Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad
4.7
53 Ratings
Clarkdale
Experience Arizona's Verde Valley on a 4-hour Starlight Ride. Enjoy first-class views of geological wonders, wildlife, and ancient archaeological sites.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Verde Canyon Railroad - Make your way to the Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona, not far from Sedona, to begin your Verde Canyon Railroad Starlight adventure.

This rail adventure offers a wilderness train ride through the remote Verde Canyon which is known for its picturesque setting and abundant wildlife. Though it’s possible to hike in the canyon, by far the easiest way to experience it is by riding this scenic wilderness train.

The train is made up of exquisitely-renovated passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives and travels a route along the Verde River between Clarkdale and Perkinsville. After embarking from the Clarkdale depot, sit back for a 4-hour, 40-mile round trip that includes views of historic mining sites, geological wonders, Sinagua Indian cliff dwellings and wildlife from bald eagles to antelope.

  • Verde Canyon Railroad - At the depot, be sure to visit the John Bell Museum, home to the railroad’s history and artifacts from its early days, as well as a wealth of information on Clarkdale, Jerome and the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
  • Verde River - The train runs on the same tracks that were created following the Verde River back in 1911. The river is visible for most of your journey.
  • S O B Canyon - SOB Canyon and the 150 ft tall bridge are highlights of the trip. Looking back from the bridge and down the canyon is simply gorgeous!
  • Perkinsville Ghost Town - Discover the history of Perkinsville Ghost Town through on-board commentary on your train journey. This is the turn-around point of your trip.
  • Tuzigoot National Monument - You’ll ride past Tuzigoot National Monument on your train journey.
What's Included
  • First class seating
  • Appetizers
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • Champagne toast
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • DVD (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Pets are not allowed on train
Additional Information

Hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a 4-hour rail journey through the untouched and unspoiled Verde Valley. With first class seating, you will enjoy unobstructed views of Arizona’s geological wonders, wildlife, and archaeological finds of the ancient Sinagua people who once lived in the area. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers Starlight and Moonlight excursions on select Fridays and Saturdays May through September, departing the depot during the cooler temperatures of later afternoon and traveling through sunset and into the moon glow of twilight. Sandwiched between two protected national forests and adjacent to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Verde Canyon Railroad brings its passengers into a untamed and unspoiled terrain, the exceedingly rare ribbon where high desert meets the river.

  • Infant age is 0-1 year. Any guest aged 1 and over will be charged an adult rate. Guests cannot board the train without a paid ticket
Location
Verde Canyon Railroad
North Broadway
Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(53 Ratings)
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Justin_b
May 26, 2024
Wonderful day trip away from the city - Absolutely fantastic experience. The whole staff was knowledgeable and hilarious. Drinks were fantastic. Would definitely recommend this. My girlfriend loves the surprise.
Review provided by Viator
Steve_e
May 26, 2024
It was lovely - The rumble of the rails, the open air feel of the Arizona mountains on my face, and the pleasurable conversation with friends in a relaxing atmosphere.
Review provided by Viator
Cassi_m
May 26, 2024
Great trip - The server and car narrator were awesome. Shout out to Anisa and Byron. The twin car was comfortable and the snacks were great.
Review provided by Viator
Karthik_g
Sep 12, 2023
A must have experience - Great train ride experience with food, drinks, beautiful views of the canyon, and amazing crew who talk about the various spots on the canyon for photos and take amazing care of you! Def recommend :)
Review provided by Viator
Cierra_m
Sep 10, 2023
Fun Trip! - Great trip! Enjoyed the views, and history from E.C. The food at the state was good. The beverage selection on the train was extensive, the bartender had a great personality!
Review provided by Viator
Cesaria_a
Sep 10, 2023
Good time on the train - The views were breathtaking. The whole experience was well worth the money. The food was delicious. The guide was very knowledgeable about all the history. I would recommend this ride. I definitely will do it again.
Review provided by Viator
Diana_b
Aug 20, 2023
It was an awesome... - It was an awesome experience with my husband. We will be back with family. Also a great gift for my son and his girlfriend. Loved it, thank you ❤️🤟🏻
Review provided by Viator
Jasmin
Aug 16, 2023
Don't pre-order any food - As Arizona residents who visit the area regularly we were already familiar with the landscape but this was our first opportunity to actually take the train tour that provides views/trajectories that would otherwise never be experienced and it was FANTASTIC! We also, by total accident, happened to have reservations for an evening that included a meteor shower as well as a few minutes of a VERY quickly moving satellite that were all visible by walking out to the open air car with a resident guide. It was an incredibly relaxing and yet stimulating experience all in one! The only "advisory" that I would give is that there seems to be a bit of confusion regarding the food options that are offered. The train rides DO include a packaged charcuterie (DELICIOUS) as well as a bottle of water and your choice of a champagne or sparkling cider toast upon seating/departure.... but when looking at available MEALS, the website AND the subsequent interaction with the staff in the "check-in" building is confusing at best!!!! If you buy a meal with your ticket online then you simply receive a voucher for said meal that you still need to wait in line to turn in prior to boarding the train along with everyone else who is ordering at the last minute and we ALSO heard employees telling people that they had to eat their food before boarding which is ABSOLUTELY FALSE! Also, we arrived 45 minutes before our departure and it still took 25 minutes to buy 2 bottles of water and a Dr. Pepper! The actual train and train staff were FANTASTIC but literally everything else up to that point was a disaster and needs to be addressed by management! Go have dinner first and arrive to check in 15-20 mins prior to departure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joe_w
Aug 13, 2023
Awesome adventure and the tour guides and bartender were superb.. Shoutout to Mark and Shaun - No tips enjoying yourself and life with s from within 👏🏾✨… There is nothing more I can say peaceful
Review provided by Viator
Kay_p
May 12, 2024
The canyon at sunset was... - The canyon at sunset was extraordinarily beautiful. The red rock color simply blazed against the Arizona blue sky. It was an unforgettable ride.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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