Verde Canyon Railroad

A ride on Verde Canyon Railroad‘s historic route from Clarkdale to the ghost ranch of Perkinsville and back, into Arizona’s other grand canyon, is an unforgettable experience. Home to America’s national symbol, the majestic bald eagle, Verde Canyon is accessible only by rail. The historic route is nestled between two national forests and adjacent to a designated wilderness area. This unique geological wonderland features rugged, high desert rock faces and spectacular panoramic views. This distinctive confluence of desert and wetland is populated by a variety of wildlife, which thrives among the indigenous trees, shrubs, cactuses and wildflowers. Passengers on this popular excursion train are enthralled as the eagle-decorated vintage engines roll past towering, crimson cliffs, near ancient Indian ruins, over old-fashioned trestles and through a 680-foot manmade tunnel on a four-hour round trip to deserted Perkinsville Ranch and back. Expert narration and guides leave passengers with a sense of history, archaeology, geology, wildlife and the Indian lore of the Verde Canyon. Original music also is an integral part of the excursion that takes passengers through Arizona’s longest-running nature show. Verde Canyon Railroad, nestled in the heart of the expansive Verde Valley, is ideally located above the heat of the desert and below the cold of Arizona’s high country.

Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad

The Verde Canyon Railway is not far away from Phoenix. Take a train trip through a beautiful canyon in central Arizona. The Verde Canyon Railroad (formerly the Verde Valley Railroad) of Arizona was originally built to support Arizona’s richest copper mine, located in Jerome. Now visitors enjoy the Verde Canyon Railway excursions to enjoy a leisurely trip, view the natural surroundings and participate in special events.

The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a 4 hour, out and back, train excursion along the beautiful Verde River. They also offer numerous special events including Easter Bunny and Christmas trips, Mystery Trips, Wine Tasting (Grape Escape) trips and, for you chocoholics, the Chocolate Lover’s Festival in February. In the summer, look for moonlight trips where you travel out during the sunset and back under starry skies.

The Verde Canyon Railroad offers first class cars with couch seating, tables, personal service from an extensive bar and a snack buffet. The coach class cars are typical of railroad travel from the ’30′s and ’40′s with row seating and no tables. Both classes of travel can access the open air observation cars.

Grand Canyon Railway

Historic Train Tours to Grand Canyon National Park We are proud to welcome you to the Grand Canyon Railway. Book your rail only reservation online for Grand Canyon train tours on one of six classes of service on our vintage train to Grand Canyon National Park. Or, select a tour package that includes lodging at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and/or in Grand Canyon National Park or experience the magic of the Polar Express. Grand Canyon Railway made its first journey to the Grand Canyon in 1901, long before Arizona was dubbed the "Grand Canyon State." With the arrival of the train, people could get to the legendary canyon with ease and comfort. Today, you can travel to Grand Canyon National Park along the same rail line your parents or grandparents did. Select from one of six vintage classes of service which have been lovingly restored. Journey to Grand Canyon National Park aboard Grand Canyon Railway and take a trip back in time to America’s most recognized natural wonder. The Grand Canyon train has proudly served Grand Canyon National Park since 1901. Grand Canyon Native Long before there were Grand Canyon helicopter tours, air tours, white water rafting tours, or even Grand Canyon mule tours, there was the Grand Canyon Railway. Before paved roads, Grand Canyon hotels and restaurants, and even before the canyon was made a national park or Arizona made a state, the Grand Canyon Railway brought interested travelers from all over the world to stand on the rim and ponder the feeling that touches all who gaze upon the canyon. Grand Canyon Railway was the lifeline to Grand Canyon National Park in the early 20th century. The railroad, along with the Fred Harvey Company, commissioned and built most of the historic structures that still exist at the Grand Canyon. The historic train almost faded into history itself when passenger service to Grand Canyon National Park stopped in 1968, and train travel gave way to the popularity of automobile travel. But like any legend it refused to die. As fate would have it, Grand Canyon Railway was reborn in 1989 when entrepreneurs Max & Thelma Biegert brought the Grand Canyon Railway back to life. Today, the railway carries more than 230,000 people to Grand Canyon National Park each year. The Railway also offers Grand Canyon vacations that include train travel, stays at Williams and Grand Canyon hotels, RV park stays and much more. Call us and plan a complete Grand Canyon vacation.