things to see and do
The Verde Canyon Railroad is a stress-free wilderness adventure featuring an abundance of native flora and fauna, rugged high-desert rock faces and remarkable vistas. This exclusive view of the Canyon is only accessible by rail. The train passes towering crimson pinnacles, near ancient Indian ruins, over fortified trestles, past a monocline fold and through a manmade 680-foot tunnel. The four-hour rail journey takes you from the old mining town of Clarkdale to the Perkinsville ghost ranch and back. This historic ribbon of rails – between two national forests and adjacent to a national wilderness area – follows the upper Verde River, a lush riparian habitat blessed with astonishing beauty.
Expert narration and seasoned car attendants leave you with an appreciation of the history, archaeology, geology, wildlife and Indian lore of the Verde Canyon. Music and narration are an integral part of the trip as you make your way through Arizona’s longest-running nature show … railroad style.
verde canyon railroad highlights
Locomotive "ride along"
OPEN-AIR CARS
SPECIAL EVENTS
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
LOCATION MAP + DIRECTIONS
photo gallery
Since 1912 this heritage railroad, sandwiched between two protected national forests, has existed in harmony in the wilderness through which it passes and the canyon’s native inhabitants. The first excursion train of the Verde Canyon Railroad rolled out of the Clarkdale depot on November 23, 1990, offering a glimpse of this treasured landscape to visitors while providing an unforgettable encounter that transcends generations.