Verde Canyon Railroad

There’s a canyon about half an hour from Sedona that you can’t drive into. No road reaches it. The only ways in are the Verde River itself or the train that has run alongside it for more than a century — and that train, the Verde Canyon Railroad, is one of the easiest, most relaxing, and most underrated outings in the whole area. You sit back in a vintage rail car, the canyon unspools past the windows for four hours, and you don’t have to do a single thing except step out onto the open-air car when something catches your eye. For a rest day, a non-hiker in the group, a winter morning when the eagles are in, or just a change from being on your feet, it’s hard to beat.

What the Ride Is

The Verde Canyon Railroad is a scenic excursion train that runs from the depot in Clarkdale, right next to Cottonwood, up a wilderness canyon along the Verde River to a remote spot called Perkinsville, then turns around and comes back. The full round trip is about 20 miles and runs roughly four hours. The locomotives are restored vintage FP7 diesels — the same streamlined engines that once pulled passenger trains across the country — and they pull a string of climate-controlled coaches, each paired with its own open-air viewing car that you’re free to walk out to whenever you want.

That open-air car is the heart of the experience. You’re not stuck behind glass; you can stand at the rail in the open air with the canyon walls rising around you, the river below, and nothing between you and the landscape. People drift back and forth between their comfortable indoor seat and the open car all trip long, ducking inside to warm up or grab a drink and stepping back out when the scenery opens up.

What You’ll See

The route is genuinely spectacular, and it’s a side of Arizona most visitors never reach because there’s simply no road in.

• The Verde River and its green corridor. The line follows the river the whole way, through a ribbon of cottonwoods and sycamores that turns gold in fall, all set against red and tan desert cliffs. It’s a striking contrast — lush riverbank below, dry desert walls above.
• Towering canyon walls and rock formations. As the train climbs into the canyon, the walls close in, with red-rock pinnacles and spires that rival what you came to Sedona for.
• A century-old tunnel. The train passes through a 680-plus-foot tunnel carved by hand through solid rock over a hundred years ago — a genuine engineering relic, and a fun, briefly-dark moment on the ride.
• Ancient dwellings. You’ll pass the remnants of ancient Native American (Sinagua) sites tucked into the canyon, a reminder that people have lived along this river for a very long time.
• Wildlife, especially eagles. The canyon is a designated wildlife corridor. From roughly December through March it’s bald eagle season, and spotting eagles is a major draw; year-round you may see great blue herons, hawks, javelina, deer, and other animals along the water.

The crew narrates the trip over the train’s audio, pointing out landmarks, wildlife, and history as you go, so you’re never left wondering what you’re looking at.

Coach vs. First Class

There are two main ways to ride, and the difference is mostly comfort and food — the scenery is identical from either.

Coach seats you in a comfortable, climate-controlled car with big windows, table service available, and full access to the open-air car. It’s the standard, and it’s perfectly pleasant.

First class steps it up with roomier, living-room-style seating, more space per person, complimentary appetizers, and a more relaxed car — it’s the choice for a special occasion or anyone who wants a little more room to stretch out. First class also tends to sell out first, so if you want it, book early.

Whichever you choose, every ticket includes the open-air viewing car, and there’s an onboard bar and snacks on the train. Many people find coach plus plenty of time in the open car is all they need; others love settling into first class for the full four hours. Pick based on your budget and the occasion.

Getting There from Sedona

The depot is at 300 N. Broadway in Clarkdale, about 20 miles and a 30-minute drive from Sedona via State Route 89A. It’s the same direction as Cottonwood and Jerome — you pass right through Cottonwood on the way — which makes it easy to fold into a Verde Valley day. The drive is straightforward highway with no switchbacks.

Driving Times at a Glance

Local tip: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your departure. You’ll want time to park, check in, find your car, and grab a drink before the train pulls out — and trains don’t wait. The depot has a small museum and gift area to browse if you’re early.

When to Go

The canyon is beautiful in every season, so choose by what you most want to experience:

• Winter (roughly December–March) is bald eagle season, the single biggest wildlife draw, and the crisp air makes for clear views. Bring a warm layer for the open-air car.
• Fall brings the cottonwoods and sycamores along the river into brilliant gold — arguably the prettiest time, and a popular one, so book ahead.
• Spring is green, mild, and comfortable, with wildflowers along the route.
• Summer rides run too, often as cooler morning departures; it’s warm but the open-air car catches the breeze and the river keeps things pleasant.

The railroad also runs a calendar of special-event trains through the year — themed rides like Ales on Rails craft-beer trips, chocolate-themed rides, and evening Starlight departures. If one lines up with your trip, they’re a fun twist, and they sell out fastest of all.

Reservations and Practical Notes

Reserve in advance. This is the most important thing to know. The train runs on a limited schedule, not every day, and it routinely sells out — especially first class, fall weekends, eagle season, and special events. Book your tickets online before your trip rather than hoping to walk up.

A few more notes:

• It’s a four-hour commitment. There’s no getting off partway, so plan accordingly — use the restroom before the open-air stretches, bring a layer, and for very young kids, pack snacks and a little patience.
• Food and drink are onboard. Each car has service and there’s a bar; you don’t need to bring your own, though you’re welcome to bring a layer and a camera.
• Dress for the open-air car. Even in mild weather it’s breezier and cooler out there, and that’s where you’ll want to be for the best stretches. Sunglasses and a light jacket go a long way.
• Accessibility. The depot and cars have accessibility provisions, but call ahead to confirm what’s available for your specific needs and to arrange boarding assistance.

Make a Day of It

Because the depot is right in the Verde Valley, the train pairs beautifully with the area’s other relaxed stops. The easiest combination is Old Town Cottonwood, just a few minutes away, where you can have lunch and a wine tasting on its flat, walkable Main Street before or after your ride. From there, the historic ghost town of Jerome is a short, scenic climb up the hill, and Montezuma Castle is an easy add a little farther south.

A natural plan: take a late-morning or midday train, then drop into Cottonwood for an early dinner and a tasting on the way home — or flip it, with lunch and wine first and an afternoon departure. Either way you’ve turned a single scenic ride into a full, low-effort day that even the non-hikers and the kids will love.

It’s also the perfect kind of day to bookend with the house. Spend four easy hours watching a canyon roll by, come home, and get the blood moving again with a rally on the indoor court before dinner — climate-controlled, lit, and entirely yours. A relaxing train ride and a competitive evening match make a surprisingly good pairing.