Scenic Splendor: A Journey Aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad

Experience a fantastic journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad as it travels through the breathtaking Verde Canyon. This historic train operates a 40-mile round trip between Clarkdale, Arizona, and the ghost town of Perkinsville. The railroad features a depot, headquarters, and a railway museum in Clarkdale, making it one of the most popular attractions in Arizona.

Traveling on the train is the perfect way to learn about Arizona’s history and marvel at the Canyon and its intrinsic beauty. Along the route, travelers can view ancient Sinagua Indian dwellings carved into the landscape, along with stunning views of the Verde Canyon around every twist and bend. The copper industry originally constructed this route to link the mines in and around Jerome, Arizona, to the Santa Fe Railway.

Historic Verde Canyon Railroad Depot

Before embarking on a memorable train journey, explore the historic depot of the Verde Canyon Railroad that showcases the history of this gem of Clarksdale. The depot features Verde Canyon, the history of the railroad, and information on locomotives and historic rail cars. Along with the depot’s loading platform, storyboards provide insight into the pioneer spirit and railroad lore of Clarkdale, Arizona.

Verde Canyon Railroad Excursion Train

Step aboard the Verde Canyon Train Tour for a journey back in time to the era of comfortable train travel. The four-hour-long train journey, covering 20 miles of track at a leisurely 10 mph, is accompanied by thoughtfully selected railroad tunes and educational narration. This journey is not just a trip, but an enlightening experience.

Journey Through the Verde Canyon

Embark on a unique journey through the Verde Canyon, a region only accessible by rail. As you travel, be prepared to be captivated by the rugged beauty of the Canyon. The wall-to-wall Canyon of Red Rock buttes is a sight to behold, and the views from the train will leave a lasting impression. Keep your eyes peeled for ancient ruins, bald eagles, deer, and even the occasional bear as you traverse the Canyon.

Perkinsville Train Depot

The historic Perkinsville train depot deep in the Verde Canyon is the turnaround point. Perkinsville’s claim to fame is a filming location for scenes in the movie How the West Was Won. The town remains on private property owned by the Perkins Ranch, and passengers cannot get off the train. The train engine is switched to the back of the train here before the return trip down the Canyon to Clarkdale.

Select Your Train Coach For Travel

Indulge in the luxury of the First-Class travel coach offered by the Verde Canyon Railroad. With fewer passengers, spacious living-room-style seating, and large panoramic windows, this coach provides a comfortable and intimate journey. Complimentary champagne and full-service cash bars add to the pampering experience.

Open Air and Coach: Coach travel features traditional Pullman-style seating, which is typical of regular train journeys. Snack bars are available on board for passengers to purchase snacks. The inclusion of open-air cars enhances the overall experience of the train ride. The conductors of the Verde Canyon Railroad share their insights on the history, geology, and wildlife highlights of the Canyon with all passengers.

Reserve A Caboose: The train caboose can accommodate up to 6 people and comes equipped with oversized chairs, large windows, cupola seating, and private outdoor viewing platforms. A personal valet is also available for bar and food service. The Caboose is an expensive option, but it is a good choice for celebrating a special occasion.

John Bell Museum, Clarkdale, AZ

Before you head home, stop by the John Bell Museum adjacent to the train depot. The museum houses artifacts, pictures, and memorabilia from the early days of Clarkdale and the Verde Canyon Railway. Suppose you want a souvenir from your train trip, the Whistle Stop @ Milepost 38 gift shop. The gift shop features a selection of souvenirs and railroad-branded clothing for every member of your group.

Accessibility and Amenities:

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible cars are available with advance notice; manual wheelchairs (max 24.5 inches wide, 400 lbs) are provided if needed. The Caboose is not ADA-compliant.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible cars are available with advance notice; manual wheelchairs (max 24.5 inches wide, 400 lbs) are provided if needed. The Caboose is not ADA-compliant.

Getting to Verde Canyon Railway

300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ (30 minutes from Sedona, 2 hours from Phoenix). For up-to-date information on Verde Canyon Railroad tickets and train schedules, visit the train’s website. Travel time from Phoenix is just under two hours. Travel time from Flagstaff is just over one hour. For up-to-date information on Verde Canyon Railroad tickets and train schedules, visit the train’s website.

Nearby Points of Interest

Tuzigoot National Monument Historic Beauty

Tuzigoot National Monument, located in central Arizona near Clarkdale, preserves a 1,000-year-old Sinagua pueblo. Built between 1000 and 1400 CE, this hilltop village features a multi-room stone structure, originally two to three stories tall, housing up to 225 people at its peak. The monument offers a self-guided trail with panoramic views of the Verde River and surrounding landscape. The site is wheelchair-accessible, and leashed pets are allowed on trails.

Jerome, Arizona, Almost A Ghost Town

Jerome, Arizona, a historic mining town perched on Cleopatra Hill in the Verde Valley, is about 5 miles from Tuzigoot National Monument. Founded in the late 19th century, it thrived as a copper mining hub, producing over $1 billion in ore by the 1950s. Once home to 15,000 people, it dwindled to a near-ghost town before reinventing itself as a vibrant artist community and tourist destination. Jerome is known for its steep, winding streets, preserved historic buildings, and quirky charm.

Sedona, Arizona, Vortex Site, with Panoramic Views

Sedona, located in Arizona’s Verde Valley at 4,350 feet, is renowned for its breathtaking red rock buttes, vibrant arts community, and spiritual allure, drawing over 3 million visitors annually. Surrounded by Coconino and Prescott National Forests, it offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and wellness activities.