Arizona train rides are a timeless activity enjoyed across all age groups. Trains in Arizona are nostalgic, turning back the clock to simpler days when looking out the window was our only option on long car rides. If you want to be whisked away on a magical journey into the Arizona countryside, here are nine unforgettable scenic train rides in Arizona.
A vintage train whisks riders away on a four-hour, 20-mile ride through the wilderness. Sit in an open-air viewing car and marvel at Verde Canyon’s towering red rocks and panoramic vistas, which are only accessible via rail. Wildlife abounds along the train route, including majestic Bald Eagles soaring high above the desert landscape. The railroad hosts various seasonal events and special rides all year long. Visit the Verde Canyon Railroad website for more information.
Once used to transport ore through Arizona’s mining towns, Grand Canyon Railway has been around since 1901. Six different classes range from standard coach to a luxury lounge on wheels with bar service and snacks, but they all share one commonality: the undeniable historic charm of vintage railroad cars. Listen to the crew tell stories about the Old West as you whirl through desert, prairie, and pine terrain. The best part? Getting to explore the Grand Canyon for almost three hours before departing! More information can be found on the Grand Canyon Railway website.
3. Maricopa Live Steamers Railroad Club (Glendale)
Dedicated to preserving railroad heritage, the Maricopa Live Steamers offers free rides on its miniature railroad. The four different routes are all about 30 minutes long and feature abundant plant and animal life, including vibrant wildflowers during springtime. The trains run seasonally, so make sure to check out the Maricopa Live Steamers website for the schedule prior to visiting.
For those in search of a short and sweet ride, Daisy Mountain Railroad is a perfect choice. The trip only lasts about 10 minutes, managing to cram in a tunnel, lake, and hillside views. After the ride, children can enjoy a spacious playground, soccer fields, and skateboard ramps. Check out the Daisy Mountain Railroad website for more information.
This 30-acre railroad park features a museum, indoor model trains, playground, and even a vintage Herschell carousel, making for an unforgettable family outing. Visitors can ride on the Paradise & Pacific, an exact replica of a Colorado narrow-gauge railroad. There’s also a lesser-known Arboretum Train that takes you on a 10-minute loop through the park’s desert gardens! So many activities to keep the fun going all day long. More information can be found on the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park website.
Old Tucson Studios is like a Western movie come to life. Stagecoaches, horseback rides, a shooting gallery, and mine tours take visitors back in time to the days of Bonnie and Clyde. The C.P. Huntington Train is a journey through the Sonoran Desert, featuring Saguaros and other aspects of our unique landscape. Rides are included with admission! Check out the Old Tucson Studios website for more information.
Every tourist’s favorite ghost town features an array of activities like a zipline, live gunfights, gold panning, and off-road tours. This 36-inch gauge train consists of a Plymouth diesel, passenger car, and caboose. During the ride, the conductor will tell stories about the history of Goldfield, the Superstition Mountains, and the American Southwest as a whole. It departs every 30 minutes for a 20-minute trip. More information can be found on the Goldfield Ghost Town website.
8. Rawhide Western Town and Event Center (Chandler)
Live country music, gunfights, and mouthwatering steak are the defining characteristics of this Wild West theme park. This train runs along a relaxing riverfront path, with rides lasting about 10 minutes. Please note: Rawhide is only open to the public for special events. Visit the Rawhide Western Town and Event Center website for more information.
Kids have an absolute blast on this breezy, open-top train. The 3/4-mile ride winds through lush green grass and a pristine, sparkling lake - a perfect springtime activity for the whole family. Desert Breeze Railroad operates seasonally during the summertime (typically from Labor Day to Memorial Day). For more information, visit the Desert Breeze Railroad website.
How many of these Arizona train rides have you taken? If so, which ones and what did you think? Did we miss any of your favorite trains in Arizona? Whatever it is, let us know! Don't forget to check out our packing list essentials guide before you take off!
Arizona train rides aren’t the only way railroad enthusiasts can have some fun in the Grand Canyon State. There are plenty of other options. For instance, there's an indoor train park in Arizona that visitors of all ages are sure to love.
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 scenic train rides in Arizona 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.
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1. Ales on Rails — Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)
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.
Choices range from light + summery Kolsch to dark stouts & chocolate porters and everything in-between. Your $155 ticket includes a souvenir glass, five tastings, and a lunch on the patio before departure and a champagne toast with appetizers once on the train. The excursion runs from mid-September through October 31st. Visit the Verde Canyon Railroad's website to reserve a spot.
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.
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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.
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 October, and tickets can be purchased on the Verde canyon Railroad website.
Have you taken any of these scenic train rides in Arizona? What's your favorite Arizona train ride?
Having lived most of my life in Arizona, I can tell you that while summer may feel like an oven, there are still tons of cool things to do and things to do to get cool. When you come to the Copper State during the summer, you’ll find that locals are still out and about despite the heat and having fun. So, let’s explore this guide to Arizona summer activities and have a blast in this beautiful state:
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Arizona
While most of Arizona is a baking desert, there are higher-elevation places where you can beat the heat and enjoy some natural beauty, charming towns, and friendly people. Here are three of the best summer vacation destinations in Arizona.
Popularity: This is quite a popular destination best done on weekdays.
Need To Know: The road can be steep and curvy in places. Drive with caution.
Those of us who live in Tucson love to take a drive up Mt. Lemmon during the summer to get among the trees and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the surrounding desert. There are several camping spots, hiking trails, and a little place called Summerhaven where you can grab a bite to eat while surrounded by pine trees. The drive is so lovely up and down the mountain.
Popularity: Sedona is extremely popular yet surprisingly not very crowded.
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Need To Know: Sedona is a Mecca for people into spiritual pursuits, nature, and photography.
Sedona is perhaps the most gorgeous and eclectic town in Arizona. The majestic red rock formations that surround the town draw people from all over the world to marvel at them. Locals love to bring their families to the natural rock slides at Slide Rock State Park to play in the water, and the hiking is second to none. Plus, there are a ton of intriguing shops and excellent restaurants throughout town.
Popularity: Flagstaff is a popular summer destination, yet remains largely uncrowded since college students are gone.
Need To Know: Even during the summer, evenings can sometimes get chilly enough for a light jacket.
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Flagstaff is a favorite place for people from the rest of the state to come and cool off. It is filled with and surrounded by pine trees and has a view of beautiful mountains. It’s a hip college town so there are plenty of great brewpubs, restaurants, and funky shops as well as a thriving art scene. It’s also known for being a wonderful place for stargazing at night. Visiting here is one of the most fun things to do in Arizona in summer.
Best Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Arizona This Summer
You may not think of bodies of water when you think of Arizona, but we have some truly magnificent ones for fishing, boating, tubing, paddling, and much more. In fact, fishing, tubing, and boating are extremely popular hobbies in Arizona. You’ll often find locals kicking back with a cooler full of beers, a lawn chair, and an umbrella with a fishing pole in their hands while laughing and talking away the hours together. Here are three of the best lakes and rivers to visit in Arizona.
Popularity: The Salt River is probably the most popular body of water in Arizona during the summer.
Need To Know: Weekends get quite crowded, so come here on a weekday if you want a more relaxed experience.
I don’t think there’s a person who grew up in Arizona who didn’t go tubing along the Salt River. It’s the most popular tubing destination in the state and people get rather creative with their tubes. I’ve seen tubes with speakers built on top of them for blasting out tunes. It’s a bit of a party location during the summer, but you can still have a wonderfully mellow time if you situate yourself between the groups of tubers. The scenery is beautiful to see. Just remember to use lots of sunscreen and bring enough water!
Popularity: This lake is very popular yet large enough that there's ample room for everyone.
Need To Know: Keep your eyes open while on the lake as some boaters can go rather fast and create wake ripples.
Where the Salt River is the most popular place for tubing, Lake Pleasant is the most popular place for boating, water skiing, and jet skiing. Locals love to bring their speedboats and zoom around the lake and others like bringing a kayak to enjoy a leisurely paddle. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this lake, and you’ll find many people with fishing poles in the water. A day on Lake Pleasant is very common, especially for folks from nearby Phoenix.
Popularity: This is a massive lake and while popular, it's rarely crowded.
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Need To Know: You'll want to bring lots of water and ample sunscreen while here in the summer.
Lake Mead is shared by Arizona and Nevada and is fairly close to Las Vegas. People from both states flock here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a boat out on the water for some quality fishing time. There are also kayak tours to explore some of the little coves and caves along the shore. It’s the first-ever national recreational area as well as the largest. It’s also one of the best summer camping locations in Arizona. This is one of the best family things to do in Arizona in summer.
Parks To Visit In Arizona This Summer
Our beautiful state is known for having some of the most impressive state and national parks in the country. You could say they’re quite grand! They are places of great geological, historical, cultural, and natural importance and tell tales not only of American history but of millennia of natural history. You’re in for a real treat at these wonderful parks to visit in Arizona this summer.
Popularity: This is one of the most popular parks in the nation.
Need To Know: If you truly want to experience this place, plan at least a weekend and enjoy a hike or mule tour.
Photos don’t convey just how gobsmackingly massive and gorgeous the Grand Canyon is. While pictures are majestic, being here in person is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have in Arizona. There are many kinds of guided tours to take and getting down into the canyon to see its walls towering above you is just as impressive as seeing it from the top. This is a must-do bucket list destination not only for Arizona but for the world. Camping here can be one of the most romantic things to do in Arizona in summer.
Popularity: This park is quite popular among locals and is a top tourist destination.
Need To Know: Saguaro are a protected plant species and should be seen, but not touched.
While you can see saguaro cacti around most of the southern part of the state, the largest concentration of them is in Saguaro National Park, and they’re simply majestic. There are two portions of the park, one on the western edge of Tucson, and the other on the eastern edge. Even though we Tusconians see them all the time, we still love to take a leisurely drive through these parks and never get bored of seeing these intriguing cacti. Sunsets here are some of the most beautiful you will ever see.
Popularity: This destination is not as popular as most, but is worth seeing.
Need To Know: It's advised to stick to the outskirts as wildlife is rather active in the interior as well as more unsavory people at times.
Every Arizonan grew up learning tales of the supposed gold mine in the Lost Dutchman State Park. The fables of a massive gold cache have drawn many people to go searching for it and it’s best seen from a bit of a distance as gold fever is a real thing and causes people to be hostile to possible competition. Plus, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and sheer desert heat are abundant. However, it’s a place of beauty and intrigue and it’s worth seeing in person. It’s a great place to hike around, but not in.
Best Free Summer Activities In Arizona
One of the lovely things about living in and visiting Arizona is that we have so many fun and free things to do here. Many of our most beautiful natural areas are free to explore and there are always events going on, especially in the evenings. Come check out some of the best free summer activities in Arizona.
Popularity: This is one of the most popular Old West destinations in Arizona
Need To Know: Shows and events cost money, but there's no charge to enter town.
There’s a fee for shows and some venues, but you can walk the streets of a real and famous part of the Wild West for free and stand where Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and other legends of the Old West once stood. Tombstone is aptly named due to its cemetery named Boot Hill where the headstones bear whimsical anecdotes about those who rest there. It’s an amazing slice of Arizona history and one of the best free things to do in Arizona in summer.
Popularity: This place is fairly popular but never crowded as it is so huge.
Need To Know: Some locations require a local Native American guide.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is one of the most quintessential Old West landscapes as well as a very sacred and important place for the Navajo nation. It has some of the most stunning scenery in the state and it has been a filming location for several big movies like Contact and MacKenna’s Gold If you happen to find any Native American relics or petroglyphs, please look but don’t touch.
Popularity: This mission is fairly popular but generally uncrowded on weekdays.
Need To Know: This is a religious site and commercial and drone photography are prohibited.
The San Xavier del Bac Mission is one of the most beautiful and historic missions in the Southwest. The intricately carved interior is marvelous and one can’t help but feel a sense of reverence while here. A visit here is one of the best Arizona summer activities you can do while visiting Tucson.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Arizona
We have a lot going on in Arizona during the summer. We love a good food festival as well as any event that helps us beat the heat. We also have a ton of Spanish, Native American, and Sonoran cultures to celebrate and we embrace them all. Come and enjoy some of the best summer events and festivals in Arizona.
Popularity: This is a fairly popular event, especially for local Native Americans.
Need To Know: This festival will take place on June 22 - 23, 2024.
The Heritage Festival is one of the most wonderful ethnic festivals in Arizona and it brings together several nations like the Dine, Apache, Hopi, Zuni, and others to celebrate Native American cultures from all over the Colorado Plateau. Come see traditional dances and crafts, enjoy several cultural activities, and learn some traditional crafts. It takes place at the Museum of Northern Arizona which is one of the best cheap things to do in Arizona in summer even when there isn’t a wonderful festival going on.
Popularity: This is generally a local event and not too crowded.
Need To Know: This event will take place every Saturday between May 25 and August 10, 2024.
Summer Saturdays are a joy in Tucson at Reid Park Zoo when Summer Safari Nights is taking place. You can enjoy animal interactions, caretaker chats, rides, crafts, games, and so much more as well as taking in those gorgeous summer sunsets. Each week has a different theme so it’s like a new event each week! Plus, chatting with friendly Tucson locals is always a good time.
Popularity: This is a pretty well-attended event and is great family fun.
Need To Know: This event will take place July 1-7, 2024.
Have you ever been to a real rodeo? Come see “The World’s Oldest Rodeo” which has been taking place here since 1888. Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages take part in thrilling and fun events during the first week in June. Come see lasso tricks, barrel races, and bull riding, and enjoy dancing, live music, and delicious food at an event that is as Arizona as can be. Learn some more about it on our Not Your Average Bucket List podcast.
How many of these places and events have you been to? Do you have any other favorite Arizona summer activities? Let us know about your favorite experiences in the comments. This guide should get you started on some of the best that Arizona has to offer. Summer is the best time to take a road trip in Northern Arizona and see some of our most breathtaking natural wonders:
