Change Your Attitude About Winter With Raptors and Romance Aboard Verde Canyon Railroad
Posted by Verde Canyon Railroad on January, 9 2025

Verde Canyon Railroad Train in Winter at Monocline

Change your mind set about winter. While meteorologists and broadcasters might assert that the season is boring, it’s alive at Verde Canyon Railroad. Winter is the last vestige of a past world and the cradle of a shiny new one bursting at the edges. During its short seasonal slumber, Verde Canyon Railroad’s mild winter wonderland is full of life. The riparian Canyon’s predominantly deciduous foliage is absent, revealing the earthly bone structure of the Canyon on full display.

The Canyon also is one of the few spots in the Southwest where bald and golden eagles can be viewed in their natural habitat during Eagle Watch. The magnificent birds of prey, along with many other migratory birds, are fully visible from the train. From early winter through late spring, the Canyon’s resident and visiting raptors thrill passengers with their aerobatic courting rituals and hunting proficiency as they play and prey along the Verde River.

Eagle Pair in Canyon Verde Canyon Railroad

The fall migration of freshwater birds also makes the Canyon swell with waterfowl during winter and early spring. A variety of ducks dot the river as the Great Blue Heron stands motionless, awaiting lunch to come within striking distance, but the most impressive guests are still the bald eagles who have shared the Canyon with trains for well over a century.

Couple Toasting with Bloody Mary Verde Canyon Railroad

During February, the Railroad embraces Valentine’s Day with its Chocolate Lovers’ Festival on February 13, 14 and 15, by serving a sumptuous plate of delectable confectionaries and desserts tableside. Passengers with a passion for love, romance and mouth-watering nibbles that puddle on your tongue won’t be disappointed. Valentine-inspired specialty drinks, prepared just for romantic moments aboard our train, accompany the masterful display of sweet works of art.

Chocolate Lovers' Festival Tray Verde Canyon Railroad Valentines

Even if chocolate isn’t your preference, February is still a glorious time to ride. Winter sheds its weighty cloak and the first blush of buds start to peek out of branches to see if it is safe enough to welcome the bold sunshine and warm temperatures of an early spring. It’s the perfect season to capture the true essence of Arizona outdoors. For reservations, book online or call 800-293-7245.

Train in Winter Red Rocks Verde Canyon Clarkdale AZ
The train travels along heritage rails dating back to 1912 and the comfortably restored midcentury passenger cars offer cozy indoor seating and striking vistas seen through panoramic windows. A stroll out onto an adjacent open-air viewing car offers a refreshing taste of the Canyon’s crisp seasonal air, making cheeks rosy and inspiring a toast of hot cocoa or Champagne. It’s the perfect complement to a red-rock wonderland sporting a winter veil. Just like the tracks that link distant shores, family time together onboard Verde Canyon Railroad creates memories that will transcend time.

Some may deem winter dull, but at Verde Canyon Railroad it is alive with raptors and romance. Located just two hours north of Phoenix, and a half hour north from Sedona, it’s the perfect day trip to be enjoyed in a moderate winter climate.

For reservations, book online or call 800-293-7245.

It’s not an icy destination, it’s a beautiful winter journey.

 
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