Posted in Arizona Attractions, Explore January 06, 2023 by

The Scenic Train Ride In Arizona That Runs Year-Round

Train rides are an ideal way to enjoy natural scenery regardless of the season. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a year-round train ride in Arizona that takes you through brilliant autumn foliage, snowcapped mountains, vibrant springtime blooms, and star-filled summer night skies. It really showcases all the natural beauty our state has to offer! Whether you’re a fan of train travel or enjoying Arizona’s most stunning landscape, you’ll agree that a ride on this scenic Arizona railroad is a bucket-list-worthy experience. Curious to learn more? All aboard!

No matter what time of year it is, the Verde Canyon Railroad whisks passengers away on an unforgettable tour of Arizona's most breathtaking scenery.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
The four-hour, 20-mile excursion chronicles 110 years of history, keeping the nostalgia and romanticism of train travel alive.
You'll climb aboard a refurbished train car and ride the rails through Verde Canyon, a lush oasis featuring majestic rock faces and an abundance of native wildlife and vegetation.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
Only accessible via rail, the verdant landscape between Clarkdale and Perkinsville is virtually untouched by humans.
From coach to first class, there are a variety of seating choices available.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
All of the passenger cars are climate-controlled and boast living room-style armchairs and sofas to ensure maximum comfort. Depending on which class you opt for, other amenities include open-air viewing platforms, a complimentary champagne toast, and appetizers.
There's never a dull moment on the Verde Canyon Railroad, as special events are offered all throughout the year.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
From a haunted Halloween train to moonlight rides during the summer, every season is celebrated.
One of the most popular rides of the year is the annual Fall Colors Tour, which takes place in October and November.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
The densely forested terrain erupts in a brilliant display of autumnal splendor, and beer from local breweries is offered for adult passengers.
Come wintertime, The Magical Christmas Journey™ takes kids from one to ninety-two on an enchanting trip to the North Pole.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Complete with lights, décor, a Christmas village, and festive food and drink, the experience is a dream come true for all ages.
Other themed trips include an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, Saturday morning brunch train, wine-tasting excursion, and more.
Facebook/Verde Canyon Railroad
There's so much family fun to be had on this year-round train ride in Arizona!

Curious to see the railroad in action? Take a sneak peek when you watch the brief video below, courtesy of ThunderMesaStudio on YouTube:

Visit the railroad’s website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.

Have you ever taken a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad? If so, what time of year was it? Did you embark on one of the themed excursions? We’d love to hear all about your experience – tell us in the comments! To learn more about open-air viewing platforms, check out our previous article about Verde Canyon.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

verde canyon railroad

January 11, 2023
Beth C.

What are some fun day trips to take in Arizona?

Arizona is a day trip enthusiast's paradise. From historic sites to breathtaking natural wonders, there's simply no shortage of fun things to do in Arizona. Below is a list of fun day trips to take in Arizona:

  • Antelope Canyon
  • Paradise Forks
  • Rune Wines in Sonoita
  • Grand Canyon
  • The town of Ajo
  • Tovrea Castle
  • The Wave at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
  • Tombstone
  • The Petrified Forest
  • Tucson

 

As you can see from the list above, Arizona is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

What are some other train trips I can take in Arizona?

Experiencing Arizona by rail is a remarkable adventure. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery while the landscape whirls past you. Below are some of the most popular train trips you can experience Arizona:

  • Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)
  • Grand Canyon Railway (Williams)
  • Maricopa Live Steamers Railroad Club (Glendale)
  • Daisy Mountain Railroad (Anthem)
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale)
  • Old Tucson Studios (Tucson)
  • Goldfield Ghost Town (Goldfield)
  • Rawhide Western Town and Event Center (Chandler)
  • Desert Breeze Railroad (Chandler)

 

What are some fun things to do with kids in Arizona?

If you're planning to travel through Arizona with the family, you'll be delighted to hear that there are loads of family-friendly attractions in the Grand Canyon State. In fact, we've put together an entire road trip of family-friendly places in Arizona that are sure to entertain all ages! Some of the places you'll visit along the way include:

  • Soda Jerk Co. Milkshake Bar (Phoenix)
  • Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs (Scottsdale)
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale)
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium (Tempe)
  • Organ Stop Pizza (Mesa)