What to do and see in Arizona, United States: The Best Scenic Railroads

June 15, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

The state of Arizona is one that features a fantastic diversity of landscapes and areas of geological interest. North Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a colorful chasm with steep rocky walls more than a mile deep and stretching some 277 miles alongside the Colorado River. Other notable destinations in North Arizona include Flagstaff set alongside the San Francisco Peaks which has the largest ponderosa pine forest, Museum of Northern Arizona, and is close to a number of national parks and monuments. On the south side of Arizona lies the city of Phoenix, the largest in Arizona. Notable day trips in Phoenix include the Heard Museum which is one of America's largest collections of Native American art, Phoenix Museum of History, as well as the Desert Botanical garden which has a great collection of desert plants.
Restaurants in Arizona

1. Small Group or Private Verde Canyon Railroad and Historic Jerome Tour

Phoenix, AZ, USA DETOURS of Arizona
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Take a trip to the beautiful Verde Valley in Central Arizona. Experience the history of the old ghost town of Jerome which sits atop Cleopatra Hill and enjoy a tour of the Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale. The highlight of your trip will be a picturesque ride in first class aboard the historic Verde Canyon Railroad.

Inclusions: Lunch, Appetizers aboard the Verde Canyon Railway, Unlimited Bottled Water, All Taxes, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Guide Gratuities, Third Party Activities

Reviewed By jp8140

My husband and I enjoyed everything about this trip! Our tour guide,Jason, gave much information about history and nature along the way.

2. Private Verde Canyon Railroad and Historic Jerome Tour

DETOURS of Arizona
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Highlights of this day tour include the mining town of Jerome, the historic Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, and stunning views from your first-class seat and a delicious lunch at the Verde Canyon Railroad. After the pickup, our first major tour stop will be the historic mining town of Jerome. Soon after we'll visit the copper mining mecca of Clarkdale and the Arizona Copper Art Museum. From the museum, we will tour the historic Verde Canyon Railroad for a chance to be a part of that history. The very first tracks were put down over 100 years ago to transport local workers and ore mined from the surrounding Jerome mountains and are still in use today. With stunning views of the Verde Valley from either your first-class seats or your open-air viewing car, the casual elegance of the train allows guests to discover the heritage uniqueness of the landscape and its diverse ecosystem.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Appetizers aboard the Verde Canyon Railway, All Fees and Taxes, Professional, local guide, Pickup and Dropoff, Verde Canyon Railroad First-Class Tickets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Third Party Activities, Food unless specified above

Reviewed By jp8140

My husband and I enjoyed everything about this trip! Our tour guide,Jason, gave much information about history and nature along the way.

3. Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion from Sedona

Sedona, AZ 86336, USA Redstone Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.6 based on 50 reviews

Step back in time as you travel on the historic Grand Canyon Railroad for a one-way train ride to Grand Canyon National Park *January - October is a northbound train ride to the Grand Canyon in the morning, November - December is a southbound train ride from Grand Canyon in the afternoon on the way back. Upon arriving at Grand Canyon Village, you will immediately see your first majestic view of the canyon. There will be time for lunch on your own after arriving (lunch not included). You will then rejoin your guide as you travel across the south rim, taking in the magnificent views of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Your expert guide will describe the history, geology, flora and fauna as you stop at amazing vistas. On your way back, you will travel through the Navajo Nation Tribal Land, with a stop for souvenir shopping at the historic Cameron Trading Post. Please note our cancellation policy is 72 hrs in advance for a full refund.

Inclusions: Sedona & Flagstaff hotel pick-up and drop-off (within city limits only), Professional guide, Northbound Coach Class One Way Travel *Nov - Dec is a southbound train ride from GC on the way back, Bottled water, Time will be given for lunch on your own, lunch not included

Exclusions: 20% tip for your guide is recommended if you enjoyed your tour, Lunch is not included in price

Reviewed By GoPlaces605407

My family's experience with the Sedona Site Seeing tour was epic. Our tour guide Al was a great narrator of the sites, providing historical background, and explaining vortices! The views were amazing!

4. Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package

Grand Canyon Railway Depot, 280 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams, AZ 86046, USA Grand Canyon Railway
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.6 based on 4,382 reviews

Step aboard the Grand Canyon Railway for a trip to the majestic Grand Canyon you'll never forget. Feel the rumble of a vintage train as the engine chugs 65-miles (approximately 105 km) across the beautiful Northern Arizona countryside. The train offers kaleidoscopic views of the San Francisco Peaks and rolls through valleys adorned in wild flowers, dense pine forests, high desert plains and small canyons.

Inclusions: Round trip train (coach or first class), 1.5-hour rim tour (if option selected), Hot buffet lunch (if option selected), National Park service fees (USD15), Sales tax

Exclusions: Gratuities, Breakfast, Lunch (unless option is selected), 1.5-hour rim tour (unless option selected), Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By jolynn2018

Excellent way to travel into the south rim of the Canyon (especially if you only have a day). The views aren’t the best (a lot of flat land), but it’s relaxing, entertaining and traffic is avoided completely! You are dropped at the El Tovar Hotel with about 3 ½ hours to check out the Grand Canyon. You can also purchase return tickets to return another day should you choose to stay overnight. We were in the Dome Car, with awesome service, views and snacks/beverages provided. Alcohol was available for purchase Watch out for the Cataract Clan!! They’re known for robbing trains in these parts!! ????

5. Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure

Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA Verde Canyon Railroad
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 486 reviews

Hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a 3.5-hour rail journey through the untouched and unspoiled Verde Valley. With first class seating, you will enjoy appetizers, Champagne and unobstructed views of Arizona’s geological wonders, wildlife and archaeological finds of the ancient Sinagua people who once lived in the area.

Inclusions: First class seating, Champagne toast, Appetizers

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, DVD (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By pparrothead

This was my first time visit to the part of the Southwest. As a "railfan" and a person who works with tourist railroads this was a dream come true...well almost. After driving out from Sedona we headed to Clarkdale, Jerome and Cottondale to do some exploring. We arrived at the Verde Canyon Railroad early and I wondered around for a few minutes taking photos and seeing if any employees were available. I entered the store only to be told that they were closed today...The station and giftshop was also very impressive. I introduced myself to the people working in the giftshop, left a business card and then headed out to go visit Jerome next...

6. Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad

Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA Verde Canyon Railroad
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4.3 based on 9 reviews

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 this monthly Starlight excursion on select Saturdays June 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.

Inclusions: First class seating, Champagne toast, Appetizers, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, DVD (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By pparrothead

This was my first time visit to the part of the Southwest. As a "railfan" and a person who works with tourist railroads this was a dream come true...well almost. After driving out from Sedona we headed to Clarkdale, Jerome and Cottondale to do some exploring. We arrived at the Verde Canyon Railroad early and I wondered around for a few minutes taking photos and seeing if any employees were available. I entered the store only to be told that they were closed today...The station and giftshop was also very impressive. I introduced myself to the people working in the giftshop, left a business card and then headed out to go visit Jerome next...

7. 3-Day Sedona and Grand Canyon Rail Experience

Redstone Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.1 based on 39 reviews

This tour includes the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the red rock country of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon and the spectacular Grand Canyon.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, 2 nights accommodation

Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities, Optional tours, Extra luggage cannot be transported

Reviewed By GoPlaces605407

My family's experience with the Sedona Site Seeing tour was epic. Our tour guide Al was a great narrator of the sites, providing historical background, and explaining vortices! The views were amazing!

8. Grape Train Escape: Wine Tasting and Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure

300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA Verde Canyon Railroad

Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape is an onboard wine-tasting event features distinctive vineyards from Arizona and beyond. While aboard the “Grape Train Escape,” passengers will be served a sampling of select wines. Guests also will enjoy specialty cheeses and hors d’oeuvres chosen to complement the featured wines. Viogniers from each winery will be onboard to discuss the terroir and the techniques of wine-making. This event is for passengers age 21 and up. Proof of age may be requested.

Inclusions: First class seating, Accompanying appetizers to complement each wine selection, Wine tasting, Live commentary on board, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, DVD (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By pparrothead

This was my first time visit to the part of the Southwest. As a "railfan" and a person who works with tourist railroads this was a dream come true...well almost. After driving out from Sedona we headed to Clarkdale, Jerome and Cottondale to do some exploring. We arrived at the Verde Canyon Railroad early and I wondered around for a few minutes taking photos and seeing if any employees were available. I entered the store only to be told that they were closed today...The station and giftshop was also very impressive. I introduced myself to the people working in the giftshop, left a business card and then headed out to go visit Jerome next...

9. Grand Canyon Excursion from Sedona with First Class Train Ride

Great West Tours

Learn all about the history, geology, and more with a fully narrated tour of the Grand Canyon's South Rim as we drive through this beautiful and diverse landscape. You will also take a one-way first class train ride (*January - October is a northbound train ride to the Grand Canyon in the morning, November - December is a southbound train ride from Grand Canyon in the afternoon on the way back). Trip also visits Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation and Little Colorado gorge with views of the Painted Desert. Please note our cancellation policy is to notify us 72 hours in advance of your tour to receive a full refund.

Inclusions: First Class One-Way Train Ride (*November - December is a southbound train ride back in afternoon), Multiple stops along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Fully narrated tour, with comfortable vehicle that seats no more than 14 passengers, Hotel pickup and drop off, Professional, knowledgeable guide, Souvenir shopping at the historic Navajo Trading Post at Cameron, Transportation

Exclusions: Time will be given for lunch on your own, lunch not included in price, Gratuity not included, 15-20% tip for your guide recommended if you enjoy your tour

Reviewed By JeaRam02

Ty was our tour guide and what an AMAZING time we had. He made sure our day was perfect and took us to see gorgeous views. He is courteous, reliable, on time and we never felt rushed. Thank you Ty. The Montero's are so happy and look forward to seeing you again very soon.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.