Top Experiences in Verde Canyon Railroad

Hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a 4-hour rail journey through the untouched and unspoiled Verde Valley. With luxury class seating, you will enjoy appetizers, Champagne and unobstructed views of Arizona’s geological wonders, wildlife and archaeological finds of the ancient Sinagua people who once lived in the area.

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.

Verde Canyon Railroad's Uncorked Wine Festival is a springtime celebration. The event features the selection of wines from all over the world and it’s a party on the depot patio from 11:00am-12:45pm, prior to the train’s departure. This package offers a tasting of select wines (4 tastes) at the beverage bar on the depot's patio prior to boarding the train, your choice of lunch at our Copper Spike Cafe, and includes a souvenir wine glass etched with the train's logo. Additional wine may be purchased by the bottle on board the train.

Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape is an evening event, featuring onboard wine-tasting showcasing distinct vineyards from Arizona and beyond. While aboard the “Grape Train Escape,” passengers will be served a sampling of select wines. Guests also will enjoy specialty cheeses and hors d’oeuvres chosen to complement the featured wines. Viogniers from each winery will be onboard to discuss the terroir and the techniques of wine-making. This event is for passengers age 21 and up. Proof of age may be requested.

SEAT, LUNCH, LOGO BEER GLASS AND FOUR (4) TASTING TICKETS. The event features the selection of fine Arizona-brewed craft beers and it’s a party on the depot patio from 11:00am-12:45pm, prior to the train’s departure. Seating during the Ales on Rails event is spacious living room-style chairs and couches, near panoramic windows. Individually packaged, freshly-made snacks of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables and our popular brownie bites are served at your seats. Bottled water is available throughout the trip. All seating cars connect to open-air viewing platforms. All beer tasting is done on the depot patio prior to the train ride. Must be 21 yrs or older to purchase beer tasting tickets.