Sedona , United States

Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad

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(84 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Paper ticket only accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad

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

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

Stop 2

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.

The train runs on the same tracks that were created following the Verde River back in 1911. The river is visible for most of your journey.

SOB Canyon and the 150 ft tall bridge are highlights of the trip. Looking back from the bridge and down the canyon is simply gorgeous!

Discover the history of Perkinsville Ghost Town through on-board commentary on your train journey. This is the turn-around point of your trip.

Stop 6 Pass by

You'll ride past Tuzigoot National Monument on your train journey.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

DVD (available to purchase)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Pets are not allowed on train

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

58 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

26 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Meeting point

Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona
Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324

Important notes

• Passenger must present a photo ID and along with voucher to receive train tickets
• Passengers must check-in a minimum of 1 hour prior to departure time
• Pre-ordered Meals are served ONLY at DEPOT restaurant
• Strollers and car seats are NOT allowed onboard the train
• No outside food or beverage is allowed onboard the train
• Unfortunately, special dietary options are unable to be accommodated
• Backpacks and purses are subject to search

About Sedona

Sedona, Arizona, is renowned for its stunning red rock formations, vibrant arts scene, and spiritual energy. This desert town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park offers stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic views. It's a great place for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of Sedona.

Nature 2-4 hours Free/Moderate ($10-$20 for activities)

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona's most iconic landmarks, featuring a stunning red rock formation. The hike to the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Sedona Arts Center

The Sedona Arts Center is a hub for local artists and offers galleries, workshops, and classes. It's a great place to experience the vibrant arts scene in Sedona.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free/Moderate ($10-$30 for classes)

Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a striking architectural landmark that blends seamlessly with the red rock landscape. It's a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction.

Religious/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (Donations appreciated)

Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village

Tlaquepaque is a charming arts and crafts village featuring a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs and enjoy the local culture.

Cultural/Shopping 1-2 hours Moderate ($20-$50 for purchases)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, potatoes, and spices, often served with cornbread or tortillas.

Main Course Contains pork, gluten-free if served without cornbread

Navajo Tacos

Fried bread topped with beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables, similar to a Mexican taco but with a unique Southwestern twist.

Main Course Vegetarian options available, can be made gluten-free

Prickly Pear Margarita

A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and prickly pear cactus fruit, a local favorite.

Drink Alcoholic, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking ATV tours Rock climbing Rafting Spa treatments Yoga and meditation Scenic drives

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This is the most popular time to visit Sedona due to pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The fall and spring seasons offer comfortable temperatures and vibrant landscapes.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT) - GMT-7 (Standard Time), GMT-6 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sedona is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of wildlife on roads
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport • 115 miles (185 km)
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport • 100 miles (160 km)

By bus

Flagstaff Greyhound Station, Phoenix Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Sedona Shuttle provides limited public transportation within the town and to some popular attractions. It operates on a fixed route and schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Sedona West Sedona Oak Creek Canyon

Day trips

Grand Canyon National Park

120 miles (193 km) • Full day

One of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

Jerome

30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day

A quirky and historic town known for its arts scene, wineries, and ghost tours. Jerome offers a unique blend of history and creativity.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

100 miles (161 km) • Half day

A well-preserved ancient Sinagua cliff dwelling, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the area over 600 years ago.

Festivals

Sedona Arts Festival • October (annually) Sedona International Film Festival • February (annually) Sedona WineFest • April (annually)

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Red Rock State Park and Cathedral Rock early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat
Pack layers and comfortable, sturdy shoes for hiking and outdoor activities
Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert climate can be hot and dry, even in the cooler months
Consider hiring a local guide for hiking or outdoor activities, as they can provide valuable insights and ensure your safety
Explore the town's vibrant arts scene by visiting local galleries, studios, and cultural events