It is said that "the Verde Canyon Railroad is often referred to as the finest train ride in Arizona and acclaimed as Arizona’s longest-running nature show." Well, we agree with that saying. We have ridden on this tour several times and we intend to continue to do so!
The remote wilderness of the Verde Canyon, located west of Sedona and below Jerome, is renowned for its towering red rock pinnacles and clean, green waters. The Verde Canyon Railroad train rolls past Indian ruins, through a 680-foot man-made tunnel, over old-fashioned trestles and under clear azure skies. This picturesque setting is further enhanced by the variety of indigenous flora and fauna and the many migrating waterfowl. Over thirty bald and golden eagles winter in this riparian respite each year.
We have enjoyed this four-hour scenic train ride in first-class style aboard renovated passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives. This is an experience that you should not miss.
The Verde Canyon is often called 'Arizona’s other Grand Canyon' with spectacular canyon scenery seasonal spring flowers, fall foliage and hundreds of migratory birds, such as the majestic bald eagle. Every time of the year that we have visited here, we see something different.
The railroad, originally built in 1911 and 1912, hauled smelted copper from the Clarkdale smelter to the Santa Fe main line, from where it was shipped to destinations throughout the US. The Verde Canyon Railroad depot, first opened its doors for tourists on July 4, 1997.
Excursion trains depart from Verde Canyon Railroad's new depot in Clarkdale year-round, however, the schedule, changes according to seasons.
Although all of the seats on the train are good (and the open-air cars are your best bet for photos and viewing the beauty of the canyon) the seats on the right side--the conductor's right--have a better window view. We recommend those seats.
Boarding is at 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, which is two hours north of Phoenix, one hour southwest of Flagstaff and 25 minutes west of Sedona. From Phoenix, take I-17 north to exit 287 (Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Clarkdale). Turn left (west) over the freeway. Go on Highway 260 (approximately 14 miles to the fifth traffic light). Turn left at light. This is Main Street. Drive through Old Town Cottonwood,
past Tuzigoot until you see a sign on the corner that says "Verde Canyon Railroad." Bear right onto Broadway, cross the one-lane bridge and park in the designated parking across the street from the depot.
