Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad

Overview

Hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a 4-hour rail journey through the untouched and unspoiled Verde Valley. With first class seating, you will enjoy unobstructed views of Arizona’s geological wonders, wildlife, and archaeological finds of the ancient Sinagua people who once lived in the area. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers Starlight and Moonlight excursions on select Fridays and Saturdays May through September, departing the depot during the cooler temperatures of later afternoon and traveling through sunset and into the moon glow of twilight. Sandwiched between two protected national forests and adjacent to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Verde Canyon Railroad brings its passengers into a untamed and unspoiled terrain, the exceedingly rare ribbon where high desert meets the river.

City: Sedona

Wed 01 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $184.49

Make a reservation

Wed 01 Oct

Starting at $184.49

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Appetizers

First class seating

Bottled water

Snacks

In 2023, all Verde Canyon Railroad tickets purchased through Viator include a cafe voucher for a meal at the depot cafe which may be carried aboard the train.

Champagne toast

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infant age is 0-1 year. Any guest aged 1 and over will be charged an adult rate. Guests cannot board the train without a paid ticket

What To Expect

Verde Canyon Railroad

Make your way to the Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona, not far from Sedona, to begin your Verde Canyon Railroad Starlight adventure. This rail adventure offers a wilderness train ride through the remote Verde Canyon which is known for its picturesque setting and abundant wildlife. Though it’s possible to hike in the canyon, by far the easiest way to experience it is by riding this scenic wilderness train. The train is made up of exquisitely-renovated passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives and travels a route along the Verde River between Clarkdale and Perkinsville. After embarking from the Clarkdale depot, sit back for a 4-hour, 40-mile round trip that includes views of historic mining sites, geological wonders, Sinagua Indian cliff dwellings and wildlife from bald eagles to antelope.

Verde Canyon Railroad

At the depot, be sure to visit the John Bell Museum, home to the railroad's history and artifacts from its early days, as well as a wealth of information on Clarkdale, Jerome and the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

Verde River

The train runs on the same tracks that were created following the Verde River back in 1911. The river is visible for most of your journey.

Perkinsville Ghost Town

Discover the history of Perkinsville Ghost Town through on-board commentary on your train journey. This is the turn-around point of your trip.

Tuzigoot National Monument

You'll ride past Tuzigoot National Monument on your train journey.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (62)

AZ_honest_traveler

Dec 2018

My wife and I thought we were going to experience a real train ride, moving down the tracks at a good rate, either go to or see on the way something interesting. Not to be. Let me say this, if you are not taking small children with you for the Santa thing, I am extremely confident you are going to be very disappointed. And you will be out a $100 for you and your loved one if you go first class! You will leave on your trip at the breakneck speed of 20 mph, go by some "enchanted animals" (Drive around your neighborhood for free and I am confident you will see some lit up in the yards), then pass by Santa's village at the north pole, composed of a small lit up area of fronts of mock buildings. Santa boards the train, comes thru cars, and talks to everyone. As he does this, train is reversed and you return at a speed of about 10 mph, no joke. Bottled water is the only free beverage, beer and wine for a fee available. They call ride an hour, it was really about 45 minutes. On way off of train you are handed a wooden train whistle. There is a rescue bald eagle you can see, at train station area for free, no train ticket needed. Same with museum, it is free. Do the free stuff if you are so inclined, the train ride is a major rip-off. Way too much money for what it is. If you are still crazy enough to go, and the wife and kids have to see Santa, then at least do yourself a favor and not go first class. Again, you are talking about a whopping 45 minutes and you get to get up and go on open car if you like. Plus, there is no break for children in first class, a cool 50 bucks or so after taxes for each person. Break in price is only for coach. You have now been warned, go find some other entertainment.

Response from Host

Dec 2018

We are sorry to hear your experience aboard the Magical Christmas train was not what you expected. This short, holiday-themed, train ride is not meant to replace the "daytime" 4-hour excursions that are available as well. Perhaps one of these runs was what you were expecting.

azroadrunner66

Aug 2018

We did the first class coach ride, very comfortable, food was good, and the service was also very good. This is a great way to see the canyon, get some of the history and relax all in one tour. Really enjoyed it.