Raptors and Reptiles at the Depot
2025
Year-Round on Varied Schedule
Raptors and Reptiles at the Depot
Overview
As breathtaking as it is to see an eagle in flight, a face-to-face encounter with a raptor is equally amazing. On special dates throughout the year, all depot visitors have the opportunity for personal interaction with these majestic creatures on the pavilion before the train departs. Since 2010, Verde Canyon Railroad has been a proud sponsor of Liberty Wildlife. Each year this rescue facility rehabilitates and returns to the wild hundreds of Arizona animals. Those that are unable to survive in the wild due to the severity or permanence of their injuries or having developed an imprint on humans, join Liberty’s educational program.
Have Lunch with the Feathered or Scaled Ambassadors
The covered pavilion is the perfect location for passengers to get acquainted with the raptors or reptiles that showcase how valuable they are to Arizona’s ecosystem and wildlife. The Copper Spike Café is open 2.5 hours prior to train departure, so a scratch-made lunch can be enjoyed on the pavilion or carried onboard the train. Beer, wine and spirits-free beverages also may be purchased at the pavilion bar to be savored prior to boarding.
Explore the Boxcar Gift Store and John Bell Museum
Before boarding your train adventure, stop by the Boxcar Gift Store for unique keepsakes, from designer apparel to handcrafted jewelry and local art. Explore the John Bell Museum, housed in a historic boxcar, to learn about the region’s railroad history. Stroll the boarding platform to discover junior billboards showcasing the people and wildlife that have shaped the Verde Valley and Canyon.
Enjoy a Wilderness Train Ride
After visiting with Liberty Wildlife, hop aboard the train and savor the Canyon’s vibrant red-rock scenery with unlimited access to adjoining open-air viewing cars. The beautiful Verde Canyon is a riparian sanctuary where these wild and wonderful creatures can play and prey in a safe and natural environment that has not been encroached by mankind.
Raptors and Reptiles at the Depot
Price: Free to the public prior to train departure
Event Details:
- 1 p.m. Train Departure
- Raptors or reptiles on the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- 3:30 p.m. Train Departure
- Raptors or reptiles on the pavilion from 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Magical Christmas Journey™ Event
- From 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Programs are subject to change due to weather conditions and availability of program volunteers.
- 2025 Raptor Dates
- January 14, 25
- February 1, 4, 13
- March 1, 6, 9, 20
- April 3, 12, 17
- May 8, 18, 22
- Sept 11, 20, 25
- October 4, 9, 12
- November 7, 9, 21
- Magical Christmas Journey™ Bald Eagle Dates
- November 28, 29
- December 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 15 – 24
- 2025 Reptile Dates
- June 12
- July 9
- August 13
Photo Gallery
Raptors and Reptiles at the Depot FAQs
Do I have to ride the train to see the raptors?
All are welcome to visit the depot to see Liberty Wildlife’s ambassadors. No purchase required.
What kind of animals might I expect to see?
Raptors at the Rails will feature a variety of birds. On weekday dates, you can expect to see an assortment of two or three owls, hawks, kestrels, falcons and/or vultures. On Saturday dates, a majestic bald eagle joins us. During summer months, visit with non-venomous snakes, desert tortoises, and fascinating lizards ranging from small (Chuckwalla) to large (Gila Monster).
Can I touch the animals?
While you may get close for photos, you may not touch any of the animals.
Will the handler tell us about the animals?
Yes, you can ask questions and they will tell you about their lives in the wild before they became injured and couldn’t be returned.
