Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Paper ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Verde Canyon Railroad
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.
What‘s Included
Appetizers
First class seating
Bottled water
Snacks
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.
Champagne toast
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Pets are not allowed on train
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad
Reviews
107 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Epic
Karla W,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be ready to take lots of photos if you have never been on a train, i over the top suggest this experience, it was epic.
The train ride was...
Emily A,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The train ride was relaxing and the views were breathtaking!! An absolute must-do when visiting the area.
Fantastic!
Brett J,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic views and staff are awesome! Would recommend it to anyone. Best trip I’ve taken in a long time
Josh and Anthony were a...
Calvin E,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Josh and Anthony were a wonderful duo. Full of knowledge about the valley and they were able to express that knowledge in a manner that made you eager to learn the next new thing. I highly recommend this adventure to everyone
Must do atleast once
John P,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was fun. I recommend the night train. Josh was our guide/ bartender and he did both really well. "T" on the outside cart was great also explaining the different area's. After the train got to the turn around point the ride back was relaxing under the stars where Josh was also an expert at what stars were what. Just an over all great time and great get away from everyday life.
Verde River train ride
Donald S,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring binoculars It was very nice Dillan was great Train was not too bumpy of a ride and other couple traded seats so my disabled veteran husband could sit more comfortable
A relaxing evening.
Ken G,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing and fun.The crew are very informative and super friendly. I read people weren't happy with the food at the Spike. I had the chicken wrap and it was very abundant and flavorful. The experience is worth repeating. I wish the gift shop was open later as we weren't able to get in prior to our departure.
Amazing Experience along the Dirty Verde!
jessicapB6502XI,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I did this in April of 2026, and it was the highlight of our trip to Cottonwood/Sedona. The staff are all so friendly; our tour guide, Andy, and our bartender, Eric, were the best. You receive a great charcuterie board and champagne as you board, and the train cars are so pretty and comfy. You can sit in the open cars, too, and that is lots of fun. The red rock was so pretty, and we loved riding along the river. I can't recommend this enough - great for absolutely everyone!
Andy and Ryan are awesome
Elmer G,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Andy is an awesome guide - very informative, entertaining and funny. Ryan is a superb customer service person - quick and alert 👍🏼👌
Great way to see the canyon & the stars!
P6426OZlisam,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the highlights of our trip to Arizona! We had a blast riding the train through the canyon, sipping on wine & hearing about the area from the guides. Great service, quick & friendly. We enjoyed the open air car the most, both during the ride out as the light dimmed, and then on the return trip when the stars came out. Great adventure, don't miss it!
From US$186.18
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Operated by Verde Canyon Railroad