Arizona's Scenic Foliage & Canyon Landscapes Are On Full Display On This Fun Train Ride

For so many travelers, Verde Canyon is the Southwest. Gold-tinted hills roll toward the horizon, their surfaces stubbled with bushes. Rugged cliffs burst from the soil, their pillars and fissures composed of layer-cake textures. Every quarter-mile or so, the land either drops off into a gully — where a river roils — or rises into bluffs and ridges, and often you'll see both at the same time. This is Arizona's high desert at its most seductive, a parade of colors and shapes. Nothing is flat here, except for the iron tracks of the Verde Canyon Railroad: a delightful journey that provides the best views of this breathtaking nature.

This four-hour train ride is the best and most popular way to explore the backcountry west of Sedona. Located about a half-hour drive from that famous red-rock city, Clarkdale is a laidback little outpost of 4,600 residents. The town stands in the middle of a desert, yet its elevation of 3,545 feet above sea level keeps the town much more temperate than Phoenix, the closest major city. As a result, Clarkdale experiences more seasonal change than in the Sonoran Desert to the south, and if you want to see what "autumn" looks like in such a dry place, hop aboard the Verde Canyon's antique train service.

The ride is comfortable and scenic, with a range of cars, onboard refreshments, and photogenic tunnels and bridges along the way. But it's also a journey through history: Out in this arid wilderness, the Wild West has remained unchanged since frontier days. And since you'll probably be driving to the station, a scenic road trip through this Southern state promises views you won't forget.

The original railroad line was built in the early 20th century, thanks to the painstaking efforts of 750 laborers. This 38-mile line connected the towns of Clarkdale and Drake, and its purpose was mostly to haul freight across the wilderness. Much of that freight was copper, which was mined in the neighboring town of Jerome. Back in the day, this historic settlement in Central Arizona was once renowned as "the wickedest town in the west." Today, it's one of the most beloved destinations in Arizona, thanks to its preserved architecture and spectacular views of the valley. As the copper industry dwindled, Jerome was largely abandoned, and the train line was no longer needed.

In the late 1980s, a businessman and train enthusiast named Dave Durbano became interested in the old train line and purchased it outright. By 1990, Durbano had reopened the Verde Canyon Railroad for tourism, and sightseers have flocked to its main station ever since. Today you can grab lunch at the Copper Spike Café, browse the Boxcar Gift Store, learn about the railroad's heritage in the John Bell Museum, and grab a drink or two — all at the station, before you even set foot on the train itself.

Once the old engine starts moving, a recording plays from ceiling speakers, narrating the history of the train and region. You can stay in your seat, admiring the scenery and photographing landscapes as you go, or you can explore the many passenger cars. The most striking section is the open-air viewing car, which provides fencing and shelter from the sun but is otherwise unenclosed, so you can feel the breeze and smell the sage as you go. Tickets for the Classic Train Ride start at $129 per rider and include a complimentary welcome toast and charcuterie board.

The closest airport is Sky Harbor International in Phoenix, a Southwestern airport that is often referred to as the friendliest in America. From there the drive is around two hours, as Intestate 17 shoots directly north and ascends thousands of feet in elevation through stunning countryside. Most travelers are ultimately headed to Sedona, one of the most famous getaways in the United States, thanks to its rust-colored rock faces, and Clarkdale lies only 30 minutes away from Sedona by car. That said, you can just as easily stay in Clarkdale, Cottonwood, or Jerome. These towns are all next to each other, and they have plenty of accommodations. Most rooms cost between $100 and $200 per night.

Clarkdale is a pretty functional town with a handful of other attractions: You can sample local wines at the Chateau Tumbleweed Winery and Tasting Room, browse thousands of local artifacts at the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, and witness how raw ore is transformed into ornate metalworks at the Arizona Copper Art Museum. If you can handle the twisting road up Mingus Mountain, Jerome has become well-known for its eclectic dining scene — and the sunsets are splendid beyond description — but you can also find plenty of quality places to eat along Main Street in Clarkdale, just down the way from the Verde Canyon Railway station.