See Arizona From A New Angle On This Incredible 20-Mile Train Ride
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re starring in a vintage Western without the dust in your eyes or bandits on horseback, we’ve got just the ride. Tucked away in the heart of Arizona’s canyon country is a 20-mile train journey so stunning, it makes tumbleweeds stop and stare.
This isn’t your average choo-choo, it’s a front-row seat to red rock cliffs, soaring eagles, and river bends you can’t reach by road. Hop aboard this vintage beauty and discover why folks keep coming back to ride the rails through Verde Canyon. (Yes, that Verde Canyon.) All aboard the view train!
1. Stunning Red Rock Scenery
Arizona’s red rocks create a backdrop that feels almost magical as the train rolls past towering formations. Every twist and turn reveals cliffs painted in shades of crimson, orange, and rust that shift with the sunlight.
Your eyes won’t know where to look first because nature’s artwork surrounds you on all sides. It’s like riding through a living postcard that keeps getting better with each mile.
You’ll find yourself pressing against the windows, trying to capture every incredible view before it passes.
2. Access To Remote Wilderness
Most of this canyon remains untouched by roads, making the train your only ticket to see these hidden wonders. You’ll venture into wilderness areas that hikers and drivers simply can’t reach without serious effort.
Ancient rock walls rise up around you as the train follows paths carved decades ago. It’s thrilling to know you’re traveling through land that stays wild and protected from development.
This exclusive access makes you feel like an explorer discovering secrets tucked away from the modern world.
3. Year-Round Beauty
Every season paints Verde Canyon with different colors, so there’s never a bad time to visit. Spring brings wildflowers dotting the hillsides while summer shows off lush green cottonwoods along the creek.
Fall transforms the landscape into gold and amber hues that glow against red rocks. Winter offers crisp air and sometimes dusts the canyon rim with snow, creating dramatic contrasts.
No matter when you book your ticket, the scenery delivers something special and completely unique to that time of year.
4. Open-Air Viewing Cars
Stepping into the open-air cars feels like removing a barrier between you and the wilderness. Fresh Arizona air rushes past as you stand outside, feeling the breeze and breathing in the scent of desert plants.
Nothing blocks your view in these cars, letting you look straight up at canyon walls or down at the creek below. It’s perfect for photographers and anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in nature.
You can move freely between indoor comfort and outdoor excitement throughout your entire journey.
5. Comfortable, Vintage Luxury
These aren’t ordinary train cars, they’re beautifully restored spaces that blend old-world charm with modern comfort. Plush seats invite you to relax while big windows frame the passing scenery like moving artwork.
Air conditioning keeps you cool in summer, and the vintage details make you feel transported to railroading’s golden age. You’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination because everything feels special and thoughtfully designed.
It’s rare to find this combination of authentic history and genuine comfort in one experience.
6. Abundant Wildlife
Keep your eyes peeled because Verde Canyon teems with creatures that call this wilderness home. Bald eagles nest along the cliffs, and you might spot them soaring overhead or perched majestically on rocky outcrops.
Javelinas, great blue herons, and even river otters make appearances for lucky passengers. The train moves slowly enough that you can actually observe animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
Bring binoculars because wildlife sightings add unexpected thrills to an already amazing journey.
7. Rich Railroad History
This railroad started operating in 1912 to haul copper ore, connecting remote mines to the outside world. You’re riding the same tracks that powered Arizona’s mining boom over a century ago.
Guides share fascinating stories about the people who built these rails through impossible terrain using hand tools and determination. Old mining sites and historical markers dot the route, bringing the past to life.
History buffs will appreciate how this working railroad preserves an important chapter of the American West.
8. Onboard Food & Drinks
Hunger and thirst won’t interrupt your adventure because the train offers refreshments right onboard. You can sip cold beverages while watching the scenery roll by, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Snacks and light bites are available to keep your energy up during the four-hour journey. It’s convenient having everything you need without leaving the train or missing any views.
Enjoying refreshments while surrounded by canyon beauty adds a touch of leisure that makes the trip feel like a true getaway.
9. Photography Paradise
Camera lovers will find themselves in heaven with endless opportunities to capture stunning shots. Every curve reveals new compositions, dramatic rock formations, wildlife moments, and changing light that photographers dream about.
Both the open-air cars and large windows provide perfect vantage points without obstructions blocking your lens. You’ll fill your memory card quickly because each moment offers something worth preserving.
Whether you’re a pro or just love snapping photos, this train ride delivers images you’ll treasure forever.
10. Perfect Day Trip From Sedona Or Flagstaff
Located conveniently between these popular Arizona destinations, the railroad makes an ideal day adventure. You can easily drive to Clarkdale in the morning and still have time for other activities afterward.
It’s close enough that you won’t spend all day traveling, yet it feels like a completely different world once aboard. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find it fits perfectly into their Arizona vacation plans.
Adding this excursion to your itinerary gives you a unique experience without complicated logistics or overnight planning.
