With temperatures climbing into the triple digits, a lot of us are heading to a cooler climate.  But if places like California or even Flagstaff are a little far, why not head 2 hours north and take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad?

Verde Canyon is only accessible by rail. The railroad will take you from the historic and scenic route from Clarkdale to the ghost ranch of Perkinsville — known as Arizona’s other grand canyon. It’s also home to America's national symbol, the bald eagle.

You’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views as the train winds around two national forests that features rugged, crimson high desert rock. Expert narration and guides accompany the four-hour round trip and leaves passengers with a sense of history, archaeology, geology, wildlife, and the Indian lore of the Verde Canyon. 

Verde Canyon Railroad is ideally located above the heat of the desert and below the cold of Arizona's high country.   

The historic Town of Clarkdale is a thriving community and is located on the banks of the Verde River in the north central part of Arizona.  Founded in 1912, Clarkdale is renowned as the first master-planned community in Arizona.

Originally a “company town,” Clarkdale was founded by the United Verde Copper Company to provide housing and services for the employees of their copper smelter from 1913-1953. Today, the original town site of Clarkdale is recognized as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

Clarkdale remains a model of good urban planning today. The original rail line that served the smelter is now host to the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Take I-17 north to exit 287 (Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Clarkdale). Turn left (west) over the freeway. Go on Highway 260 (approximately 14 miles to the fifth traffic light). Turn left at light. This is Main Street. Drive through Old Town Cottonwood, past Tuzigoot until you see a sign on the corner that says "Verde Canyon Railroad." Bear right onto Broadway, cross the one-lane bridge and park in the designated parking across the street from the depot.

SCHEDULE FOR JUNE 2016

Train schedule: 1 pm - 5 pm

Scheduled departures

Tuesday through Saturday

Train does not operate

Sundays & Mondays

 

June 17 - Special Events & Trips

 

June 18 - Starlight Train (6:30 pm - 10:30 pm)

Call 1-800-717-0108 for details and reservations