easy
3–4 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels as the experience involves comfortable seated travel with occasional walking at stops.
Discover Arizona’s stunning Verde Canyon on a private rail tour with Wandering Heart Adventures. Enjoy breathtaking views, rich history, and close encounters with wildlife on this unique outdoor experience.
12 Hours • All Ages • 6 Person Minimum • 12 Person Maximum
12 Hours
This includes transit time and complimentary pick up and drop off. Limited to the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas.
The tour is perfectly paced and desgined to make the most of every minute!
There is time built in to:
Montezuma Castle: This site is one of the best preserved cave dwellings in North America. This is a National Monument of the sinagua people who lived between 1000 and 1425 A.D. Located in the beautiful verde valley, you can learn of how these interesting people lived and get get a scenic view of early stone and mortar masonry. (Duration 30 minutes)
Tuzigoot: This historic monument is the largest and best preserved pueblo ruins from the Sinagua people in the Verde valley. The pueblo has 110 rooms and was designated by Franklin D. Roosevelt as a national monument in 1939. The view of the Verde Valley is breathtaking and we will get a chance to walk around the monument and get plenty of photos. (Duration 30 minutes)
Jerome: This is one of Arizona's best kept secrets. Jerome, Arizona is rich in state history and mining. Founded in 1899 because of the rich copper deposits in the Black Hills, it served as one of the mining boomtowns of Arizona in the 1920's. Its spectacular view overlooks the neighboring Verde Valley with breathtaking red rock scenery to see for miles! We will spend some time enjoying walking around the local shops and enjoying the old Arizona mining town. (Duration 1.5 hours)
Verde Canyon Railroad: Journey through scenic verde canyon on the historic Arizona railroad. You will ride through Arizona's rich past of mining, prospecting and Native American culture. This over 3.5 hour ride is sure to delight the sense of adventure and exploration. You will be taken care of in luxurious first class where there is complimentary champaign and bottled water, as well as a light lunch bar of sandwiches and wings. (Duration is 3.5 hours).
The railcar offers great views, but binoculars will help you see distant wildlife like eagles and deer more clearly.
Arizona sun can be intense; bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses even if the ride is shaded.
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Temperatures can vary from early morning chill to afternoon warmth, so layered clothing is advisable.
The Verde Canyon rail line was originally built in the early 20th century to transport copper and other minerals from Arizona’s mines.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the natural habitat along the Verde River corridor, balancing tourism with protecting native plants and wildlife.
Enhances your ability to see distant wildlife and landscape details from the train.
Provides protection from the strong Arizona sun during the warmer months.
spring specific
Keeps you warm during cooler mornings and evenings throughout the tour.
fall specific
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the dry Arizona climate.