Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, Arizona

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Clarkdale, Arizona · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain rides

The Verde Canyon Railroad carries passengers on a four-hour, 40-mile round trip from Clarkdale to Perkinsville through a protected red-rock canyon on track first laid for copper country more than a century ago, a ride the governor designated an Arizona Treasure.

  • Four-hour, 40-mile round trip
  • Open-air viewing cars
  • 734-foot tunnel cut through rock
  • First excursion ran in 1990
  • John Bell Museum at the depot
  • The Magical Christmas Journey

Verde Canyon Railroad at a glance

Hours
Departure times vary by season and date; check the railroad's train schedule
Admission
Fares vary by class and date; book online or call (800) 293-7245
Train rides
Four-hour, 40-mile round trips from Clarkdale to Perkinsville, year-round
Seasonal events
The Magical Christmas Journey, Uncorked Wine Festival, Grape Train Escape
Plan for
About 5.5 hours including the recommended early arrival
Best for
Families with older kids, couples and nature lovers
Best ages
Ages 5 and up
Parking
Parking is across the street from the depot, with accessible and bus parking
Accessibility
Handicap parking is available; call (800) 293-7245 ahead of time about mobility needs.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Verde Canyon Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Clarkdale.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

From Jerome's copper boom to a canyon excursion train

The story starts in Jerome, a mining town clinging to a mountainside two thousand feet above the valley floor. In its heyday more than 15,000 people lived there for the copper mines, which produced a billion dollars' worth of ore over the decades. The wealth drew them, but the railroad brought them. In 1895 the United Verde & Pacific Railway laid the first track into Jerome, a line nicknamed the crookedest in the world for its 186 curves.

In 1911 William Andrews Clark began building the 38-mile Verde Valley Railway between Clarkdale and Drake, completed in 1912. For decades it carried passengers and freight through the Verde Canyon.

The modern chapter belongs to the Durbano family. In the 1980s Dave Durbano started Western Railroad Builders, and in 1988 he bought the Drake to Clarkdale line, not yet knowing he had acquired one of the most scenic routes in the state. The first Verde Canyon Railroad excursion rolled out of Clarkdale in 1990. Today the trains run on 20 miles of the Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad, and the railroad says around 100,000 visitors ride each year. Linda Durbano tells the full story in her book Tracking Down the Past: The Verde Canyon Railroad Story.

The railroad describes its mission as preserve, protect and share: keeping historic locomotives, cars and track as living links to the past, while protecting the canyon's wildlife and wilderness.

The depot, the canyon and the tunnel

The experience begins at the large Clarkdale depot, home to the Copper Spike Café, the Boxcar Gift Store and the John Bell Museum, which is full of historic photographs and memorabilia linking the railroad's past to the present. Storyboards about the canyon, pioneer life and railroad lore line the quarter-mile loading platform, and a shaded pavilion gives you a place to eat before boarding.

On board, climate-controlled cars with panoramic windows and complimentary appetizers sit alongside open-air viewing cars with a 360 degree view. The narrated ride follows a protected corridor along the river, past red-rock pinnacles, near ancient ruins, over bridges and through a 734-foot tunnel carved through solid rock more than a century ago. Watch for bald eagles, great blue herons and deer on the way to Perkinsville, then see the light shift across the canyon on the return.

Don’t miss

  1. The 734-foot tunnelCarved through solid rock more than a century ago, it is a dark, exciting moment on the ride.
  2. Open-air viewing carsStep outside for the full sweep of the canyon, the best place to spot eagles and herons.
  3. John Bell MuseumHistoric photographs and memorabilia at the depot connect today's ride with the copper era.
  4. Platform storyboardsSigns along the quarter-mile platform tell the history of the canyon and the railroad while you wait.
  5. PerkinsvilleThe turnaround point of the line, 20 miles up the canyon from Clarkdale.

A tunnel, eagles and an open-air car

The tunnel is the moment kids remember: everything goes dark, then the canyon light floods back in. Open-air cars give children a breeze and a wide view for spotting wildlife, and the platform storyboards and depot museum help pass the time before boarding.

This is a four-hour ride, so it suits kids who can sit for a while with snacks. Children under one ride as lap children without their own seat. Each passenger may bring only one bag, no larger than a standard backpack and without wheels, and pets are not allowed on the train.

Plan your visit: tips for Verde Canyon Railroad

  • Arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure; boarding starts 15 minutes before the train leaves.
  • Book your whole group on one reservation so you sit together.
  • One bag per person, no larger than a standard backpack and no wheels.
  • Download the AudioFetch app and bring earphones for the narration.
  • Pets are not allowed; service animals must be approved in advance.

Every December the railroad runs The Magical Christmas Journey, a holiday trip on Santa's secret tracks through the canyon. Other seasonal trips include the Uncorked Wine Festival in May and the summer Grape Train Escape, plus craft beer outings. For more holiday options, see our guide to Christmas train rides in Arizona.

A family railroad with a mission

The Verde Canyon Railroad grew from Dave and Linda Durbano's purchase of the line in 1988, and its crews and train-car attendants keep the historic equipment and track running. Riders support it by buying tickets, shopping at the Boxcar Gift Store, eating at the Copper Spike Café and booking group trips or private coaches.

More Arizona rail trips from the Verde Valley

The Grand Canyon Railway in Williams is about 50 miles north. Down in the Valley, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is about 72 miles away and the Phoenix Trolley Museum about 79 miles. Plan more stops with our guide to train museums in Arizona.

Every train museum in Arizona

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

This railroad goes through a 734-foot tunnel cut through solid rock, and that is my favorite page in our book: the train slips into a dark tunnel, then a big bright light and happy cheers. My mom dreamed up that moment for Rally before she died in 2021, and I think she would have loved hearing a whole car of kids cheer when the canyon light comes back. Read more about her on our story page.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Verde Canyon Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Verde Canyon Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Verde Canyon Railroad?

The Verde Canyon Railroad depot is at 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, Arizona 86324. Clarkdale is about 25 minutes southwest of Sedona and roughly two hours north of Phoenix by car. Park in the designated lot across the street from the depot, a short walk from the platform.

How long is the Verde Canyon Railroad train ride?

The ride lasts about four hours round trip. The train travels 20 miles from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back, a 40-mile journey. The railroad also asks you to arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure, so plan on roughly five and a half hours in total.

How much are Verde Canyon Railroad tickets?

Fares depend on your class of service, the date and any special event, so the railroad posts current rates on its website rather than one flat price. Use the View Train Rates link at verdecanyonrr.com or call (800) 293-7245 for a quote before you book.

Are there Verde Canyon Railroad discounts or discount codes?

The railroad does not list a standing discount code online. Ask about current promotions, senior rates and Room and Ride packages when you call (800) 293-7245 or book on the website. Groups can also get special arrangements through the group coordinator at (877) 674-3835.

What is the Verde Canyon Railroad schedule?

Trains run year-round, but departure times change with the season and with special events. Check the train schedule on verdecanyonrr.com for the exact time on your date. Remember that boarding begins 15 minutes before departure and the railroad asks you to arrive 1.5 hours early.

How do I buy Verde Canyon Railroad tickets online?

Tickets are sold through the Get Tickets button on verdecanyonrr.com, or by calling (800) 293-7245. Book your whole party on a single reservation so you sit together, since seating is assigned. Bring your confirmation email to the depot to collect printed boarding passes.

Where does the Verde Canyon Railroad go?

The train runs from the depot in Clarkdale north through the Verde Canyon to Perkinsville and back. The route follows a protected corridor along the river, past red-rock pinnacles, near ancient ruins, over bridges and through a 734-foot tunnel. The railroad offers a Milepost Guide for the route.

Is the Verde Canyon Railroad near Sedona?

Yes. Clarkdale is about 25 minutes southwest of Sedona, and the railroad suggests allowing about 40 minutes for the drive. Follow Highway 89A toward Cottonwood and Jerome, take Clarkdale Parkway, then Main Street and North Broadway, cross the one-lane bridge and park across from the depot.

What is the Magical Christmas Journey on the Verde Canyon Railroad?

The Magical Christmas Journey is the railroad's December holiday trip, bringing holiday cheer on what it calls Santa's secret tracks through the canyon. Dates, fares and departure times are posted on verdecanyonrr.com each season, or you can call (800) 293-7245 to ask about availability before you plan the drive.

What events does the Verde Canyon Railroad hold?

Seasonal trips include The Magical Christmas Journey in December, the Uncorked Wine Festival in May, the summer Grape Train Escape and craft beer outings. Specialty rides take place each month, so check the Events page on verdecanyonrr.com for the current calendar.

What are the Verde Canyon Railroad gift shop hours?

The Boxcar Gift Store is in the depot, and its hours are not posted separately online. For gift shop questions, call the store directly at (928) 325-0533 before you visit. The railroad suggests arriving early on ride days, which gives you time to browse, and gift certificates are sold on the website.

Is there a museum at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot?

Yes. The John Bell Museum at the Clarkdale depot holds historic photographs and memorabilia that link the railroad's past to the present. Storyboards along the quarter-mile platform add canyon history and railroad lore, so arriving early gives you time to see both.

Is the Verde Canyon Railroad good for kids?

It suits kids who can enjoy a four-hour ride. Open-air cars, the 734-foot tunnel and wildlife like bald eagles and deer keep children looking out. A child under one counts as a lap child and has no assigned seat, sharing an adult's. Pack quiet activities for younger riders.

Can I bring my dog on the Verde Canyon Railroad?

No. Pets are not allowed on the trains. Service animals as defined by Arizona law are permitted but must be approved in advance and issued a ticket, and emotional support animals are not included. The railroad notes that pet sitting services are available; see its policies page.

What can I bring on the Verde Canyon Railroad?

Each passenger may bring one bag, no larger than a standard backpack of 22 by 14 by 9 inches, and bags may not have wheels. All bags are checked before boarding. Bring earphones and download the AudioFetch app for the narration.

Is food included on the Verde Canyon Railroad?

Complimentary appetizers are served on board, and drinks are available for purchase. You can buy lunch at the Copper Spike Café in the depot, either eaten in the pavilion or carried onto the train, or prepay with a café voucher.

Is the Verde Canyon Railroad accessible?

Handicap and bus parking are easily accessible near the depot, just across the street from the platform. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, the railroad asks you to call (800) 293-7245 before your ride so staff can help plan boarding and the best seating arrangements for your party.

When did the Verde Canyon Railroad start running?

The first Verde Canyon Railroad excursion left Clarkdale in 1990, two years after Dave Durbano bought the Drake to Clarkdale line. The track itself is older: William Andrews Clark built the Verde Valley Railway between Clarkdale and Drake in 1911 and 1912.

Does the Verde Canyon Railroad offer group trips?

Yes. Groups can book a private coach with couches and bistro seating, access to an open-air car, a champagne toast and charcuterie, with more catering on request. For more than 20 guests, contact the group coordinator at (877) 674-3835. The railroad also hosts weddings.

What other train rides are near the Verde Canyon Railroad?

The Grand Canyon Railway in Williams is about 50 miles north and runs daily to the South Rim. In the Phoenix area, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is about 72 miles away with train and carousel rides, and the Phoenix Trolley Museum, which preserves the city's streetcars, is about 79 miles away.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum in Grand Rapids, Ohio
Next

Fort Smith Trolley Museum, Arkansas