It's the Journey

Welcome To

Verde Canyon
Railroad

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Arizona’s longest-running nature show aboard Verde Canyon Railroad. As you glide through the stunning Verde Canyon, you’ll be immersed in breathtaking scenery alive with vibrant flora, diverse fauna, and captivating geology. Experience the beauty of the Canyon from open-air cars, where every turn reveals a new vista. Relax in comfort while savoring complimentary appetizers or indulge in top-shelf beverages for purchase as the nostalgic charm of the train embraces you. Every season is a reason to ride Verde Canyon Railroad because everyday is a great day when you’re on a train.

Verde Canyon Railroad Clarkdale Arizona Train Rides - Bridge Crossing

The Experience

At The Depot

Dine & Explore

The experience begins at the train’s expansive Clarkdale depot, home to the Copper Spike Café, Boxcar Gift Store and John Bell Museum. Storyboards, overflowing with details on the Verde Canyon adventure, pioneer spirit and railroad lore, are installed along the quarter-mile length of the depot’s loading platform.

Aboard The Train

Comfort + Open Air Access

Step back in time, where the casual grace of vintage train travel meets modern comfort. As you settle into your plush seat, enjoy climate-controlled cars with panoramic windows that showcase stunning Canyon views. For an even closer connection with nature, head to the open-air viewing cars, where the splendor of the high desert comes alive on a 360 degree canvas. With thoughtful amenities, a delightful onboard beverage menu and insightful narration, your journey promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Tracks Through The Canyon

Unforgettable 4-Hour Journey

Expect to be captivated by the untouched and unspoiled Verde Canyon. 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.

Arizona's Longest-Running Nature Show

Witness the beauty

Journey into the heart of the Verde Canyon, where a rugged desert landscape, vibrant flora and Arizona wildlife are revealed only by rail. As you ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville, leafy canopies and weather-carved rock faces offer an ever-shifting spectacle. On the return trip, the Canyon transforms once again, as light and shadow play across this breathtaking and untouched wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic bald eagles, Great Blue Heron, deer and other creatures.

Seasons & Events

Verde Canyon Railroad’s seasonal journeys turn every trip into an adventure. December’s “Magical Christmas Journey” brings holiday cheer on Santa’s secret tracks. Wine lovers can enjoy May’s “Uncorked Wine Festival” or summer’s “Grape Train Escapes,” pairing fine wines with scenic views. Craft beer fans will love “Ales on Rails,” while “Starlight Tours” showcase the Canyon under a starlit sky from May through October. Each excursion offers a unique way to experience the Verde Canyon’s beauty.

Uncorked Wine Festival Verde Canyon Railroad Wine Glasses

Uncorked Wine Festival

Grape Train Escapes Verde Canyon Railroad Wine Trains Near Sedona Arizona

Grape Train Escape

Saturday Night Starlight Tours Verde Canyon Railroad Arizona Sunset to Stargazing Train Rides

Saturday Starlight Tours

Hear From Our Passengers

Real Reviews about Verde Canyon Railroad

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Cheryl Bondy
Rated 5 stars out of 5

Everything about this experience was wonderful! What my group enjoyed the most other than the scenery , were the stories, facts, and sights pointed out by our hosts Bryan and Ivy!

Mar 4, 2025

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Karen Ham
Rated 5 stars out of 5

Wonderful experience for young and old! Comfortable seating and great snacks provided with ticket. Barkeeper Chris was fabulous providing us service. Tim and John pointed out the points of interest on the outside train. Top notch service all around.

Mar 2, 2025

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Cara Dunlap
Rated 5 stars out of 5

You really get your moneys worth. Everything was perfect! Best attendants. Great charcuterie, champagne toast, water and had prickly pear Margheritas. Beautiful scenery. Inside cars are beautiful , outside cars so accessible. Perfect, love, loved it ❤️

Feb 27, 2025

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Michael and Michelle Lorino
Rated 4 stars out of 5

Fun 20 mile (4 hr) train ride thru the Verde Canyon. Beautiful views of canyons, cliff dwelling & river, even saw 2 bald eagles soaring. Nostalgic train cars decorated in SW decor. Great informative staff.

Feb 19, 2025

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leslie O
Rated 5 stars out of 5

Beautiful and well organized trip from beginning to end. Delicious lunch at the depot prior to boarding the train. On the train we were welcomed warmly and had snacks and beverage waiting on the table. Aiden, the bartender/tour guide was delightful, helpful and knowledgeable. Plan to do it again in the summer months next time. Despite the time of year, this trip had plenty of wildlife and pleasurable scenery.

Jan 18, 2025

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Robert W
Rated 5 stars out of 5

Overall outstanding. Facilities were clean, spacious and enjoyable. Gift shop personnel were friendly and helpful. Food was fresh and very tasty. The train cars were clean inviting and comfortable. Ivy our bar tender hostess was excellent and very knowledgeable of the train and area history. Nick was great in the out door car pointing out various interesting facts. Will do this event again and bring more family and friends. We'll done!

Oct 26, 2024

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Candie G
Rated 5 stars out of 5

Very scenic and enjoyable train ride. Loved that we could sit inside or walk out to the open gondola whenever we wanted to and the snacks and bar in each car was great. All the staff we encountered were great and very helpful. We did this and the Grand Canyon Railway in the same week and hands down this was the better of the two for the train ride experience. Also, we spent a little time in Cottonwood before the train and it is a great little town for some shopping, wine and/or a meal.

Oct 19, 2024

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Annie Moore
Rated 5 stars out of 5

We had a wonderful day! The place is run like a well oiled machine! The food is top notch! Even the snack on the train! Our guide, Byron, and bartenders, Eve and Lily, were excellent and a wealth of knowledge! We highly recommend this tour!

Sep 28, 2024

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Deanna Crowe
Rated 5 stars out of 5

My family had an awesome experience! It was even better than I expected. We took my father and it had comfortable seats for him as well as a bathroom. The guide outside was not only informative but highly entertaining. Thank you for making our vacation special.

May 1, 2024