Hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a 4-hour rail journey through the untouched and unspoiled Verde Valley. With luxury class seating, you will enjoy appetizers, Champagne and unobstructed views of Arizona’s geological wonders, wildlife and archaeological finds of the ancient Sinagua people who once lived in the area.
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.
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey! Enjoy a luxurious train ride through a 20-mile wilderness area, along a wild and scenic river, only accessible by rail. For 3.5-hours, enjoy comfort and style, exceptional amenities and outstanding service in vintage rail cars on a century-old route. Wind your way through a red rock paradise, with tracks that hug the curves of the Verde River. Every season offers a different reason to ride! Astonishing views of a wild and vibrant frontier, historic trestles, bridges and a 7000-foot tunnel are just a few of the highlights tucked into unusual rock formations, red rock pinnacles and towering crimson cliffs. Majestic bald eagles and hawks float effortlessly on the breeze above Javelina, wild burros, jackrabbits and many other Canyon creatures, peacefully coexisting with this heritage railroad for more than 100 years.
At the depot, be sure to visit the John Bell Museum, home to the railroad's history and artifacts from its early days, as well as a wealth of information on Clarkdale, Jerome and the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
The train runs on the same tracks that were created following the Verde River back in 1911. The river is visible for most of your journey.
SOB Canyon and the 150 ft tall bridge are highlights of the trip. Looking back from the bridge and down the canyon is simply gorgeous!
Discover the history of Perkinsville Ghost Town through on-board commentary on your train journey. This is the turn-around point of your trip.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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