Arizona Tours & Activities

If you're up for a casual train ride alongside the scenic Verde River, reserve your ticket for the Verde Canyon Railroad located in Clarkdale, Arizona. Usually the train makes two trips per day one in the morning and one in the afternoon. All Aboard!

Clarkdale is part of the Verde Valley. Located in Central Arizona along the Verde River and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Clarkdale was founded in the early 1900's to house the employees of the copper smelter who brought ore down from nearby Jerome.

Part of the fun in riding the train is meeting and talking to new people from all over the country while enjoying the views of beautiful central Arizona.

Stop & Turnaround

Perkinsville now a "ghost town" but still an active cattle ranch. Here are some views from the once bustling small town. Below is the town Sign Post and the old dilapidated train station in the background

The Verde Canyon Rail is a wonderful way to spend 1/2 a day. The train departs from Clarkdale and the last stop is "Perkinsville" which is a ghost town now but is still being used as a cattle ranch. When you board, get a seat on the right side (station side) of the train for the best views. They will board all the tours and parties of 4 or more first. After everyone is seated and the train is ready to go you can either stay in your seat or go out to the open air car for better views. You can purchase snacks and drinks on the train.

Soon after departure you will pass heaps of slag which is basically a by-product of smelting ore. The scenery becomes impressive once the Verde River comes into view. The train ride takes you alongside the Verde river and all of the lush trees and foliage that grows near the water, past ancient Indian ruins, beautiful red rocks, and over several bridges and through a man made tunnel.

The views are stunning with the green trees against the red rocks. If you are lucky you will see some wildlife as well. We were able to see a bald eagle in the tree near the river. If I had been on the open air car at the time I most definitely would have been able to get a great photo of the bird, but I was not. But it was great to be able to see an Eagle-it was something we had been looking for the entire train trip. Keep your eyes open this is a great trip to view some wildlife!

At the last stop of your journey (Perskinsville) the engine will move to the front as you head back.