From Sedona: Sightseeing Railroad Tour of Verde Canyon

Sedona’s stunning red rocks may be the main draw for many visitors, but just a short drive away lies another natural wonder worth exploring. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a unique sightseeing experience, transporting passengers through a 20-mile wilderness area on a leisurely 4-hour journey. Vintage rail cars provide panoramic views of the rugged canyon, where the chance to spot wildlife like bald eagles and wild burros add to the sense of adventure. With a full bar and snacks on board, this tour promises an exceptional way to experience the dramatic landscapes of Arizona’s Verde Valley.

Key Points

• The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a 4-hour luxury train ride through a 20-mile wilderness area, departing from Clarkdale near Sedona.
• The train features vintage rail cars with panoramic views, including open-air viewing areas, and provides snacks, a full bar, and restrooms.
• Passengers can expect to see wildlife such as bald eagles, hawks, and wild burros during the scenic journey along the Verde River.
• The tour includes an immersive experience in historic rail cars, with attentive staff and well-appointed amenities to ensure a memorable journey.
• Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which offers hiking trails, historic sites, and additional adventure options like Jeep tours and kayaking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

What’s the Verde Canyon Railroad Sightseeing Tour?

It’s a 4-hour luxury train ride through a 20-mile wilderness area. The tour costs $151.38 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve now and pay later.

Aboard the vintage, spacious rail cars, they’ll enjoy panoramic views from the open-air viewing cars and individually packaged snacks like meats, cheeses, fruits, and brownies. A full bar service and restrooms are available on the train.

This sightseeing experience allows travelers to witness stunning red rock formations, historic trestles, bridges, and a 7,000-foot tunnel along the scenic Verde River.

Experience and Amenities

The Verde Canyon Railroad Sightseeing Tour offers a truly immersive experience for travelers. Passengers ride in vintage, spacious rail cars along a century-old route, taking in the stunning views through the open-air viewing cars.

The tour includes individually packaged snacks, featuring a delightful selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and brownies. Guests can also enjoy full bar service on board.

Restrooms and bottled water are readily available, ensuring a comfortable journey. The tour provides an opportunity to witness the wild and scenic beauty of the region, including potential sightings of bald eagles, hawks, wild burros, and jackrabbits.

With its attentive staff and well-appointed amenities, this tour delivers an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

Wildlife and Scenery

Travelers aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad Sightseeing Tour witness a breathtaking journey through a wild and scenic region, first built in 1912.

The train winds along the rugged shores of the Verde River, offering magnificent vistas of the red rock formations, historic trestles, bridges, and a majestic 7,000-foot tunnel.

Wildlife sightings are common, with the chance to spot:

• Majestic bald eagles soaring overhead
• Hawks and other birds of prey
• Curious wild burros roaming the canyons
• Energetic jackrabbits darting across the landscape
• A canopy of stars on select evening departures

This awe-inspiring adventure immerses visitors in the natural wonder and untamed beauty of the Verde Canyon.

Important Information and Restrictions

Passengers embarking on the Verde Canyon Railroad Sightseeing Tour must present a valid photo ID upon ticket collection.

Travelers are advised to check in at least one hour before the scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

The tour has several restrictions in place to maintain the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Weapons, sharp objects, baby strollers, smoking, outside food and drinks, large luggage, and pets (except for assistance dogs) are strictly prohibited on the train.

Pre-ordered meals are only served at the Depot restaurant, and the tour can’t accommodate special dietary requirements.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants underscore the exceptional value and memorable experience of the Verde Canyon Railroad Sightseeing Tour.

With an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 172 reviews, this tour consistently delights visitors:

• Knowledgeable and engaging guides bring the history and scenery to life
• Comfortable, spacious rail cars and open-air viewing areas offer unobstructed vistas of the stunning red rock formations and wildlife
• The quality of the provided snacks and beverages receives high praise
• The overall transportation and tour organization earn top marks for efficiency and reliability
• Customers highlight the tour’s excellent value for money, noting it as a highlight of their Sedona visit.

Getting to the Depot

To get to the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot, visitors can easily make their way from the nearby town of Clarkdale. The depot is conveniently located just off Main Street, and free parking is available on-site.

Most tours recommend arriving at least an hour before the scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding. Visitors simply need to present their photo ID and ticket at the depot’s ticketing office to collect their boarding passes.

The depot features a gift shop and the Copper Spike Cafe, where snacks and beverages can be purchased before the journey. With the depot’s central location and ample amenities, guests can comfortably prepare for their 4-hour sightseeing adventure on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Beyond the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot, visitors can explore the surrounding area and discover the rich history and natural wonders of the region.

Just a short distance from the depot, hikers can tackle scenic trails, spotting wildlife and taking in breathtaking views.

Others may choose to visit nearby historic sites, like the ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings or the celebrated Jerome Ghost Town.

Adventurers can also embark on jeep tours, kayak the Verde River, or venture to the nearby Tuzigoot National Monument.

With so much to see and do, the area surrounding the Verde Canyon Railroad offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

• Hike scenic trails
• Discover historic sites
• Embark on jeep tours
• Kayak the Verde River
• Visit Tuzigoot National Monument

Train Timetable and Schedules

The Verde Canyon Railroad operates a regular schedule, providing visitors with multiple opportunities to experience the scenic journey. Trains depart from the Clarkdale depot at 1:00 pm daily, with additional late afternoon departures available on select dates.

The round-trip excursion lasts approximately 4 hours, allowing ample time to take in the stunning vistas along the 20-mile route. Passengers can choose between coach, first-class, or luxury class seating, each offering unique amenities and experiences.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure preferred departure times and seating. Whether you’re seeking an afternoon adventure or a serene sunset ride, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers a memorable sightseeing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on Board?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board. The tour offers a full bar service, but outside alcohol is prohibited. Guests must follow all rules and restrictions for the safety and enjoyment of the experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers group discounts for parties of 10 or more people. Customers can save up to 10% on ticket prices when booking a group tour. Additional package options may be available for larger group sizes.

Can I Take the Train One-Way and Return by a Different Mode of Transportation?

Travelers can’t take the Verde Canyon Railroad one-way and return by a different mode of transportation. The tour is a round-trip experience, and passengers must return on the same train they arrived on.

Do the Trains Run Year-Round or Are There Seasonal Schedules?

The Verde Canyon Railroad operates year-round, with seasonal schedule variations. Trains run daily, except for major holidays, and the schedule may be adjusted during the peak seasons of spring and fall to accommodate higher demand.

Is There Any Storage Available for Luggage or Personal Items?

The trains have limited storage space for personal items. Passengers are advised to avoid bringing large luggage and instead use the provided lockers or carry only small bags that can be stored under their seats.

Recap

The Verde Canyon Railroad tour from Sedona offers an exceptional sightseeing experience through a stunning 20-mile wilderness area. Passengers enjoy panoramic views, wildlife spotting, and full bar service aboard the vintage rail cars. With a high customer rating, this memorable 4-hour journey along the Verde River promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors to the Sedona area.

You can check if your dates are available here: