Verde Canyon Railroad

A ride aboard this restored vintage train takes passengers 20 miles (32 kilometers) from an historic train depot just outside Sedona to the ghost town of Perkinsville and back. Passengers can choose between coach or the more spacious first class, both of which have access to open-air viewing cars, where outdoor attendants provide insight into the canyon’s history, geology, and ecology. Once a month during the summer, the railroad offers a nighttime starlight excursion to allow passengers to see a different side of the high desert.

• Verde Canyon Railroad is a must-do for families traveling with kids and history buffs.

• The round-trip ride lasts about four hours.

• The railroad is climate-controlled for a comfortable journey no matter the season.

• Some railroad cars are accessible to manual wheelchairs and are equipped with Americans with Disabilities–compliant (ADA) restrooms.

• Tickets often sell out, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

The train depot is in Clarkdale, about 40 minutes outside Sedona or two hours from Phoenix. The easiest way to get there is to drive, and you’ll find parking across the street from the depot.

Climate-controlled indoor cars make the train a popular excursion throughout the year. Expect temperatures of around 90°F (32°C) (when enjoying the open-air cars) during the summer months or the occasional light dusting of snow in winter.

The train passes between the Prescott and Coconino national forests, affording plenty of opportunity for viewing some of Arizona’s 900 animal species. Keep your eyes open for great blue herons along the banks of the Verde River or bald eagles soaring above the train cars.

Most visitors will say the best time of year to experience the Verde Canyon Railroad is fall—the cottonwoods and sycamores add jewel-esque tones of gold and amber to the blue-sky, red-rock experience. What’s more, temperatures are finally mild after summer’s heat, plus the railroad runs fun “Ales on Rails” and fall color tours.

What you wear on the Verde Canyon Railroad depends on the season you visit—and how much you plan to hang out in the open-air viewing car. The cars are climate-controlled and perfectly comfortable, but if you want outside viewing, wear clothing appropriate for the season. Some folks like to dress up for the experience, but it’s not required.

Yes, you need to book Verde Canyon Railroad tickets in advance. Many trains sell out, a near guarantee on weekends, and you don’t want to risk showing up and being turned away. Book your tickets at least one month in advance to ensure room for you and your group.

The train runs roughly 20 miles to the ghost town of Perkinsville. Along the way, you’ll experience Arizona’s “longest-running nature show,” full of high red-rock buttes, verdant ravines, high-desert flora, panoramic river views, and fantastic wildlife like bald eagles. It’s a great way to see this area’s natural beauty before the arrival of settlers.

No, you cannot take food onboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. The experience includes complimentary Southwest-inspired appetizers (fruits, cheeses, proteins, and dessert), plus an offered Champagne toast and bottled water. If you’re still hungry, additional, more robust food options are available at the Copper Spike Cafe in the train depot.

Yes, the Verde Canyon Railroad is accessible, at least for wheelchairs. The railroad has wheelchair-accessible train cars (your wheelchair must be no wider than 24.5 inches), plus they can provide a manual wheelchair if needed. Most motorized chairs and scooters cannot be accommodated, as they exceed width and weight limits.