As a family from Prescott, we are always on the lookout for Great nature-related fun activities that are still within driving distance. This Verde Canyon trip was the epitome of everything I could ask for, and it was just ninety minutes away from Prescott. It is intended for families which always seek more fun things to do in Arizona but do not want to spend much time in a car. It took only a few minutes to get onto the highway and out onto the high desert and we were eager. The children were especially late and we had to get into our first train ride for the time and also explore the Verde Canyon.
A Verde Canyon Journey Through History and Nature
We left from the quaint town of Clarkdale which is located under the broader wing of Jerome, somewhere that Steve has been a fan of for quite some time. The mining town atmosphere and representative west theme of Jerome have long interested us, so knowing that the Verde Canyon Railroad was once instrumental in the growth of the town was cool. Originally constructed in the early 1900s to transport ore from distant mines to smelters, the railroad serves the purpose. Today, it’s been nicely renovated and converted to a tourist railway, letting the passengers enjoy the Arizona deserts and history with a bird’s eye view.
Right from the time our journey started in the beautifully restored train carriages, we had a very old-world feel. That train was rather old-fashioned but it has all the comfort one might need in a train today. They had air conditioning, very comfortable seats, and even some interiors that made me think of the old rail car luxury. After getting comfortable for the 20-mile and four hours tour through the canyon, everybody had the time to realize that slowed down to a snail’s pace in comparison to the world outside the park.
Allison and I got on the train early since neither of us knew how they would serve food on the train. So we stopped for a breakfast burrito at the station café; fortunately, it was not needed at all. The train also serves an appetizer, and although a cheese and meat board is free, other beverages and more food are for sale. Nevertheless, the burritos were awesome, and the Bloody Marys – were simply splendid! A tip for those visiting in the warmer months: get there early and make sure you sit under a tree because the heat there is brutal especially if you are in Arizona.
The children were so excited once they boarded the boat Early morning when we went down to go to the lake. Luke, Ensley, and Kalia were nearly jumping up and down at that point and I think moving to the open-air cars made things even better. This one was as picturesque as the next – gigantic red cliffs, lots of greenery, and sometimes the winding Verde River. Visiting it was like traveling inside a postcard and almost everywhere you look there is an amazing view of Arizona’s scenery. Children were idolized by the scene insisting on each frequently observed rocky formation and trees and asking a lot of questions. These are probably the moments we should leave our devices and just go have fun with our loved ones as a family.
The train’s staff was great – all the people I met during the train ride were friendly and more than willing to provide some history of the area and interesting facts about the landscape I encountered. They explained the jokes, sights, animals, and other features of the place on the observation deck, so the travel became an interesting educational trip. It was fun for the kids to learn about history and the railroads and the amiable staff made it all even more exciting.
As parents, we liked watching how happy the kids were to be able to blow off some steam, but at the same time, we got a break, too. Considering the comfortable velocity of the train along with many stunning views, it was very relaxing to just sit and relax. Dad even found some spare time to nap for 30 minutes—a rarity due to the many activities! It was a gentle indication of how much fun it can be to turn up and take it shallow for a while.
In the future, the Verde Canyon Railroad has planned some more exciting occasions that are certainly going to enhance the beauty of the rail journey. Among them is The Magical Christmas Journey™, which makes families travel to the North Pole during the Christmas season. The beginning of the event is from Clarkdale depot and the whole event is a Christmas extravaganza, with lights and decorations. Santa’s elves then tell stories of Princess Noel and Flurry the Christmas Eagle which brings magic to the overall trip. During a trip that lasts an hour round trip, passengers are transported to a magical cave and then to the “secret shelves of Santa”, while bringing the North Pole to life. There is also fun for kids; they can take pictures with Santa and take part in holiday activities; therefore it’s ideal for families who want to make great memories this holiday.
So for all beer lovers, Ales on Rails is perfect to enjoy the arrival of the autumn season. Taking place between September 17 and October 31, this event is the rail line’s version of the German beer festival intimately known as Oktoberfest. They can drink Arizona craft beers on board while taking in the splendid beauty of the autumn atmosphere of the Verde Canyon. And there probably could be no better way to celebrate than with local beers available and the ambiance created to make it a Christmas affair.
readers of wine will also need to visit the Uncorked Wine Festival being held at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot. Intended for a couple or a group of friends on an incredible date, it gives the guests a chance to taste and enjoy a glass of high-quality wines before a matter of an hour the guests will be on a train ride through the Red Rock Canyon. May is still wine-tasting month and guests can sample some of the best reds up to the great rosés with special treats. The setting is more festival-like and then before purchasing tickets these should also include wine tasting, lunch, and a complimentary wine glass.
When the tour was over, we were rather surprised at how much we had liked the ride along the Verde Canyon Railroad. We were not only producing fun content taking our children on a joy ride but it was a perfect opportunity to be a family, to learn more about the history of Arizona, and to embrace the beauty of the world around us. Not for the faint of heart but for those of us who call Prescott home the Verde Canyon Railroad is a relatively easy day trip – yeah the kids slept on the way home!! If you are a resident, who is searching for something new and exciting, or a tourist, you definitely should try the Verde Canyon Railroad. Only make sure to book the tickets in advance because they are in high demand and it is so entertaining!
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