Verde Canyon Railroad: Starlight Ride & First Class Seats

Summary

Arizona’s Verde Valley by vintage train as sunset turns to starlight

You’ll board a vintage train in Clarkdale for a first class starlight ride through Arizona’s Verde Valley—snacks and champagne included—with views of ancient cliff dwellings, wildlife like bald eagles, and dramatic canyons as sunset fades into night. Expect quiet moments, gentle laughter, and scenery you’ll carry home long after the journey ends.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to feel so quiet sitting in that old train car, just watching the light change over the Verde Valley. The whole thing starts at the Clarkdale depot, which is kind of lively—people chatting, someone’s kid asking about the old locomotives. Our guide, Tom (or maybe it was Tim? Sorry Tom/Tim), handed out our tickets and pointed us toward the John Bell Museum while we waited for boarding. I wandered in and ended up staring at these black-and-white photos of miners and railroad workers—faces that looked tired but proud. It set the mood, you know?

Once we rolled out of Clarkdale, the world outside got softer and quieter. First class meant comfy seats and snacks (the cheese was surprisingly good—I ate more than my share). There’s this moment when you cross the 150-foot bridge at SOB Canyon and everyone goes a bit silent, just leaning to see down into that wild tangle of green below. The breeze through the open-air car smelled like warm stone and river water. Someone pointed out cliff dwellings from the Sinagua people—honestly, I’d have missed them if not for our guide calling them out. There was a bald eagle too, perched way up on a snag; a couple next to me gasped loud enough that everyone craned their necks.

The sun dipped behind red cliffs somewhere past Tuzigoot National Monument, and suddenly it was all deep blue shadows and gold edges. I tried (and failed) to get a photo through the window—just ended up with my own reflection looking back at me. We passed Perkinsville Ghost Town at twilight; I remember thinking how lonely it must get out there. The commentary played in the background but sometimes I just tuned it out to listen to wheels on rails or people laughing softly over their champagne toast. It felt like time slowed down for those four hours—or maybe that’s just what happens when you’re not checking your phone every five minutes.

I still think about that view from the bridge—how small we all looked against those canyon walls. If you’re after some big adrenaline rush, this isn’t it; but if you want to watch Arizona change colors with strangers who might become friends by moonlight, well… this starlight ride is something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Verde Canyon Railroad Starlight Ride

• Arrive at Verde Canyon Railroad Depot
• Visit John Bell Museum at depot
• Board train for 4-hour journey
• View Verde River along route
• See SOB Canyon and tall bridge
• Pass Tuzigoot National Monument
• Learn Perkinsville Ghost Town history
• Return to Clarkdale depot

Top questions

How long is the Verde Canyon Railroad starlight ride?

The starlight ride lasts about 4 hours for a 40-mile round trip between Clarkdale and Perkinsville.

Is food included on the Verde Canyon Railroad tour?

Yes, appetizers, snacks, bottled water, and a cafe meal voucher are included with your ticket.

What sights do you see on the Verde Canyon Railroad?

You’ll see SOB Canyon bridge, Tuzigoot National Monument from afar, cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people, historic mining sites, wildlife like bald eagles, and Perkinsville Ghost Town.

Are seats assigned on this train ride?

First class seating is reserved for ticket holders; open-air viewing cars are also available during the trip.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including train cars are wheelchair accessible.

When does the starlight ride operate?

The Starlight & Moonlight excursions run select Fridays and Saturdays from May through September.

Does this include pickup from Sedona or other towns?

No hotel pickup is included; guests need to make their way to Clarkdale depot themselves.

Can infants join this Verde Canyon Railroad tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; anyone aged 1 or older requires a paid ticket.

What’s included

Your evening includes first class seating aboard vintage passenger coaches with access to open-air viewing cars for fresh canyon air. Appetizers and snacks are served along with bottled water throughout your rail journey. You’ll also receive a voucher for a meal at the depot café before departure—which you can bring onboard—and there’s even a champagne toast as sunset slips into night over Arizona’s wild Verde Valley.