The Verde Canyon Railroad is a heritage railroad running between Clarkdale and Perkinsville in the U.S. state of Arizona. The passenger excursion line operates on 20 miles of tracks of the Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad, a shortline.
Prior to boarding, families will be able to tour a miniature village featuring 10 tiny houses on a town square with a flight path for children, wearing provided eagle wings. A walking path for adults offers an eagle’s eye-view of what these majestic birds see in flight. This unique “flight” is inspired by Verde Canyon Railroad’s relationship with Liberty Wildlife of Arizona. An educational bald eagle that visits Verde Canyon Railroad regularly will be at the depot to greet the children and give “wing-flapping” lessons prior to entering the village.
The one-hour round-trip travels into the dark of night, through a mystical tunnel, onto Santa’s private tracks to the North Pole and back.
Along the route, silhouettes of resident canyon critters will be featured in three-dimensional brilliance, lighting the journey to the Santa’s special depot at the North Pole.
Soon, outside the window the North Pole appears. Passengers wait, in anticipation, for the sight of jolly Ol’ Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus.
Enjoy the historic surroundings, learn about the Sedona area railroad history, grab a delicious bite to eat with friends, or stop by the gift shop. The Verde Canyon Railroad Depot is where the fun starts.
Tradition meets comfort and adventure with friends for the whole family. Our 4-hour train tour offers outdoor viewing cars, food & alcohol service, and the ability to see places inaccessible without the train.
Towering red rock buttes, steep ravines, bald eagles and other wildlife viewing in one of the world's most beautiful canyons. Experience the fun today!
AT THE DEPOT
A stroll down the sidewalk bordering the outdoor dining area leads to the museum, a renovated boxcar packed with the interesting history of the train line, the Canyon and our neighboring communities all told through a collection of train memorabilia and historic artifacts spanning more than a century.
The depot and museum are open daily.
Eye-catching storyboards, overflowing with details on the Verde Canyon, Arizona pioneer spirit and railroad lore line the quarter-mile length of the train’s loading platform.
Visitors will gather fascinating facts about the many animals, plants and people that have imprinted the Verde Valley and the Canyon through which the train passes. Specifics on the railroad’s vintage FP7 locomotives and historic rail cars also are shared via storyboards.
Surrounding the depot are shaded bistro seats and picnic tables creating an ideal lunch location prior to boarding. The outdoor beverage bar on the patio is open seasonally and features an assortment of Arizona craft beers on tap as well as signature margaritas and private-label wines. The patio is the place for seasonal events such as Ales on Rails, as well as year-round raptor visits from Liberty Wildlife.
Enjoy a railtastic lunch prepared to your liking at the Copper Spike Cafe located in the Depot. The cafe has a varied menu of regional favorites, many prepared with locally grown and sourced ingredients. There is an entree to suit everyone’s taste, from the light eater to one with a heartier appetite, from a carnivore to a vegan. Lunches may be enjoyed in our outdoor dining area or carried aboard the train.
Shopping at the Boxcar Gift Store is a traveler’s delight. The quality selection of souvenirs and clothing, home décor and keepsakes representing the Canyon, Railroad and Southwest is irresistible. The Store also celebrates the talent and creativity of local and regional artists in jewelry, sculpture and books.
ABOARD THE TRAIN
The casual grace of train travel never goes out of style. From the moment you step aboard the renovated vintage train, you are whisked back to a time of luxurious and leisurely train travel. This 4-hour excursion takes you on a 20-mile journey through 110 years of history.
All passenger cars are climate-controlled and each one has a restroom. Comfortable seating, thoughtful décor and friendly, informative attendants add to the beauty of this remote wilderness without sacrificing the luxury of comfort. Each car has large panoramic windows and access to an open-air viewing car for 360-degree viewing and lots of fresh canyon air. The train also meets ADA requirements.
Throughout the trip, an insightful narration about the 4-hour, 40-mile roundtrip is paired with a great selection of classic railroad tunes selected to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes. Access to open-air viewing cars and narration are elite amenities which make our train experience unlike any other.Our daily first class passage includes spacious living room-style seating near panoramic windows. Other amenities include a Champagne toast upon boarding, full-service cash-bars presenting premium liquors, service at one’s seat and a variety of individually-packaged, complimentary appetizers.
The exclusive caboose is designed for one private party of six or fewer adults. Its luxurious appointments include over-sized chairs, large picture windows, cupola seating for a birds-eye view, and two private outdoor viewing platforms. A personal valet pours your complimentary Champagne upon boarding and serves freshly-prepared appetizers. Your choice of premium alcoholic beverages is available for purchase.
All cars access open-air viewing cars equipped with shaded canopies. Outdoor attendants, well-versed in the canyon’s history, geology and wildlife, share highlights and answer questions about our wilderness adventure. Being outdoors brings you face to face with the sounds and sights of the high desert that characterizes the Verde Canyon.
