verde canyon railroad

Visited the Verde Canyon Railroad on a sunny spring day in April. We had missed the train two days previously and they happily exchanged our tickets. On arrival, you can buy food or souvenirs in the lovely gift shop. The train goes back and forth on a 40 mile track along the Verde River. You see the beautiful red rock and desert plants and sometimes, bald eagles. We traveled first class because there are fewer people in the cars and the seats are more comfortable. This also means there are fewer people in the open car to which you are assigned. This is the best place for picture takers. We enjoyed the information that we were given along the route by our server and a guide - a restful and beautiful way to see the back country.

By all means, take this trip to enjoy the canyon and red rocks. Worth upgrading to sit in the club car in the nice cushy seats while you view all the sights. Great fun.

We took the train on Feb 25 in the Tucson car. We had Jen as our hostess. She was friendly funny and provided a humorous and informative narrative. She also provided fast and friendly service. We enjoyed the outdoor car and the beautiful views. A glass of wine On the return trip was a great way to relax. A truly great value and experience

The trip is worth the extra money to travel in one of the first class cars. Good lunch was included along with a champagne/ apple juice toast. Really enjoyed the access to the covered outside cars. The scenery was up close. Enjoyed the bald eagle sightings. Enjoyed all of the rock, red rock, and seeing the Verde river. Am looking forward to taking other family visitors on this railroad trip.

A great way to travel on this train is first class, with champagne and tasty food provided. Even the red velvet and chocolate cupcakes were good. The lounge couches are comfy, and the outside car was good. The scenery is spectacular with looking up the canyon walls. The guide and bartender on the train were very personable and made the trip really fun. What a great way to spend an afternoon!

We travelled first class which meant lunch was taken care of☺️. It was very relaxing and we were surrounded by spectacular scenery which goes without saying. The guides were very knowledgeable. Our hostess, Debra was full of energy and tried very hard to make the trip most enjoyable. She was busy serving drinks, taking pictures, answering questions, pointing out scenic spots, relating the history etc. etc. We had a great time. We had more time to kill at the start as the train doesn't actually leave till 1pm. We purchased coffees which were TOO STRONG or OLD so maybe do as others we observed and bring a picnic to have before starting.

This is an awesome train ride. Beautiful vistas... so much fun. A must see if going to the Sedona area.

very relaxing and comfortable ride in coach with snacks available for purchase, but wish we had booked first class! Audio system wasn't working, but the staff did their best to point out attractions. Saw lots of eagles. If you want to visit the museum-do it before the train departsseems like everything closes within a short time after the train returns.Nice gift shops too.

A fun times for all ages. I have been 1/2 a dozen times through the years and always see something different. It is a 2 hour trip along the Verde River/Sycamore canyon to the Perkins Ranch at Perkinsville. Eagles, deer, and cattle along the way. A dark tunnel, and great picture taking. Then 2 hours back on the same tracks in a breath taking red rock setting. Senior discounts

We booked two first-class seats and it was a great choice. Our seats faced each other with a small table between us and were very comfortable. Our hostess was very nice. All cars have access to an open car for photography. The scenery is magnificent and there are several bridges and one tunnel along the way. An audio system alternates between railroad-oriented songs and commentary about the attractions the train is passing at that time. All-in-all, it's a well-run operation and we had an enjoyable afternoon. It's wise to book your trip in advance, as the train sells out regularly. First-class is definitely worth the extra few bucks!

We had a group of eight for the train ride, and our hosts Kathryn and Terry made sure we were well taken care of! The trip started with champagne and then progressed to appetizers which actually was a full blown lunch with sandwiches, wings, ceasar salad, veggies and dip and cupcakes! A full bar is available for a charge. The couches inside are comfortable and you can move about freely between the car and the open air observation car. Terry was very knowledgeable and pointed out a lot of interesting formations, although some of them were a little hard to visualize! The open observation car was nice for viewing eagles, etc. The downside is that if you are inside the comfy first class car you can hear the narration well but can't see much. If you're outside in the observation car, you can see everything but hear nothing! The two first class cars hold about 30 people each and it's kind of a pain that both of those cars use the same observation car. But since each coach car holds about 80, I guess it's still better. All in all, the ride is about an hour too long, (4 hours) but I would recommend it.

The whole experience of riding the train in the beautiful Verde valley is an amazing adventure and was my third time. The river was full and beautiful, we saw a bald eagle and other birds. The snacks were fine and the accommodations were great.

First class all the way! What a treat! Deborah was our hostess/bartender, and she was so delightful and fun! Beautiful afternoon for a beautiful ride- there is fun music that fits very well and information that is given about the area and the different rock formations. Try the prickly pear margarita- or the bloody mary. Oh and first class they have some snacks (delicious brownies) and a sample of champagne to get the journey started. Very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

Go in the first class section $ 80 per person. You get champagne, and plenty of food and unforgettable scenery. The train was full!A well run professional operation. The sound system was perfect. They play all "train" theme songs for the entire trip where appropriate. Except I kept waiting for "Folsom Prison" by Johnny Cash and I did not hear it! That was the only downside to a fun exciting and scenic four hour trip.

even if you don't like trains, please go on this one. my wife, our son and his wife and our grandson went on this adventure. and it is one we won't soon forget. what a fantastic ride through some of the most beautiful country on the planet, and i'm not making that up. just to see all of the different rock formations that suddenly turn in to a photo op of Richard Nixon, and different things like a butterfly, etc. we were on the cottonwood car that day and had a gal name, Kari. man what a super gal she was!!! she would point out stuff that, if she hadn't, you would have went right by it. she even pointed out where she lived and had, I think, her husband out waveing a white flag so we could see him. THAT was pretty cool. Kari was a really awesome tour guide, if you will. one of the best we have EVER had. THANK YOU KARI! us two from Nebraska will never forget the trip.