enchants with mild weather, brisk desert air, and cozy railcars, while festive holiday trains and serene canyon vistas create a magical seasonal escape where bald eagles are often spotted soaring above.
Real Reviews about Verde Canyon Railroad
Train Rides Near Sedona FAQs
Does the Verde Canyon Train Run Year-Round?
Are reservations required?
Yes. Reservations are highly recommended as many trains sell out well in advance.
Your credit card will be charged the full amount within 24 hours of booking.
How much are tickets?
What if I forget my reservation confirmation?
Do we get off the train?
No, passengers remain on the train for the entire journey.
