Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure
Four-hour scenic train ride through Verde Canyon, departing from Clarkdale.
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About this experience
Historic four-hour scenic train ride through Verde Canyon, departing from the Clarkdale depot in the Verde Valley about an hour east of Prescott. Red rock cliffs, native bald eagles in winter, riparian creekside stretches along the Verde River, and a full bar car. Open-air viewing cars between the seated coaches. The Verde Canyon Railroad has been running this route since 1990 and is one of the most-photographed train trips in Arizona.
Plan your Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure
The Verde Canyon Railroad runs a 4-hour scenic train trip through Verde Canyon, departing from the historic Clarkdale depot in the Verde Valley about an hour east of Prescott AZ. Red rock cliffs, riparian creekside stretches along the Verde River, native bald eagles in winter, and a full bar car. Open-air viewing cars between the seated coaches. One of the most-photographed train trips in Arizona.
What the route covers
20 miles each way through Verde Canyon between Clarkdale and Perkinsville and back. The route follows the Verde River through a riparian corridor inaccessible by road. Bald eagles winter on the canyon walls (December through February); the 'Eagle Watch' trips run those months. Standard coach fare gets you a seat with picture windows; first-class adds appetizers and a slightly upgraded car.
How to plan the day from Prescott
About a 60-minute drive from Prescott AZ to the Clarkdale depot via AZ-89A through Jerome. Allow 90 minutes for the drive in case you stop in Jerome. Trains run most days year-round, but check the schedule - some weekday runs and seasonal special trains (Wine Train, Holiday Train, Ales on Rails) are limited.
How it pairs
Pair the railroad with a Jerome morning (50 minutes from Prescott) - browse the hillside ghost-town galleries and grab lunch at the Haunted Hamburger before driving down to Clarkdale for the afternoon train. Stack a Cottonwood wine-tasting evening on the way back, or stay overnight at the Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge in Cornville.
Ready to book?
About 4 hours on the train + ~1-hour drive each way. Year-round, with seasonal special-event trains.
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