The Perfect Arizona Daytrip awaits aboard Verde Canyon Railroad

Since 1990, Verde Canyon Railroad has carried nearly three million passengers through a wild and scenic canyon, on its historic route completed in 1912. The breathtaking journey fills all the senses (and every camera) all while leaving no trace. A stone’s throw from the hillside mining town of Jerome, Verde Canyon Railroad’s Clarkdale depot is in the heart of the Verde Valley, a diverse crossroads featuring unforgettable adventures in every direction. Only two hours from Phoenix and 25 minutes from Sedona, Verde Canyon Railroad is the perfect Arizona daytrip.

Take in nature’s show

Spring into summer on a journey with lush riparian views, towering yucca and ocotillo in bloom. Colors paint the skies and the soaring cliffsides around the Sedona area, and blooms cascade down the high desert hillsides, building to a crescendo of color lasting throughout the spring and summer. Keen-eyed train passengers may spot baby eaglets, deer, javelina and other wild creatures along “Arizona’s Longest-Running Nature Show.”

Escape on the Grape Train

Once summer is in full swing, the train offers Grape Train Escape wine-tasting event on board, a special optional upgrade on the Saturday Night Starlight schedule. Each Grape Train Escape will highlight a different wine region, ranging from France to Italy, Chile, Argentina and Arizona.  Along with scrumptious appetizers, five wines are served as tastings. Rolling out of Clarkdale at 5:30 p.m., these popular summer evening excursions travel the Verde Canyon by daylight and into the rich golden colors of sunset, returning through twilight under skies full of stars.

Rails by moonlight or early daylight

Moonlight rides, scheduled closest to the full moon, take place on select Friday nights through September. Early riser? The counterpart to the summer evening trains is a morning ride, departing at 9:30 a.m. and traveling the canyon during the day’s early hours. Morning trips include breakfast-style appetizers accompanied by mimosa and Bloody Mary toasts as the wild Arizona scenery streams past. 

Find you perfect daytrip

Read more about the Verde Canyon Railroad and make reservations online here.

Photos courtesy TravMedia