There is nothing like an Arizona sunset: the brilliant golds, the dazzling crimsons, the bruised purples fading dark into a wide-open sky twinkling with stars. A glass of wine in hand and the comfortable atmosphere of a historic train makes the perfect pairing with the celestial show overhead. Verde Canyon Railroad rambles through curvaceous red rock riparian scenery, deep into the heart of Arizona, following the Verde River 20 miles into a wilderness accessible only by train.
Summer in the Sedona area is the perfect time for early morning and early evening excursions, and on Saturdays, now through September, Verde Canyon Railroad offers both. Morning trips set out at 10:30 am when the day is new, and the adventure is just beginning. Visitors easily have opportunity to schedule additional afternoon activities on the same day. These morning trips feature breakfast-style appetizers including assorted sweets, fresh fruit, yogurt parfait and Champagne toast. Mimosas and signature Bloody Marys are available to purchase.
The train’s Starlight or Moonlight runs, depending on the phase of the planets, depart at 5:30 pm, traveling this wild canyon by daylight, sunset, twilight, star shine and moon glow. Select Starlight rides also offer an optional upgrade, Verde Canyon Railroad’s popular “Grape Train Escape”, a wine-tasting event, each highlighting a different wine region worldwide. The August 19th Grape Train Escape will offer vintages from the most popular wine-growing region, Arizona.
Morning, Starlight/Moonlight and Grape Train Escape journeys run through early September, prior to the September 12 start of Verde Canyon Railroad’s beloved “Ales on Rails” Arizona craft-beer tasting event, which runs through Halloween. Ales on Rails also coincides with the BEST haunted house, well, actually a derailed haunted train in Arizona. Fright Nights begin on September 15. Entrance to this phantom train experience is complimentary with the purchase of a train seat from September 15 to October 31.
Since 1990, Verde Canyon Railroad has carried three million passengers into the wilderness, all without leaving a trace in its unspoiled canyon home. All passengers enjoy luxurious living-room style accommodations, with adjacent open-air cars accessible to all during the ride. Verde Canyon Railroad’s fantastic scenery, thoughtful accommodations, charming staff and delicious local flavor check all the boxes for an authentic Arizona adventure and provide a thrill to all the senses…especially the sense of adventure. Book online at www.verdecanyonrr.com or call 800-293-7245.
