Verde Canyon Railroad Review: Great Service, Beautiful Views, and a Long Ride Back
Excerpt: We had a fun afternoon aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, with comfortable seats, attentive service, and a narrator who made the rocks come alive. My honest take: the ride was enjoyable, but the return felt long.
The Arizona Copper Art Museum Before the Train
Before our train ride, we visited the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale to fill the time before departure. Admission was $11 per person. We later realized we could have paid the $10 senior rate if we had mentioned that we were seniors. (We keep forgetting we're seniors.)
The museum has rooms full of copper pieces and displays about metals and mining. It also brought up the story of William Andrews Clark, the copper businessman behind the United Verde Copper Company. Clarkdale was built as a company town for the copper smelter and mine workers, and Clark County, Nevada, was named for him too. It was an interesting bit of local history before heading to the train.
Check-In Was Easy, but Arrive on Time
Our train was scheduled to leave at 1:00 p.m., and we checked in around 11:30. Check-in was easy, and parking at the depot was free. On our drive, we encountered what felt like a dozen roundabouts. Your route may be different depending on where you start, so check the directions before you leave.
One important thing we learned: don’t cut it close. The railroad’s current policy asks passengers to check in at least 15 minutes before departure. Guests who miss the check-in time may be treated as no-shows, and their tickets may be released to standby passengers.
Doug wanted to add Jerome that day, but we hadn’t planned that extra stop early enough, so we turned around to make our train plans. He wasn’t thrilled. If Jerome is on your list too, talk through the timing before you leave and give yourselves enough time.
Comfortable Seats, with an Open-Air View Nearby
We were in the Tucson car, and our seats were comfortable. We rode inside, then stepped outside to the open-air viewing area where the narrator stood. He pointed out things to look for and answered questions, which made the scenery more fun to take in.
We saw shapes in the rocks that looked like a couple of bullfrogs and a lizard. When we went through the tunnel, passengers howled. At the end of the line, we looked up and spotted rock formations that looked like wolves. That became one of the funniest moments of the ride.
There were a few steps to get onto the train. We also saw a wheelchair being lifted aboard. The railroad’s current accessibility information describes manual-wheelchair access on some cars and asks passengers to call ahead to arrange it. If you or someone traveling with you has mobility needs, contact the railroad before booking to confirm the current setup.
The Ride Was Fun, but the Return Felt Long
The crew served a charcuterie tray and a champagne toast, and the service was good. There was narration over the speakers about the area’s history, how the land had been used, and what animals live there. I enjoyed that, especially when we could go outside and ask the narrator questions.
At the end of the tracks, we waited while the caboose was unhooked and repositioned for the return trip. Then we headed back along the same route. The first part was entertaining, but by around halfway through, I started getting bored. The ride felt like it could have been a little shorter. Some people were asleep on the way back.
That’s useful to know when you’re deciding whether it fits your day. The railroad currently describes the round trip as about 3.5 to 4 hours, and passengers stay on the train for the whole journey. Check the current FAQ and schedule before you book, since departure times and details can vary.
Food, Drinks, and Souvenirs
The smoothies were good, and snacks and ice cream sandwiches were available on the train. Before departure, we bought good sandwiches at the depot’s general store and saw a bar outside where adults could get drinks. I also bought three T-shirts as souvenirs.
Our tickets for two in the Tucson car came to $323.88 on the day we went. Ticket prices vary by season and date, so treat that as what we paid—not a current quote—and check the railroad’s current rates when planning your own trip.
Would I Ride Again?
Yes—I’d do it again when friends come into town. The comfortable seats, good service, open-air viewing area, and narrator’s observations made it a fun outing. I’d just plan for a long afternoon, arrive early, and decide ahead of time whether to add another stop such as Jerome.
For me, the Verde Canyon Railroad was a memorable Arizona experience with a slower second half. If you enjoy an unhurried scenic ride and don’t mind spending several hours aboard, you may enjoy it too.
