Verde Canyon Railroad: Luxury Arizona Scenery Journey
4.6
1,844 Ratings
Clarkdale
Embark on a 4-hour train trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad, traversing the pristine and untouched Verde Valley. From the comfort of luxurious seats, savor snacks and Champagne while feasting your eyes on the natural beauty of Arizona, abundant wildlife, and ancient artifacts from the Sinagua inhabitants who once resided in the region.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Verde Canyon Railroad - It’s not just about reaching your destination, it’s about the experience along the way! Indulge in a sumptuous train excursion through a 20-mile natural preserve, tracing the path of a pristine river, accessible solely by railway. For a duration of 3.5 hours, bask in the luxury and elegance, with top-notch amenities and superior service aboard classic railway coaches on a historic trail. Navigate through a landscape of red rock wonders, following the contours of the Verde River. Each season presents a unique motive to embark on this ride!
Spectacular vistas of untamed and colorful wilderness, ancient trestles, impressive bridges, and a 7000-foot tunnel are among the marvels nestled among extraordinary rock shapes, towering red rock spires, and lofty crimson cliffs.
Majestic bald eagles and hawks soar with ease in the sky above Javelina, wild donkeys, jackrabbits, and a host of other canyon inhabitants, which have shared their home with this venerable railway for over a century. - John Bell Railroad Museum - Make sure to stop by the John Bell Museum at the station, which houses a collection of the railway’s historical relics and documents from its inception, along with extensive knowledge about Clarkdale, Jerome, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
- Verde River - The train travels on the original tracks laid down next to the Verde River in 1911. The river can be seen for the majority of the excursion.
- S O B Canyon - The SOB Canyon and its towering 150-foot bridge are among the journey’s highlights. The view from the bridge looking back down the canyon is breathtaking!
- Perkinsville Ghost Town - Learn about the history of Perkinsville Ghost Town through the narrative provided during your train ride. This location marks the point where the train reverses direction.
What's Included
- Appetizers
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- On-board restrooms
- Champagne toast
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Pets are not allowed on train
Additional Information
- Please Note: Special dietary options are unable to be accommodated
- Infant age is 0-1 year. Any guest aged 1 and over will be charged an adult rate. Guests cannot board the train without a paid ticket
Location
Verde Canyon Railroad
North Broadway
Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona
Address: 300 North Broadway
Clarkdale, Arizona 86324
Directions: From Phoenix: Allow 2 hours for the drive
• Take I-17 north to exit 287 (Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Clarkdale). Turn left (west) over the freeway on Hwy 260.
• Stay on Hwy 260 for approximately 14 miles to the fifth traffic light. Turn left at light. This is Main Street (historic 89A).
• Drive through Old Town Cottonwood, past the turnoff for Tuzigoot National Monument until you see a sign on the corner that says “Verde Canyon Railroad.”
• Bear right onto Broadway, cross the one-lane bridge and park in the designated parking across the street from the depot.
From Sedona: Allow 40 minutes for the drive.
• Go southwest toward Cottonwood on Hwy 89A to Cornville Road/Mingus Avenue.
• Turn right on Mingus Avenue and proceed west 1.8 miles to North Main Street (Historic 89A).
• Turn right and continue on Main Street through Old Town Cottonwood, past the turnoff for Tuzigoot National Monument until you see a sign on the corner that says “Verde Canyon Railroad.”
• Bear right onto Broadway, cross the one-lane bridge and park in the designated parking across the street from the depot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(1844 Ratings)
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Penny_b
Apr 3, 2024
Relaxing train ride! - The train ride was peaceful and fun. The meal and appetizers were amazing. I learned a lot about the area. Is there a PA system on board? If not, it would be ice to add that for all the information staff has to share.
Review provided by Viator
Tin_g
Apr 3, 2024
This train ride is... - This train ride is awesome. The scenery and the open car was great. The outdoor car guy Brandon was knowledgeable and funny. I highly recommend this trip to all.
Review provided by Viator
Silverlab
Apr 2, 2024
Great time - Highly recommend. This is a very professional outfit and tour. Great people, hospitality, and the cars are clean and comfortable. The open air cars are outstanding. Gary was our host outside and he was very knowledgeable and engaging. Tonya was our car’s bartender; she was enthusiastic and took care of everyone well. The views were just beautiful and the train pace is slower so that you can take it all in. Wished the tour was maybe 3 hours vs 4 but the route is the route. We enjoyed ourselves and would definitely do again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide225930
Apr 1, 2024
Recommend 100% - Amazing experience! 3/27/2024 Beautiful sunny day, beautiful views! If you have never taken a train ride with "outside" cars - do this when you visit AZ. While we were waiting to board, we checked out the history and fun items from the past in the little museum. They provided us with lunch, a little charcuterie snack plate along with a champagne start up toast when leaving. All the areas were very clean! From the waiting area and train cars to the bathrooms at the station and inside our car. We were on the Jerome car. Kerry was the hostess with the mostest! She didn't stop smiling our whole ride and her specialty drinks were awesome! Andy was our outdoor car guide and was so knowledgeable and friendly. He gave us the history and fun facts about the railroad and sights along the way in addition to the pre-recorded audio playing. We had a great time and would recommend this train ride to everyone! Thanks, VCRR for a memorable day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann_m
Mar 30, 2024
The Deusner’s do Arizona - The views were great! Andy did a great job of telling us what to look for! Carrie, our bartender, took great care of us! The 13 year old wanted a virgin ShirleyTemple and she got it! Then, she was dying to try some prickly pear so between the 2 of them they created what they called a Prickly Pimple! Loved having the outdoor car! We spent most of our time there! Thanks for the wonderful memories!
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_c
Mar 30, 2024
The best scenic ride - The trip was relaxing and beautiful. Great snacks and drinks. The service was top notch!
The lunch in the depot was tasty and served efficiently. We enjoyed the outside car as well as the comfy indoor seating
Review provided by Viator
Deb_b
Mar 30, 2024
Very enjoyable - Andy and Savannah were both amazing hosts!!
Great service and very knowledgeable!
Enjoyed the snacks and drinks, beautiful scenery!!
Review provided by Viator
Judy_k
Mar 30, 2024
Wonderful - The snacks were great!
Branden was awesome and a lot of fun!
He did an outstanding job!!! We were very comfortable. He would tell us when to go outside to see stuff. We really enjoyed Branden.
Review provided by Viator
Jim_s
Mar 29, 2024
Exceeded our expectations!!! - My wife and I had an awesome time
Our most memorable things were:
- The views
- the extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff (especially Savannah and Andy)
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_k
Apr 1, 2024
Not a fan. - The food and drinks were good, but the train ride was boring. The scenery was monotonous after a while and the train was moving so slowly. The tour guide spent the whole time in the outside car, only coming inside twice to explain what we saw outside the windows. After 4 hours on that train, I couldn't wait to get off.
Review provided by Viator
