Posted in Arizona Explore, Fall September 13, 2022 by

2 Ridiculously Charming Train Rides To Take In Arizona This Fall

Trains are one of the best ways to experience nature, especially here in Arizona where the list of places to explore is practically endless. These timeless vehicles are even more amazing in the fall because they allow us to experience things we otherwise wouldn’t be able to, like secret pumpkin patches and remote canyons accessible only by rail. These Arizona train rides encompass everything we love about autumn in the Grand Canyon State, and you’ll definitely want to add them to your bucket list this year.

1. Ales on Rails — Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)
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What do beer and fall have in common? Both are characterized by their warmth. As temperatures drop and foliage begins to take on the comforting gold, amber, and scarlet hues we wait all year to see, this unique train ride takes passengers to the heart of it all, so they can raise a glass to the most wonderful time of year.
The beer selection might be Oktoberfest-style, but each one is produced right here in Arizona.
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Choices range from light + summery Kolsch to dark stouts & chocolate porters and everything in-between. Your $22 ticket includes a souvenir glass, five tastings, and a lunch of grilled sausages, potato salad, and hot pretzels with cheese for dipping. The excursion runs from mid-September through October 31st. Visit the official website to reserve a spot.
2. Fall Colors — Verde Canyon Rail (Clarkdale)
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Also on Verde Canyon Railroad is the spectacular Fall Colors Tour, providing front row seats to the best autumn show in Arizona. The canyon is absolutely teeming with eye-popping foliage this time of year, and you'll get an exclusive visit to some of the most enthralling viewpoints only accessible to locomotive traffic.
Open-air viewing cars allow passengers to get up-close and personal with the surrounding Sycamore wilderness, one of the state's most remote places.
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A cool breeze whips through the air as rustling leaves seem to whisper, "Fall has arrived." You can experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip through November, and tickets can be purchased on the official website.

Have you taken any of these Arizona train rides? What’s your favorite railway excursion in Arizona?

For more fall fun in our state, check out this epic pumpkin wonderland in Arizona that takes over one small town every year.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Arizona Train Rides

September 18, 2022
Tori Jane

Where can I embark upon some fall train rides in Arizona?  

Who says Arizona doesn’t have autumn? We sure don’t! Fall in Arizona is a truly magical time (more on that in a moment), with all sorts of fun things to do, including scenic train excursions. Some of our favorite fall train rides in Arizona include the famed Verde Canyon Railroad, which offers numerous wonderful adventures throughout the year (but the autumn color ones are by far among our faves). There’s also the amazing Grand Canyon Railway, which is as majestic as it sounds like it ought to be.  

What is fall in Arizona like?  

Autumn in Arizona is a special time. Central Arizona doesn’t tend to see too much activity, though some trees within city limits take their time to change color... eventually. However, other parts of Arizona are perfect for autumn adventures, with mild temperatures, dry weather, and a cool breeze that never seems to go away. Head to any of the amazing state parks in Arizona in the fall and enjoy some truly beyond amazing weather (and views that are even more amazing than the weather). Check out Boyce Thompson Arboretum to really appreciate autumn in all its wonder, and then be sure to check out some of the famous haunted attractions in Arizona, too – you can’t miss the spooky season!  

Do the leaves change in the fall in Arizona?  

Many of them do. Sure, we have some species of trees that are evergreen (or simply a desert species that doesn’t tend to change), but you’ll still find fall foliage in Arizona as long as you know where to look. Check out some of the most amazing autumn hiking trails in Arizona up in the northern part of the state, or maybe head way down to southern Arizona and go up beautiful Mount Lemmon, which sets itself ablaze with color year after year. The town of Sedona is stunning during the fall, and the amazing drive to West Fork Trail is second to none. If you’re looking for fall color in Arizona, you just need to know where to go – the rest is up to nature (and it’s amazing).