Today beer is so much more than the “suds” of your grand-dad’s day. The drinking of ale has been elevated to an art form, on par with wine for its regional origin, hints and notes; a bonding experiences for the legion of aficionados who hold their beer to a higher standard. Verde Canyon Railroad’s Ales on Rails is a great big shout out to Arizona craft beers, as well as to the Canyon’s beautiful autumn sipping weather to compliment these local flavors.

Every train day, September 17 through October 31, shadowing Germany’s Oktoberfest season, Ales on Rails is a party at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot, 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., prior to the train’s 1:00 p.m. departure. The festive Oktoberfest-inspired luncheon, with a flair of southwestern style, is the perfect accompaniment to the craft brews chilled and waiting for your approval on the patio.  A wild variety of craft beers, ranging from the hoppiest IPAs to the chocolatiest stouts and everything in between, will be available by the taste AND by the glass.  The celebration continues to flow aboard the train with an assortment of customized brews available for purchase during the train ride.  Ales on Rails tickets may be pre-purchased to include the beer tasting, luncheon and a souvenir pint glass so all you have to do is show up and drink up.

Autumn in the Verde Canyon is full of late-season wildflowers basking in warm afternoons, while cool nights chill the riparian foliage to gold. The colors of the red rocks and the burnished leaves echo the rich, hoppy colors of the Arizona- brewed beers, making a train ride the perfect pairing. Every year Verde Canyon Railroad is fortunate to have representatives from a number of fine breweries that gladly share their processes and reasoning behind the flavors of their award-winning beers.

Real rails, real people, and a real adventure make Verde Canyon Railroad a feast for each of the senses. MORE INFORMATION