Clarkdale, AZ
Verde Canyon Railroad
Trip at a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-14- TypeYear-round red-rock canyon excursion with climate-controlled seating, open-air viewing cars, private caboose, and seasonal event programs
- LocationClarkdale, AZ
- Rating4.7 ★5,364 Google reviews
- UpcomingFri, Sep 25
About Verde Canyon Railroad
Verde Canyon Railroad is a year-round scenic passenger excursion from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back. The current official route is a 40-mile round trip—not a 20-mile round trip—and takes approximately four hours without a passenger layover. The train follows the Verde River through a roadless red-rock corridor, crosses vintage trestles, passes archaeological and historic sites, travels through a 734-foot manmade tunnel, reverses at Perkinsville, and returns over the same route. Every regular passenger receives an assigned seat in a climate-controlled car plus unlimited access to an adjacent open-air viewing car. The current product includes onboard narration, a sparkling wine or cider welcome toast, and a charcuterie tray, with additional food and drinks available for purchase. Standard departure time is often 1 p.m., but the 2026 calendar also contains 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and evening programs; the selected official date controls. The operator asks guests to arrive at least 1½ hours early, and boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Advance reservation is strongly recommended because trains and event cars can sell out. Recheck current pricing, event inclusions, exact times, fees, seats, accessibility, and cancellation terms in first-party booking before payment.
Choose the Canyon Ride or Seasonal Program
Choose the visit that fits your groupFirst-time visitors, families, scenery travelers, photographers, and guests who value a comfortable indoor base
Ride the standard four-hour canyon excursion
Use an assigned climate-controlled seat, move to the adjacent open-air car for 360-degree views, and remain aboard for the Clarkdale–Perkinsville round trip.
Small adult groups seeking privacy and premium service who do not require wheelchair access
Reserve the private caboose
One party of six or fewer adults receives a restored 1929 caboose, valet service, cupola seating, two private viewing platforms, and separate current pricing.
Repeat riders, photographers, couples, and summer or fall visitors comfortable with changing light and later return times
Choose a Saturday Starlight departure
Selected late-day trains move from sunlight to sunset and darkness; exact departure time changes across the remaining 2026 dates.
Adults age 21+ who want the canyon route paired with a structured wine or craft-beer program
Book a 21+ beverage event carefully
Grape Train Escape and Ales on Rails add adult beverage programming to selected trips. Confirm age rules, tasting details, dates, price, and transportation plans before purchase.
Rail-history visitors and families who want the arrival buffer to add real context rather than become waiting time
Use the complete depot experience
Handle tickets first, then add Copper Spike Café, the John Bell Museum, platform storyboards, Boxcar Gift Store, and any scheduled wildlife presentation before boarding.
Overnight visitors and travelers adding independent local history, art, archaeology, and landscape to the rail trip
Build a deliberate Clarkdale day
Use Arizona Copper Art Museum or Tuzigoot before or after the train only when their full visit time is protected; neither belongs inside the ordinary boarding buffer.
Upcoming Events
Official schedule information
2026 special-event calendar
Schedule information was checked against the linked official source. Dates, availability, and operating conditions can change. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- ArriveArrive at least 1½ hours before departure for parking, tickets, food, depot activities, mobility arrangements, and boarding. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure.
- ParkingFree parking is across the street from the depot. Accessible and bus parking are available closer to the complex; follow current signs.
- AccessibilityCall 800-293-7245 in advance. Manual wheelchairs only onboard; personal chairs may be up to 24½ inches wide, and the platform lift has a 400-pound combined limit. Caboose is not accessible.
- WeatherThe train runs in rain and snow, and indoor cars are climate controlled. Open-air comfort, canyon visibility, wildlife, river conditions, heat, storms, and foliage vary.
- Route40-mile round trip from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back, through a 734-foot manmade tunnel. Passengers remain aboard at the reversal point.
- DurationApproximately four hours onboard. The current official page also describes the ride as just under four hours; allow the full published window plus arrival time.
- ScheduleVaried year-round calendar. Many departures are at 1 p.m., but 2026 dates also use morning, afternoon, evening, and multiple-train schedules. Use the selected-date booking time.
- SeatingAssigned indoor seating generally uses facing couches for four or two upholstered chairs at a bistro table. Separate reservations are not guaranteed to sit together.
- Open AirEvery regular passenger car connects to a shaded open-air viewing car. Outdoor access is shared and unlimited, subject to staff direction and operating conditions.
- FareThe current 2026 all-ages regular excursion rate is $139 for guests age one and older; an infant under one may ride as a lap child without an assigned seat. Final checkout controls.
- BaggageOne bag per passenger, maximum 22 × 14 × 9 inches, with no wheels. Bags are checked before boarding; leave strollers, car seats, coolers, and ice chests in the vehicle.
- FoodOutside food and alcohol are prohibited. Food from the onsite Copper Spike Café may be taken aboard. Water bottles are allowed; onboard drinks and snacks are sold by card.
- PetsPets are not permitted. A trained service animal must be disclosed, approved, and issued a ticket in advance; emotional-support animals are not accepted as service animals.
- CancellationMore than 48 hours before departure: 90% refund with a 10% cancellation fee; the $2 preservation fee remains nonrefundable. Within 48 hours and no-shows: no refund.
- ReschedulingRequests more than 48 hours ahead are subject to availability, operator confirmation, and a current $5 fee per ticket. Requests inside 48 hours cannot be accommodated.
- ContactReservations and visitor help: 800-293-7245. Email: info@verdecanyonrr.com. Groups: 877-674-3835. Depot: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, Arizona 86324.
Find the Depot
The Trains
Verde Canyon Railroad’s visitor-facing train combines classic diesel power, twelve passenger coaches, open-air viewing cars, and a private caboose. The official equipment page identifies two 1953 Electro-Motive Division FP7 locomotives built for the Alaska Railroad; they debuted on this railroad on March 8, 1997 and received the current bald-eagle-themed cosmetic treatment in 2019. The operator describes regular passenger cars as carrying roughly 26–42 guests with climate control, panoramic windows, restrooms, beverage and snack service, assigned living-room-style seating, and access to an adjacent shaded open-air car. Several coaches are wheelchair accessible, but travelers must arrange manual-wheelchair handling and lift limits in advance. The 1929 caboose was restored for passenger use in 2005 and is sold to one private party of six or fewer adults, with a personal valet, cupola seating, two outdoor platforms, and separate inclusions. It is not wheelchair accessible. Equipment can be substituted or positioned differently, and no historical or licensed photograph guarantees the locomotive, car, seat, view side, consist, upholstery, menu, or service on a selected date.
History
United Verde & Pacific Railway track reached the mining town of Jerome.
William Andrews Clark began the 38-mile Verde Valley Railway from Clarkdale toward Drake.
The Verde Valley Railway was completed for regional freight and passenger movement.
Dave Durbano purchased the Drake–Clarkdale line.
The first Verde Canyon Railroad passenger excursion departed Clarkdale.
The railroad’s former Alaska Railroad FP7 locomotives debuted on March 8.
The 1929 caboose was restored for private passenger service.
The published calendar combines standard canyon trips, starlight and beverage programs, wildlife presentations, and Magical Christmas Journey.
See full history
The passenger excursion uses part of a rail network built to serve the Verde Valley copper industry. United Verde & Pacific Railway track reached Jerome in 1895. William Andrews Clark then developed the 38-mile Verde Valley Railway from Clarkdale to the Santa Fe connection at Drake in 1911, and the line was completed in 1912. It moved ore, smelter products, freight, and passengers through terrain that road visitors still cannot follow. After copper-era traffic and later freight operations declined, railroad builder Dave Durbano purchased the Drake–Clarkdale line in 1988. The first Verde Canyon Railroad passenger excursion left Clarkdale in 1990. Former Alaska Railroad FP7 locomotives entered service in 1997, the private 1929 caboose was restored for passenger use in 2005, and the current operation now combines year-round canyon trips, a developed Clarkdale depot campus, seasonal events, historic equipment, wildlife interpretation, and local cultural context.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Verde Canyon Railroad trip?
Approximately four hours for the complete Clarkdale–Perkinsville round trip. Some official copy says just under four hours, so allow the full published window.
Is the ride 20 miles round trip?
No. The current official route page says 40 miles round trip. The train travels roughly 20 miles each way before reversing at Perkinsville.
Do passengers get off at Perkinsville?
No. Passengers remain aboard while the train reverses for the return to Clarkdale.
Does every ticket include open-air access?
Regular passenger cars connect to adjacent shaded open-air viewing cars, and the operator publishes unlimited access subject to staff direction and conditions.
What time does the train leave?
The schedule varies. Many trains leave at 1 p.m., but the current calendar includes 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and evening departures. Check the selected date.
How early should I arrive?
At least 1½ hours before departure. Boarding begins 15 minutes before the train leaves, and the train cannot wait for late parties.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Several passenger coaches are accessible, but only manual wheelchairs are allowed onboard. Call 800-293-7245 about the 24½-inch chair-width limit, 400-pound combined lift limit, transfer needs, and exact date.
Is the private caboose accessible?
No. The operator explicitly says the historic caboose is not ADA compliant.
Can I bring food or alcohol?
Outside food and alcohol are prohibited. Food purchased at Copper Spike Café may be taken aboard; water is allowed and drinks and snacks are sold onboard.
What is the cancellation policy?
More than 48 hours ahead currently qualifies for a 90% ticket-price refund with a 10% fee; the $2 preservation fee is nonrefundable. Inside 48 hours and no-shows receive no refund.
Are pets permitted?
No ordinary pets. Trained service animals must be approved and ticketed in advance; emotional-support animals are not accepted as service animals.
Is the John Bell Museum separate from the railroad?
No. It is an onsite vintage-boxcar museum on the Clarkdale passenger campus and is best used after ticket pickup but before boarding.
Are the Arizona Copper Art Museum and Tuzigoot safe pre-train stops?
Not inside the ordinary arrival buffer. Both deserve their own visit time; use them after the train, during an overnight, or on a separate day.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 14, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official train-ride page for the 40-mile round trip, four-hour duration, 734-foot tunnel, no passenger stop, included seating, open-air access, narration, and onboard service
- Official 2026 schedule page and month graphics for exact standard, Starlight, Grape, Ales, wildlife, and Magical Christmas dates and varied departure times
- Official 2026 rate page for current regular, caboose, Grape, Ales, and Magical Christmas prices and age bands
- Official Know Before You Ride page for arrival, boarding, seating, baggage, food, cancellation, rescheduling, pets, service animals, and mobility preparation
- Official FAQ for parking, payment, weather, manual-wheelchair policy, chair and lift limits, accessible boarding timing, and contact guidance
- Official Aboard the Train page for FP7 history, twelve passenger cars, seating capacity, open-air cars, accessibility, and 1929 caboose details
- Official At the Depot page for ticket pickup, food, retail, John Bell Museum, platform storyboards, wildlife presentations, and active campus context
- Official About page for the 1895, 1911, 1912, 1988, and 1990 timeline and preservation mission
- Official events catalog for every currently promoted seasonal program
- Official Saturday Starlight page for late-day scope and changing seasonal times
- Official Grape Train Escape page for the 21+ wine program
- Official Ales on Rails page for the 21+ craft-beer program and the conflicting September 14 copy
- Official wildlife page for pre-train timing, presenters, weather and volunteer caveats
- Official Magical Christmas Journey page for one-hour holiday scope, date range, activities, and separate program identity
- Official contact page for phone, email, group number, and Clarkdale depot address
