Board a vintage locomotive for a 4-hour, 40-mile moonlit journey through Verde Canyon. Experience Sinagua cliff dwellings, a 150-foot bridge, and wildlife sightings while the sunset and moonlight redraw the high-desert river gorge.
Board a vintage locomotive for a 4-hour, 40-mile moonlit journey through Verde Canyon. Experience Sinagua cliff dwellings, a 150-foot bridge, and wildlife sightings while the sunset and moonlight redraw the high-desert river gorge.
Book with Verde Canyon Railroad
Book directly with Verde Canyon Railroad for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Verde Canyon Railroad · Clarkdale, Arizona
The sun slides down behind red-rock fins as the vintage locomotive exhales a low, steady breath and the Verde Canyon Railroad eases out of Clarkdale. You feel the train gather the day—passengers lean into open-air cars, a champagne toast clinks softly, and the river below begins to catch the last light. For four hours you ride where roads don’t go: a 40-mile round trip along the Verde River that threads high desert cliffs, riparian cottonwoods, and the silent ruins left by the Sinagua people.
easy.
4 hours.
Minimal fitness required; passengers should be able to board a train and walk short distances at the depot and viewpoint areas.
They run select Fridays and Saturdays from May through September; check the operator schedule for exact dates and times.
Yes—Verde Canyon Railroad is wheelchair accessible and service animals are permitted; strollers and car seats are not allowed onboard.
No outside food or beverage is allowed. Tickets purchased through authorized channels include a depot cafe voucher for use at the restaurant.
The excursion is approximately 4 hours and covers about 40 miles round trip along the Verde River between Clarkdale and Perkinsville.
Wildlife sightings are common—look for bald eagles, mule deer, and sometimes bighorn sheep; sightings depend on season and time of day.
Infants aged 0–1 may sit on an adult’s lap; guests aged 1 and over require a paid ticket per the operator’s policy.
The Verde Canyon tracks were built in 1911 to follow the river for mining and transport; the area preserves Sinagua cliff dwellings and mining-era relics tied to Clarkdale and Jerome.
The route passes protected national forest and Sycamore Canyon Wilderness boundaries—staying aboard the train reduces foot traffic and erosion around sensitive archaeological sites.
Verde Canyon Railroad operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Book with Verde Canyon Railroad
Book directly with Verde Canyon Railroad for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now