Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad

4.7 (140 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

140 reviews

4.7

Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Paper ticket only accepted
Group: Up to 300 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Verde Canyon Railroad

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Appetizers
Included: First class seating
Included: Bottled water
Included: Snacks
Included: Lunch: In 2023, all Verde Canyon Railroad tickets purchased through Viator include a cafe voucher for a meal at the depot cafe which may be carried aboard the train.
Included: Champagne toast

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: DVD (available to purchase)
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Pets are not allowed on train

Itinerary

Verde Canyon Railroad

4 hours Admission included

Make your way to the Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona, not far from Sedona, to begin your Verde Canyon Railroad Starlight adventure.

This rail adventure offers a wilderness train ride through the remote Verde Canyon which is known for its picturesque setting and abundant wildlife. Though it’s possible to hike in the canyon, by far the easiest way to experience it is by riding this scenic wilderness train.

The train is made up of exquisitely-renovated passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives and travels a route along the Verde River between Clarkdale and Perkinsville. After embarking from the Clarkdale depot, sit back for a 4-hour, 40-mile round trip that includes views of historic mining sites, geological wonders, Sinagua Indian cliff dwellings and wildlife from bald eagles to antelope.
Verde Canyon Railroad

At the depot, be sure to visit the John Bell Museum, home to the railroad's history and artifacts from its early days, as well as a wealth of information on Clarkdale, Jerome and the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Verde River

Passing by

The train runs on the same tracks that were created following the Verde River back in 1911. The river is visible for most of your journey.
Stop 4

Passing by

SOB Canyon and the 150 ft tall bridge are highlights of the trip. Looking back from the bridge and down the canyon is simply gorgeous!
Perkinsville Ghost Town

Passing by

Discover the history of Perkinsville Ghost Town through on-board commentary on your train journey. This is the turn-around point of your trip.
Tuzigoot National Monument

Passing by

You'll ride past Tuzigoot National Monument on your train journey.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona

Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324

End point

Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona

Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324

Using your ticket

Passenger must present a photo ID and along with voucher to receive train tickets
Passengers must check-in a minimum of 1 hour prior to departure time
Pre-ordered Meals are served ONLY at DEPOT restaurant
Strollers and car seats are NOT allowed onboard the train
No outside food or beverage is allowed onboard the train
Unfortunately, special dietary options are unable to be accommodated
Backpacks and purses are subject to search

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infant age is 0-1 year. Any guest aged 1 and over will be charged an adult rate. Guests cannot board the train without a paid ticket